Los Angeles Public Library Student Zones — after school homework centers located in libraries—have been transformed into a virtual resource, allowing students to connect online with a Student Zone Helper for assistance in using library resources to complete homework assignments.
Students can book a 30-minute appointment between 3 and 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. When they log into to their appointment, students are connected with a helper who can assist them in a variety of ways. The helper can offer explanations of homework assignments, listen to a student read aloud and offer help with pronunciation. Student Zone Helpers also help students access library resources, including ebooks and other interactive learning portals – such as Scholastic’s ScienceFlix, Britannica School and a new Teen Health and Wellness database – on the library’s website.
“The Los Angeles Public Library is excited to offer a Virtual Student Zone as a way to provide free localized homework help and navigation of the library’s online resources for students in grades K-12,” says Madeline Bryant, Principal Librarian, of the Youth Services Department. “Our trained homework helpers have prior experience working with youth in the library and in their communities, and it’s a natural fit for them to do so online.”
Student Zones are offered in partnership with PowerMyLearning and supported through the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. The library installed helper-staffed Student Zones in many branch library locations in 2017. The Student Zone Helpers are all based in Los Angeles and are well-trained in available library resources. Service is available in both English and Spanish.
For more information, visit https://lapl.org/teens/homework-help/student-zones.
