MCPL's Children's Services Homework Center provides free homework help to students in grades K-6. Drop-in to the center during open hours and receive help with any subject from IU students who are trained to work with children as tutors. Our tutors can assist 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.
When the Homework Center is open, tutors are available on these days and times:
| Mondays | Tuesdays | Wednesdays | Thursdays | Fridays | Saturdays | Sundays |
| 4:00-7:30pm | 4:00-7:30pm | 4:00-7:30pm | 4:00-7:30pm | Closed | Closed | 1:30-4:30pm |
Important Dates for the Homework Center, 2012-2013
Below are important dates for our programs. These dates correspond with MCPL Library Closings [1] and the IUB Academic Calendar [2]for the year, and the MCCSC Calendar [3]. The Homework Center also will be closed on days that MCCSC is closed or dismisses students early due to weather.
Fall Semester 2012
September
September 17, Monday - Homework Center opens for fall semester
October
October 10, Wednesday - Library closed for staff day - Homework Center closed
October 14, Sunday - Homework Center closed - IU on Fall Break
November
November 6, Tuesday – Homework Center closed – MCCSC Closed
November 18-25 - Homework Center closed - IU Students on Thanksgiving break
December
December 16-January 7 - Homework Center closed for winter break
Spring Semester 2013
January
January 8, Tuesday - Homework Center opens for spring semester
January 21, Monday - Homework Center closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
March
March 10-17 - Homework Center closed for Spring Break - reopens on Monday, March 18
March 31, Sunday - Library closed for spring holiday
April
April 26, Friday - Homework Center closed for the semester
Have a great summer and be sure to sign up for the Summer Reading Program!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Homework Center
- Who are the tutors?
All tutors are IU students who have participated in a variety of tutor training workshops including: 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 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 explain concepts, guide preparation for upcoming assignments or tests, help students use the library's resources to work on reports, and help students focus on their homework tasks effectively. 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.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions about the Children's Services Homework Center, please feel free to contact us:
Email: childref [at] mcpl [dot] info
Phone: 812-349-3100
