by Marsha McLean

These days, homework is not only difficult, it’s time-consuming. It is not uncommon for students to have three hours or more of homework each and every night.

If you are a parent struggling to help your children with their homework, I want to let you know about the free homework help program you can access from the comfort of your own home.

Offered through the Santa Clarita Public Library branches, the live help program utilizes experts who can personally assist kids with a wide variety of homework covering a multitude of subjects.

All you need to use the service is a city library card.

The lessons learned in school always seem to click in the classroom. But when students get home to tackle homework, concepts that were easy in the classroom can turn challenging.

That’s where the Santa Clarita Public Library’s online homework tools can help. From online encyclopedias and reference books to a remarkable live homework tool called Brainfuse/Help Now, the Santa Clarita Public Library can take some of the stress out of homework for students of all ages.

Santa Clarita Public Library card holders just need the unique bar code on the back of their library cards to access lessons and tutorials; 24/7 homework assistance; live academic assistance with a tutor from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.; videos and more, designed for learners from kindergarten through college.

There is also an adult learning center, which provides access to information to help adults prepare for the GED, receive feedback and edits on a resume and cover letter, learn Microsoft Office skills and prepare for U.S. Citizenship.

Spanish-language support is also available for all of these programs.

Many of the online tools are perfect for older students, but elementary-age children will also enjoy the videos, graphics and photos, which help bring lessons to life.

The library’s online tools include a comprehensive writing lab that provides analysis and constructive comments, as well as a test center that reflects the new Common Core standards for kids, and new 2014 GED tests for adults.

To access the free online homework help and resources, simply log on to SantaClaritaLibrary.com and click on the eLibrary tab at the top left, then select homework and you’ll be provided with several links to online programs designed for students in elementary school, middle school and high school.

For adults who want to access the Brainfuse/Help Now program, just click on any Brainfuse icon; once you enter your library card bar code, you’ll be provided with assistance options.

If your student prefers working with a tutor in person, the Santa Clarita Public Library offers a free “Homework Helpers” program. The program is available to elementary-age children attending public or private school, as well as those who are home-schooled.

Homework Helpers is available from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Canyon Country branch, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the downtown Newhall branch, and from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the Valencia branch.

Homework Helpers volunteers are high school students, teachers and retired teachers who use a variety of educational tools to help explain and reinforce elementary school concepts.

Children receive positive reinforcement and earn stickers for completing assignments. Assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and students are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to receive help.

When available, bilingual assistance is offered at the Old Town Newhall Library. Students must be accompanied by an adult at all times to participate in the program, and parents can listen in on the lesson to help with future inquiries at home.

Homework can be fun and rewarding when you have the right tools. The Santa Clarita Public Library’s free online and in-person homework assistance programs are great ways to empower students to learn and achieve at every level of their educations.

Learn more about Homework Helpers and Brainfuse/Help Now at SantaClaritaLibrary.com or contact your local Santa Clarita Public Library branch for assistance.

Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected].

---