Teachers in the Library. What a great idea!
Funded by the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the Teacher in the Library program (TIL) is a free, drop-in homework help program for school-age students.
Through the program, Teacher in the Library-accredited teachers are hired to provide an informal after-school learning environment, in which they assist students with study skills, reinforce learning strategies, and find resources to help students complete their homework.
The teachers also answer questions from parents and caregivers regarding their children’s homework and can offer suggestions for them to help their children with school assignments at home.
The program began as a pilot in 2000, and in 2013, former Mayor Rahm Emanuel called it “the best free after school homework program available to schoolchildren anywhere.”
After switching to a virtual format in the 2020-2021 school year, in-person Teacher in the Library service resumed this school year in several neighborhood libraries. Locally, the program is offered at Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St., where teacher Mary Cronin is available Mon. and Wed., 4 to 6 p.m., and Sat., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
One-on-one online tutoring is available through Brainfuse (chipublib.org/Brainfuse). Live tutors with subject area expertise are available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Lessons, flashcards, and other learning resources are available 24 hours a day. Learn more at chipublib.org/news/free-homework-help/
