Student Zones are afterschool homework centers in the library that provide:
- access to a quiet, safe place to study
- reference books
- online and print resources
- free printing
- free basic school supplies
- reserved computers and laptops
- guidance needed to help students aged 0-19 years old succeed and graduate high school
During the school year, from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays (individual Student Zone hours vary), specific tables and chairs are reserved for exclusive use by kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) Student Zone students. Portable tablets and laptops are available to K-12 Student Zone students and provide word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software, as well as access to the internet and LA Public Library’s online resources for students, including a valuable array of databases and one-on-one tutoring sessions via Live Homework Help.
K-12 students may use the branch printer to print out school-related documents and assignments free of charge during Student Zone hours. A dictionary, thesaurus, and other essential reference tools are available, in addition to the library’s entire collection of books, periodicals, CDs, and DVDs.
Professional librarians and a dedicated Student Zone Helper are available to help k-12 students find and use the print and online resources they need to work on their assignments. When available, trained teen volunteers guide students in using online resources and digital tools as well as assist with homework questions. Please note: Student Zone Helpers, volunteers and librarians do not provide one-on-one tutoring and results are not guaranteed.
Student Zones and Student Zone Helpers are now at 33 libraries. Student Zone Helpers assist K-12 students with using the library’s many online services including Live Homework Help and reference databases.
Student Zones at the Los Angeles Public Library are supported by the generosity of:
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
- The Lynn Strasburg Miller Endowed Fund/ Nina Pircher
- The Cecile & Fred Bartman Foundation
- Janice McCoy Miller
- The Ahmanson Foundation
- Bank of the West
- Simone Forti
Libraries that currently host Student Zones are:
Benjamin Franklin Branch Library
Exposition Park – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Library
Harbor City - Harbor Gateway Branch Library
Hyde Park Miriam Matthews Branch Library
Lincoln Heights Branch Library
Pio Pico – Koreatown Regional Library
R. L. Stevenson Branch Library
Venice – Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library
Vernon – Leon H. Washington Jr. Memorial Branch Library
Alma Reaves Woods - Watts Branch Library
Westchester – Loyola Village Branch Library