Schlow Library Offering Online Service for Homework Help with Live Tutors

A new online service available through Schlow Centre Region Library offers free access to homework help — as well as test prep, video lessons, study tools and more — every day.

Through a collaboration with HelpNow by BrainFuse, Schlow Library now provides anyone from kindergarten through adult learners access to live tutoring daily from 2 to 11 p.m. at no cost. All that’s needed is a library card to log in.

The HelpNow service covers math, reading, science, writing, and social studies, among many other subjects. In addition to live online tutoring, the platform provides a learning library with thousands of lessons, quizzes and tests to help students understand academic concepts. Recorded lessons and practice tests are also available to help build skills.

Schlow Library was motivated to find an online homework help service particularly due to COVID-19 circumstances as well as challenges shared by patrons and community members.

“We heard from many of our patrons, parents, and community partners that—especially during this difficult year—access to homework help and tutoring during evening hours was a huge need,” said Paula Bannon, head of Children’s Services, who led the project at Schlow. “With fewer opportunities for in-person sessions due to COVID, we thought this offering would match that important need.”

Through HelpNow, users can select from a variety of subject areas for self-directed learning then click “Live Help” options during designated hours to be connected with an online tutor for additional help. Tutors are credentialed and required to pass annual background checks.

Details, including FAQs and easy-to-follow video tutorials, can be found at schlowlibrary.org/helpnow.

“We certainly miss seeing students at Schlow who regularly used the library for study time,” Bannon said, “and we know this isn’t a substitute for more personalized attention. But we hope it at least provides another way for families, students, educators and all learners to get a real-time helping hand when they need it most.”

For more information on Schlow Library events and services, visit schlowlibrary.org. Follow Schlow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Amy Caputo is communications manager for Schlow Centre Region Library.