MHLS - Homework Center Manuals

Homework Center Manuals

Library Homework and Literacy Centers

In the MHLS Professional Collection, there is the Cindy Mediavilla book, Creating the full-service homework center in your library.

The Homework/Literacy Centers Project was initiated in the 2001-2002 academic year in seven libraries located in five counties throughout the Mid-Hudson Library System's service area. In August 2002, MHLS received increased funding, enabling it to double the size of the program for the 2002-2003 academic year to fourteen of its member libraries . The project was funded through Library Services and Technology Act funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Each of the 14 Homework/Literacy Centers was staffed by a trained mentor. These individuals were able to guide students to the kinds of resources and materials they need in order to successfully complete their homework. During Center hours, Mentors consulted with students about their daily assignments and projects, helped them locate appropriate library materials and advised them in the effective use of both print and online learning resources. In addition to providing homework guidance, Homework/Literacy Center Mentors were able to advise parents and other library patrons about how to locate additional family literacy support services in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

In addition to the establishment of the Centers, the LSTA grant provided for the addition of several important learning resources to participating libraries' collections, including both the print and online versions of the Worldbook Encyclopedia and an English Language learning video series entitled Crossroads Café.

As part of this grant project, the Mid-Hudson Library System produced a homework center manual which may assist other libraries and organizations seeking to establish similar centers. In addition, a homework mentor manual has been created which offers sample mentor job advertisements, job description and other materials which will be of assistance, both to the library staff and the mentors.

The following is a list of the libraries where Homework/Literacy Centers were established under this grant. Contact any of them for more information.

Columbia County: Hudson Area Association Library | Philmont Public Library
Dutchess County: Grinnell Library (Wappingers Falls) | Howland Public Library (Beacon) | Pine Plains Free Library | Tivoli Free Library
Greene County: Heermance Public Library (Coxsackie) | Windham Public Library
Putnam County: Brewster Public Library | Patterson Library
Ulster County: Kingston Library | Marlboro Free Library | Plattekill Library | Saugerties Public Library