Princeton NJ Schools Articles

"Princeton Public Library Gearing Up For Another Year Of Springboard"

Free homework help available to students from K-12 four afternoons per week at the library

Princeton-area schoolchildren looking for help with their homework after school need look no farther than Princeton Public Library.

Springboard is a free drop-in program on the library’s third floor providing homework help to students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Staffed by paid teachers and a dedicated group of community volunteers, including educators and students from Princeton University and Princeton High School, Springboard is available every Monday through Thursday between 3:30 and 6 p.m. when Princeton Regional Schools are in session.

Springboard’s offers assistance with oral or written book reports, class projects, basic skills in reading and math, current events and essays, reference materials and technology projects.

Students needing additional assistance can use another free service offered by the library, tutor.com. This service provides real-time, online homework help sessions for students in grades four through 12 and is available 2-10 p.m. daily at the library, at school or at home. Students visit www.tutor.com/princeton to begin a session.

Springboard also sponsors the twice-yearly Crunch Time programs for high school students. Each year just before midterm and final examinations at Princeton High School, Springboard volunteers host these popular late-night study sessions at the library featuring one-on-one instruction and homework help, along with free pizza and drinks.

Teacher Laura Spear organized Springboard in August of 1991 and the partnership with the library began in the mid-90s. In October of 2000, the American Library Association presented Springboard with an award for excellence in after-school programming for young adults.

Princeton Public Library is in the Sands Library Building, at 65 Witherspoon St. in Princeton Borough. Special assistance is available for library customers with disabilities. Those with special needs should contact the library 48 hours before any program to arrange for accommodations. Call (609) 924-9529. For more information on library programs and services, visit www.princetonlibrary.org.