Learning Library Curriculum Exchange

What IS the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange?  The vision for the Learning Library is to bring unity in the midst of homeschooling diversity by creating and implementing a learning library of curriculum available to families in need. Our goal is to inspire families around the nation to donate their new/used educational material to the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange program. Within our office, we will counsel new homeschooling families to determine their educational need, then piece together subject(s) according to their course of study plan FREE of cost.

It is our focus to use the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange as a ministry tool. Whether the economy rises or falls in this nation, there will always be families in need. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a family must bring home an income of approximately $8k per family member (per year) to be considered above the economic poverty level. With that in mind, we have found that most homeschool families are surviving on one income (unlike their counterparts who have two working parents in the home).  Meaning homeschool families are most likely to be at risk for falling beneath the national poverty level, especially if unemployment hits suddenly. As we all know, homeschool families make incredible sacrifices in order to stay at home with their children.  Therefore, financial limitations may restrict the freedom to choose the right curriculum for their children.  This can cause great despair within families who feel the call to homeschool. Fortunately, some community libraries carry textbooks on a limited rental period, but the selections are quite often limited and don’t necessarily fit the family needs.

Therefore, it is our mission to close the gap between the wants and needs without a price tag or short term obligation. Through the donation of others nationwide, and a community united to stand together, we will be able to serve an area in need and accomplish our goal.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40

Why such an Interest?  Before moving back to Colorado, we lived in California for 6 years. It took a while to finally get our feet planted in a new state, but it was well worth every drop of energy. At first, we seemed to juggle different opportunities in hopes to keep a parent at home with the kids full time. It didn’t seem possible, but we were determined to keep this option open. With that in mind, we quickly learned how to separate our needs from our wants. Soon, we experienced that it was possible for our family to have a stay-at-home mom in the home 24/7.

When it came time for our oldest to begin kindergarten, our financial status hadn’t changed that much. However, that didn’t seem to stop the tug we felt to homeschool. Although I had absolutely no idea how to begin the process of homeschooling, I began to seek out different options. The biggest surprise was the price of curriculum and support group memberships. It scared me. To be honest, it seemed to be quite costly to educate your children at home and being new to the quest, the material intimidated me. Knowing that there was no way we could possibly afford what I desired, I began to make my requests known through prayer. To my surprise, our first year of curriculum was provided by another church family, free of charge. Yes, it was used; however, with a little tape and glue, I was able to use it the entire year with great results. Without that help, I am not sure we would have been able to provide the any educational material to get started. The best part of that first year was being able to pass that same used curriculum down to another ‘newbie’ family that was in need. That experience never left me and fuels this ministry.

Being that 95% of homeschooling families survive off one income, the need for affordable school material remains. Outside of a few organized group events, there doesn’t seem to be much available to help families provide good curricula at 100% no cost. Yes, some cities have discount book stores where you can sell your used material with the option to purchase other used material at a low cost. But the need still remains. What about the ‘newbie’ who can’t afford to spend a few hundred dollars on curriculum just to see if it fits their needs? All veteran homeschooling families know the struggles of the first year and how expensive it can be.

There is no doubt in my mind, that if homeschooling families around the nation join together and donate their used curriculum to this learning library, the vision we have established will be accomplished. My hope is that the homeschool community (near or far) would be united without prejudice; serving one another in love.

Baby Steps:  The first step in getting this homeschool ministry off the ground is to fill the learning library with donations. We need a substantial amount of donated curriculum (new or used) from veteran homeschool families nationwide.

If you are interested in donating your old curriculum, we would deeply appreciate it.  We just ask that you please use discretion in sending used material. If the book is damaged or written in, please consider taping the damaged parts in hopes to make it look newer (as well as erasing all written-in areas). If the book can not be restored to acceptable means, please consider not sending them. The following are desired (and most requested) material:

• Easy Grammar (all grade levels) + Easy Grammar Teacher Edition
• Shurley Grammar (all grade levels and teacher editions)
• A Beka (all grade levels and teacher edition)
• Teaching Textbooks – CD ROM, workbooks, correction CD (all grade levels)
• Tapestry of Grace
• Apologia Science (all grade levels)
• Alpha Omega LifePAC, Switched on Schoolhouse (all grade levels)
• Horizon (all grade levels)
• Math U See (all grade levels)
• Bob Jones (all grade levels)
• Mixed and matched other curriculum for ALL grades and levels

The process for donating material to the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange is relatively easy.  LCE provide a worksheet that the donating partner will complete.  Each donated educational book needs to be listed by name, grade, and approximate price value on this worksheet prior to sending. Once the donated items are received by LCE, the donation form will be signed off by the ministry coordinator, copied and mailed back to the sender as a receipt for future tax deduction.

Since we are still in the first steps of creating and implementing the Learning Library Curriculum Exchange ministry, all postage will be required by the sender at this time. It is our recommendation to check with your local post office for special book rates when sending material from out of state.  If you areColoradoresident, drop off locations will be provided upon request.

We also accept gifts. Although cash will not be accepted as a gift, purchased material via Internet/catalog will be accepted with thankful hearts. Once ordered material is received, a confirmation receipt will be signed off by the ministry coordinator and sent to the gift giver for future tax deduction.

If interested in donating your used curriculum, please complete/submit the following form and we will contact you with all the information you need to successfully send your material.