Heights Libraries Have Hotspots, Tutoring Help For Customers

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Heights Libraries is offering online tutoring service Tutor.com and wifi hotspots to help local children who are learning remotely.

“Since the pandemic has limited our ability to hold in-person programs like our popular Homework Help series, we knew that we needed to find another way to help students, especially those who may be struggling with remote schooling,” said Interim Youth Services Manager Sarah Rosenberger. “Tutor.com gives kids access to live tutors in most school subject areas, as well as writing help and webinars on all kinds of topics.”

Tutor.com is available for free through the library system's website. Students can get one-on-one virtual tutoring and independent, self-directed learning tools like webinars, study guides, practice quizzes and more through the website.

Between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., students can chat live with a tutor who will help them with specific homework questions or receive more general instruction on subjects like math, science and English. Tutor.com is available for students of all ages and can be accessed daily. High school students can also access ACT and SAT prep through the website.

“One of the great things about Tutor.com is that it isn’t just for K-12 kids. It has plenty of resources for college students, like grad school prep, and for adult job seekers, who can use it to access resume, interviewing, and cover letter help,” Rosenberger said.

The Heights Libraries have also purchased 40 hotspots to help families access the Internet. The hotspots are available for customers 18 and older with a library card in good standing. The hotspots can be rented two weeks at a time. Hotspots can be reserved by calling 216-932-3600 or at the circulation desk of any Heights Libraries branch.

“The pandemic has forced us to restrict the number of people who can be in our buildings at one time,” Library Director Nancy Levin said. “So, that limits the number of people who can use our public computers. Families who need internet access at home but cannot afford to subscribe to a service can borrow a hotspot.”