Public libraries around the country are finding new ways to serve the growing population of homeschoolers through physical spaces and creative programs catered to homeschooling families’ needs. This article takes a look at what libraries in Illinois, Colorado, and Tennessee are doing to meet the diverse needs of homeschooling families. 

Off the Beaten Path is an inclusive support network of unschooling families based in Lake County, Illinois. OTBP’s mission is to provide a means for local unschoolers, and those wanting to learn more about interest-led learning, to connect and support one another.

Email list for Illinois homeschoolers, or those who are interested in homeschooling in Illinois, to announce area activities, field trips, speakers, group meetings, legal information, and legislation information.

The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is the world's largest indoor aquarium. The facility houses nearly 8,000 aquatic animals representing some 650 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world. Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium attracts nearly 2 million visitors a year.

In 1804, Meriwether Lewis & William Clark began a voyage of discovery with 45 men, a keelboat, two pirogues,and a dog. They departed from Camp Wood located in what was to become Illinois. They traveled over a three-year period through lands that later became 11 states. Most of the trail follows the Missouri & Columbia Rivers. Much has changed in 200 years but trail portions remain intact. At 3700 miles, Lewis & Clark NHT is the second longest of the 23 National Scenic & National Historic Trails....

Lake County H.O.U.S.E. (Home-Oriented Unique Schooling Experience) is located in and around Lake County, Illinois. Their mission is to provide non-sectarian and non-political support and information for homeschooling families as well as providing socialization and shared educational opportunities for their children. Lake County H.O.U.S.E. provides many clubs and field trip experiences organized by and for its members and others in the homeschool community, as well as a lively dialog concerning h...

Illinois’ multi-stage licensing process allows teens to gradually gain exposure to complex driving situations, easing them into driving over an extended period of time. The instruction permit and initial driver’s license are key steps.

H.O.U.S.E. by the Lake, a local chapter of Illinois H.O.U.S.E., is a support and networking group for homeschooling families with children of all ages in and around the northeast Chicago and Cook County area. This group is non-sectarian and inclusive of all styles of homeschooling.

The Northside Unschoolers is a support group for homeschooling families that practice child-led learning.

The Home School Legal Defense Association provides a brief summary of the homeschooling laws in Illinois. Includes a link to a legal analysis of laws relating to homeschooling in Illinois.

Email support group for the discussion of topics related to homeschooling in Illinois. This group is open-minded and discusses a variety of topics. You'll find information about local events, organizations, and homeschool websites.

The Illinois State Board of Education is the departmental agency overseeing public education in the state of Illinois.

The Lincoln home in Springfield, the centerpiece of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, has been restored to its 1860s appearance, revealing Lincoln as husband, father, politician, and President-elect. It stands in the midst of a four block historic neighborhood which the National Park Service is restoring so that the neighborhood, like the house, will appear much as Lincoln would have remembered it.

Exhibits include Asian art, European paintings, armor, textiles, African and American Indian art, and modern/comtemporary art. Also features special exhibits.

Illinois H.O.U.S.E. (Home Oriented Unique Schooling Experience) is an umbrella organization of individual nonsectarian and inclusive support groups across the state of Illinois.