Schoolchildren in need of inspiration for that essay on the Tudors or for last minute exam revision should head to their local public library.
Schoolchildren in need of inspiration for that essay on the Tudors or for last minute exam revision should head to their local public library
Public library services across England run homework clubs throughout term time and sometimes on Saturdays, or in the school holidays, with trained staff on hand for advice.
Staff can help with internet searches, find reference sources or suggest the most relevant books to borrow for school syllabus work.
And there are also past exam papers, study guides, or software packages available specifically designed to help with GCSE or SATs revision.
Homework clubs offer a friendly and supportive atmosphere for children and an opportunity to find the time and space to study with the opportunity to meet and compare notes with children from other schools.
In Birmingham, for instance, every library offers a homework help toolbox which includes graph paper, calculator and geometry kit.
The aim is to make the atmosphere relaxed and fun. Students can come and go as they please with some clubs open up to 8pm in the evening – starting ages vary but can be as young as 8, but check first with your library service.
Kent Library Service runs 19 homework clubs used by more than 2,000 young people and one user, Megan, from Minster, said: "Homework Club is a helpful, fun place every Tuesday. The librarian helps with your homework and there’s computers and lots of books."
Libraries offer a unique reference service for students as they can access internet sources including newspaper and magazine archives and the Oxford English Dictionary that might usually require a subscription, completely free of charge.
All the services of the club are free from the use of the internet, to printing, photocopying and scanning.
Parents will also be pleased to know that the librarians won’t be giving their loved ones the answers to homework questions, but instead will point them in the right direction. So, for instance, a librarian could help a child find an appropriate atlas and then explain how to use it to find information on a particular country.
For those who can’t make it to a library in person the library service website of your local authority can be an invaluable source of reference with useful starting points for homework help.
Many library services also offer an online service where students can ask for advice and help about homework by talking to a librarian.
For more information on library services that run homework clubs contact the MLA.
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Notes to Editors
- The MLA is the government's agency for museums, libraries and archives. Leading strategically, we promote best practice to inspire innovative, integrated and sustainable services for all.