County libraries want children and adults in a zone. The Study Zone.
The tutoring program offers online help to students in grades kindergarten through 12.
Children can now meet virtually with their tutors, using library computers.
The yearlong program of in-person tutoring will continue at all King County Library System branches, including Fall City, North Bend and Snoqualmie.
Sarah Lynch, teen services librarian, said students who seek the help of volunteer tutors will develop study habits, get homework done sooner and have someone to look over their work.
Tutors will also benefit, she said.
“It’s a great volunteer opportunity for high school students,” she said. “It looks really good in a college application.”
Not only high school students can be tutors, she added. Being a tutor is a good way for adults to meet people in their community.
Prospective tutors will be subjected to a background check by the Washington State Patrol, according to the program’s website.
Those chosen will undergo a library-issued orientation.
The program will run until June 16, and then go on hiatus until July 5. After that, a summer session will run until Aug. 26.
Tutors must be at least high school juniors.
Tutors will help with subjects including the state’s standardized tests and college admission tests, like the SAT.
“It’s a great service, just because it’s free,” Lynch said. “Lots of comparable services can be expensive.”
For the libraries it’s also free. The King County Libraries’ Foundation supports and sponsors the program, so it does not affect the library system’s operating budget.
The online service allows students and their tutors to chat and get virtual help, Lynch said.
However, it does not mean tutors will do homework for students.
Also, she said, the service may help younger students at libraries, but it does not mean it’s a babysitter.
Lastly, Lynch mentioned that a separate program for adults is also available online, at www.tutor.com.
Get in the zone
Get Study Zone times and places at www.kcls.org.
Filed Under Schools