By:Laura Mellor
This is the second year that the Youth Services Department at the Hillsborough Public Library has offered a free homework help center.
The Homework Help Center pairs up students from Hillsborough Middle School and Auten Road Intermediate School with individuals from a group of approximately 32 Hillsborough High School student volunteers. The older students give the younger students tips and advice on navigating math and literacy assignments.
The center was created when library staff members observed two situations at the library: younger students needing some assistance with their homework, and high-school students looking for opportunities to volunteer and meet their community-service goals.
The center functions as a resource for students who need help getting past some of the basic stumbling blocks of getting their homework done.
This year, high school students volunteering are serving as co-chairs of the project. Hannah Cui, Andrew Gabriel and Steven Yarmoska recruited helpers by posting a flyer on the TV scroll. The prospective helpers filled out applications, which included a teacher recommendation, a list of their classes and days of availability.
Hannah, Andrew and Steven finalized the list of helpers and substitutes, developed guidelines for the helpers, presented an orientation meeting for the helpers and set the monthly schedule.
This is a walk-in program, so volunteers help any student in grades 5-8 who stops by; appointments of 15 minutes or longer can also be made in advance by calling 369-2200, ext. 14.
Students from ARIS and HMS who wish to take advantage of the program can stop by the library at the Children’s Services desk Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Laura Mellor is the head of the Youth Services Department at Hillsborough Public Library.

