This is a great resource for those with computer access (computer can’t be too outdated).  Many students need this help and this service is clearly underutilized!

Free online homework help:

http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=audience_children_homework

  • Go to spl.org, click on “children” under “audiences”, click on the “homework” box
  • Tutors are highly proficient in their subjects areas (teachers, grad students etc)
  • Service is available in English and Spanish
  • Technology allows the tutor to view the student’s screen as either one “draws” with the mouse.  The tutor can send helpful documents and can read documents (essays, papers etc) posted by the student.  Communication is also through an instant messaging system
  • Tutors will guide students, usually with similar examples but will not give answers or do their work for them
  • A library card and PIN is needed to access
  • King county library has the same service (2pm – 12pm, 7 days/week).  Need a king county card.
  • The library systems provide this through a contract with tutors.com.  Linking directly with tutors.com costs $35/hr
  • The service is free to library card holders
  • In the training today, I said it was 4th grade up but just checked.  It now starts with K
  • Available 3 pm -11pm
  • Subjects: Math, Science, English, Social Studies

If you have a library card I recommend going on and trying it.  It’s the best way to understand it in order to share the info.  Just tell the tutor you want to try it out.  If you don’t have a library card, it’s easy and all the info is on the SPL site.

 

There are also certain branches that offer live homework help and you will see the info under “homework”.

 

Language Instruction:

 

Wow!  Want to learn a new language?  I also just learned….there is free online language instruction through Seattle Public Library: 

  • Languages: Spanish, German, Japanese, French, Italian, Russian, Greek, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, ESL Spanish (English for Spanish speakers, ESL Polish (English for Polish speakers), ESL Brazilian Portuguese (English for Brazilian Portuguese speakers)
  • Need a library card and pin
  • To get there:  spl home page, under “browse” choose “database and websites”, under “categories” choose languages, then under “Multilanguage links” choose “Mango Languages”, enter card number and PIN and choose your language.  Be sure to look at the other offerings under Multilanguage links.  For example a link to freetranslation.com and lots of helpful links for non-English speakers.