Los Angeles Public Library has transformed its Student Zones – after-school homework centers located in libraries – into a virtual resource, allowing students to connect online with an assistant for using library resources to complete homework assignments.

Students can book a 30-minute appointment between 3 and 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

When they log in for an appointment, students are connected with a helper who can assist students in a variety of ways, from offering explanations of homework assignments to listening to a student read aloud and offering help with pronunciation. Student Zone helpers also help students access library resources, including ebooks, and other interactive learning portals on the library’s website such as Scholastic’s ScienceFlix, Britannica School and a new Teen Health and Wellness database.

“The Los Angeles Public Library is excited to offer a Virtual Student Zone as a way to provide free localized homework help and navigation of the library’s online resources for students in grades K-12,” said Madeline Bryant, principal librarian of the Youth Services Department.

“Our trained homework helpers have prior experience working with youth in the library and in their communities, and it’s a natural fit for them to do so online,” she added.

Student Zones are offered in partnership with PowerMyLearning and supported through the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. The library installed helper-staffed Student Zones in many branch library locations in 2017. The Student Zone helpers are all based in Los Angeles and are trained in available library resources. Service is available in both English and Spanish.

For information, visit lapl.org/teens/homework-help/student-zones.