The school year can be a stressful time. After all you have homework, special projects, group activities, and presentations to help your child prepare for and complete. Luckily, you don’t have to do all of this on your own. You would be surprised to know just how much your local library can make your school year easier. Locate your nearest public library at publiclibraries.com or nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/librarysearch.
Want to know more? Look below at how your local library can make your school year easier so you can be sure you are taking advantage of all the perks it offers.
Before taking advantage of any of these activities, be sure you and your child have a valid library card. Obtaining a card is easy and free, and often just requires an ID and simple form.
1. It may offer free tutoring programs.
Most libraries offer homework help sessions or even free tutoring programs. Programs will vary based on location but it is always worth asking to see what is available. Chances are you will find weekly meetings designed to help kids of various ages.
2. You have free internet access.
If you don’t have a computer or internet access at home, your local library is the perfect place to access one. Most libraries allow at least an hour at a time of free computer and internet access so you can do research, access homework forums, or use the word processing programs.
3. Take advantage of meeting room rental.
Libraries often have private meeting rooms available for free or a small fee. These are great for when working on group projects, holding parent meetings, or working with a tutor. They give you a nice quiet workspace without the distractions of home.
4. Story time and make and take sessions are great for little ones.
Reinforce learning throughout the year when you attend the educational activities the library provides. Take advantage of story time, craft sessions, public speakers, and any other educational events the library offers its users.
5. Access items such as printers, fax machines, and smart boards.
Your local library has an assortment of office supplies you may not have access to at home. You can use their printers, fax machines, and other machines for just a small fee. This is an easy way to print out reports or fax over information quickly and inexpensively.
6. Check out the unlimited amount of research materials and books.
What is a library without books? Whatever the topic may be, you can research it at your local library. Find all sorts of books, magazines, newspapers, even documentaries and educational videos. These materials are fantastic for writing book reports, term papers, or for when kids are preparing their special projects.
7. Browse the community boards.
At the entrance of most libraries you will find a community board where local activities, speakers, and even tutors are listed. This is a great place to access additional resources you need or to even hire yourself out as some of these resources.
Your local library has a lot to offer (often at no cost) during the course of the school year. Consider these tips on how your local library can make your school year easier and see what difference it can make!
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Wishing Everyone a Healthy and Blessed New School Year!
