MCPL's Children's Services Homework Center provides free homework help services to students in grades K-6. The Homework Center is comprised of IU students trained to work with children as tutors. Homework help is available on a drop-in basis for any subject. The Homework Center follows the IU academic calendar for closures. MCCSC days of closure are also observed.
Below are important dates for our programs. These dates correspond with MCPL Library Closings and the IUB Academic Calendar for the year, and the MCCSC Calendar. The Homework Center also will be closed on days that MCCSC is closed or dismisses students early due to weather.
September
September 19 - Homework Center opens for fall semester
October
October 12 - Library closed for staff day - Homework Center closed
October 20 - MCCSC Fall Vacation Day - Homework Center closed
November
November 21-27 - Homework Center closed for Thanksgiving break
December
December 11-January 8 - Homework Center closed for winter break
January
January 10 - Homework Center opens for spring semester
January 16 - Homework Center closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 17 - Homework Center closed since MCCSC students are not in session
March
March 11-18 - Homework Center closes for Spring Break
April
April 8 - Library closed for spring holiday
April 26 - Homework Center closes for the semester
Have a great summer and be sure to sign up for the Summer Reading Program!
For the coming school year, tutors are available in the Homework Center at the following days and times:
| Mondays | Tuesdays | Wednesdays | Thursdays | Fridays | Saturdays | Sundays |
| 4:00p-7:30p | 4:00p-7:30p | 4:00p-7:30p | 4:00p-7:30p | Closed | Closed | 1:30p-4:30p |
Our tutors are here to assist K-6th grade students with homework assignments, guide their preparation for upcoming projects, reports or tests, aid their use of the library's resources, and help them stay focused on their homework task. There's no need to make an appointment, drop-ins are welcome. To find out more about help, please read our FAQs below.
Drop-in Homework Help FAQs
All tutors are IU students who have participated in a variety of tutor training workshops including, a session dedicated to helping struggling and emergent readers, helping with Math concepts and working with ESL students. Nevertheless, our tutors are not professionals. What they can offer is guidance and encouragement.
Please Note: Our tutors have not been trained to work with special-needs students. Librarians can help put you in touch with agencies that serve special-needs students.
How does the drop-in homework help work?
When your child arrives at the Homework Center they will need to sign-in and then have a seat at the Homework Center tables. They should get their materials out and begin doing what they can to get started. Tutors will be around to help students.
Will children and tutors be allowed to leave the library?
No. Children and tutors will work primarily at the Homework Center tables but may move to a close by area within the Children's Services department if the need arises for more space or quiet. Children and tutors may also move about the Children's Services department to find reference materials and use computers, but they are based in the Homework Center. They will not leave the children’s department in the library.
What type of homework help is available?
Free homework help is available for students in K-6th grades needing help with any school subject. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this drop-in service by bringing homework assignments, projects and research questions. Indiana University tutors are available during the semesters IU is in session to help guide your child's preparation for upcoming assignments or tests, aid their use of the library's resources to work on reports, help focus on homework tasks effectively and explain concepts. Your child may need to wait to be assisted, appointments are not accepted.
How are library resources used during homework help?
Library resources, both print and electronic, are available to any patron any time the library is open. Librarians can always help patrons identify useful materials and will work with the tutors to help locate appropriate resources. But, generally, the librarian's role ends when the needed information is located, as they must remain available to help other people seeking assistance.
The tutors, however, have the time to help children use the materials. Tutors can show children how to look up specific information within the resource. They can discuss and develop an understanding of concepts and vocabulary, help children read difficult text, make certain a child has actually identified the specific information needed, and then help the child organize and write whatever response is needed for the assignment.
Does the library provide homework supplies?
The library cannot provide consumable supplies, such as paper for writing reports or poster boards. Students should bring markers, pens, crayons, folders, and other materials that might be needed to complete a homework assignment with them.
If you have any further questions about MCPL Children's Services or the Homework Center, including the homework help or reading tutoring sessions please feel free to contact us:
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3100
Updated:
September 19, 2011
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/homeworkhelp.html
