The History of the Springfield Area Curriculum (SAC) Lending Library
by Carol Getty
Back in the 1990's, Carol Gariepy - a homeschooling mom who then lived in Marshfield - asked around for book donations to help a family to begin homeschooling. Carol Getty was able to part with a couple of items, and did so.
Some time later, Mrs. Gariepy asked Mrs. Getty for her thoughts on a so-called "Homeschool Library" for all area homeschoolers to borrow from. They both agreed it was a great idea and the SAC (Springfield Area Curriculum) Library was born.
At first, the curriculum was kept in boxes by Mrs. Gariepy, then the boxes moved to Mrs. Getty's garage, then to Day Spring Church where around six tall bookcases were filled. Day Spring eventually needed their space, so at that time the SAC Library moved to Immanuel Baptist Church. During the years at that location, SAC tripled its size. Present day, we are located in a larger room at the Field House off Talmage in Springfield.
In the beginning, flyers were printed and passed around. If someone wanted to borrow a book, they had to call and make an appointment with Mrs. Getty to see the collection and decide whether they could use something. A lot has changed since then!
Carol Getty remains as the Director of SAC but the library itself is operated by a few devoted volunteers - all busy homeschool moms. With their precious gifts of time and talent, the SAC Library has improved beyond measure.
At one point, the SAC was "self-serve" using the honor system. Things were not as organized, and no one really knew what was available. Cataloging the items and creating an online database has become a long-term, seemingly endless project! Countless hours have been spent in attempting to make the SAC Library more user-friendly while keeping the costs very, very low.
Since September 2006, the SAC Library has been open for two hours a week -- every week (Tuesday afternoons 1pm-3pm). SAC is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year weeks -- and when the weather is bad enough to close public schools in Springfield.
Many, many people have generously given their very expensive curricula so that the SAC Library might be a blessing to other homeschooling families.Their desire to be a part of this ministry has helped to grow the collection to approximately 5000 items! Although a lot of good material has been donated to the SAC Library over the years, some of the inventory has become outdated or damaged and is being replaced as revenue allows. All revenue that SAC collects, stays at SAC. It's used for rent, inventory improvements, the website (including the online catalog), postage for late notices, and general office supplies.
SAC Library became a nonprofit corporation in 2004. This means that while donations are always appreciated, they're also tax-deductible (whether tangible or financial!!).
Some time later, Mrs. Gariepy asked Mrs. Getty for her thoughts on a so-called "Homeschool Library" for all area homeschoolers to borrow from. They both agreed it was a great idea and the SAC (Springfield Area Curriculum) Library was born.
At first, the curriculum was kept in boxes by Mrs. Gariepy, then the boxes moved to Mrs. Getty's garage, then to Day Spring Church where around six tall bookcases were filled. Day Spring eventually needed their space, so at that time the SAC Library moved to Immanuel Baptist Church. During the years at that location, SAC tripled its size. Present day, we are located in a larger room at the Field House off Talmage in Springfield.
In the beginning, flyers were printed and passed around. If someone wanted to borrow a book, they had to call and make an appointment with Mrs. Getty to see the collection and decide whether they could use something. A lot has changed since then!
Carol Getty remains as the Director of SAC but the library itself is operated by a few devoted volunteers - all busy homeschool moms. With their precious gifts of time and talent, the SAC Library has improved beyond measure.
At one point, the SAC was "self-serve" using the honor system. Things were not as organized, and no one really knew what was available. Cataloging the items and creating an online database has become a long-term, seemingly endless project! Countless hours have been spent in attempting to make the SAC Library more user-friendly while keeping the costs very, very low.
Since September 2006, the SAC Library has been open for two hours a week -- every week (Tuesday afternoons 1pm-3pm). SAC is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year weeks -- and when the weather is bad enough to close public schools in Springfield.
Many, many people have generously given their very expensive curricula so that the SAC Library might be a blessing to other homeschooling families.Their desire to be a part of this ministry has helped to grow the collection to approximately 5000 items! Although a lot of good material has been donated to the SAC Library over the years, some of the inventory has become outdated or damaged and is being replaced as revenue allows. All revenue that SAC collects, stays at SAC. It's used for rent, inventory improvements, the website (including the online catalog), postage for late notices, and general office supplies.
SAC Library became a nonprofit corporation in 2004. This means that while donations are always appreciated, they're also tax-deductible (whether tangible or financial!!).
