We’re so glad you are interested in supporting the North Iowa Fig Tree Lending Library. Let’s explain a little more of how this works and how you can get involved.

What is a Lending Library?

The Fig Tree Lending Library is a donation supported collection of curriculum, educational resources, and books available to homeschoolers. Families can “check out” items by the year, semester, or month to use in their home education at no cost to them.

What Types of Donations are Accepted?

Fig Tree Lending Library accepts picture books, curriculum, chapter books, manipulatives, educational aids, flash cards, puzzles, games, movies, audio books, CD’s, and more. If it can be used for core learning, supplement, or support in a home school setting it will be considered.

Find a more detailed list of items HERE (Coming Soon)

What if my Donation Isn’t Added to the Library?

In order to have a robust lending library, Fig Tree desires to keep as many resources as possible, even if they are duplicates of items we already have. However, in some cases items may not be added to the library, or may be removed from the library, at the directors discretion.

Some reasons items may not be included in the library include the following:

• Old Editions: We know that some of the oldies are often the best resources, and we keep even “old” stuff, but in some cases older editions are not viable since supplemental workbooks and consumables are no longer available to support the curriculum.
• Content: The heart of Fig Tree is to provide wholesome, quality, and Biblically aligned curriculum and resources. If a book or resource is blatantly contradictory to promoting and supporting these values it will not be added.
• Lack of Interest: If items have been a part of the library for many years without any usage or interested, they may be removed to provide room for resources in higher demand.
• Damage: If a resource is significantly damaged, where it is not able to be repaired, or is a consumable (such as a workbook) that has been significantly used.

What Is Done with Resources that are Removed from the Library?

In order to steward resources well and maintain donor trust, please know that it is Fig Tree’s desire to keep as many donations as we can, and find all resources a place that they can be used and loved if at all possible.

If we are unable to keep or use a donation or resource it may be…

• Donated to other educational or literary organizations.
• Given to families in great need due to tragedy or loss.
• Sold on eBay or at book/curriculum fairs with proceeds going to support the Fig Tree Lending Library.

Can I Donate Money?

Yes! We accept monetary donations swell. These funds (along with funds from sale of items) go toward resources that the library needs to thrive.

Here are some things those funds might cover…

• Completing Sets: If a teachers manual or answer key is missing from a donated set we can fill in any missing pieces to make the set whole and complete for the family who borrows it.
• Repair or Replace: If items are damage, spent, or missing pieces we can fill in what is needed.
• Protective Coverings: Covers for books and bindings keeps materials in better condition for longer, allowing the maximum life expectancy.
• Storage Containers: Plastic totes, zipper bags, and containers to keep pieces of sets together.
• Administrative: Helps cover costs of running this website, advertising, cataloging software & supplies, and other elements to keep the library functioning.

How Can I Check Out Resources?

I know this is the big question you are all wondering. As of Spring 2025 the North Iowa Fig Tree Lending Library is just beginning to take shape. Over the next year we hope to compile resources and find a location to make them easily available to the public. We are looking for a location at this time, and hope to have more complete details in place before the 2026-2027 school year, maybe sooner. Stay tuned.