Tracey Conaway, Homework Help Center Adviser with students.
The Homework Help Center of Wicomico Public Libraries successfully finished its first year on Tuesday, June 7th. Students marked the development of their positive study habits with a pizza and cupcake celebration on that day. The Homework Help Center, sponsored by the Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries, is an area of the Downtown Library where students K-12th grade can come for a quiet work space, staffed by supportive volunteers with a variety of areas of expertise. Students have access to 5 laptop computers connected to a color printer as well as any materials needed to successfully complete homework and school projects. This allows all students the ability to submit the quality of work many of their teachers are expecting. On average a total of 100 Wicomico County students attending both public and private schools use the services of the Homework Help Center each month.
Wicomico Public Libraries has received many positive comments from Homework Help Center participants, including one parent who wrote: “Homework was frustrating at times with four kids. I received a flyer for the Homework Help Center and we started coming weekly. I realized that by providing a different environment for my kids they were motivated and actually looked forward to coming to the Homework Help Center. Their grades and reading levels improved. My five year old who was so difficult to get to sit down while I tried to read with him now requests ‘Can we read four books?’ I am looking forward to utilizing this program again next year.”
The Library will continue to provide this service to effectively support the students of Wicomico County Schools in the 2016-2017 school year. Thanks to generous community contributions and support from the Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries, 5 new iPads are being purchased for use by the Homework Help Center attendees in the coming school year.
Wicomico Public Libraries are located in Downtown Salisbury, the Centre at Salisbury, Pittsville, and the Library Bookmobile. Not only do Wicomico Public Libraries offer numerous free resources such as Internet access, a variety of classes and events, public meeting rooms and an online virtual library with eBooks, and streaming movies, music and audiobooks, but it engages with the community by supporting learning, building community, and enriching lives. You Belong @ Wicomico Public Libraries!
For more information on Wicomico Public Libraries or if you wish to become a Friend of the Library, please visit our Web site – WicomicoLibrary.org or check out our newsletter – Belong – in the Library, online, or in a local business near you.
