As budgets tighten at home and at school, the best tool for boosting your child’s learning power is a King County Library System library card.

With books and magazines on every subject, and quiet places to study, libraries have been a student’s best friend since the beginning of the written word. But for today’s students, libraries are more important than ever. Beyond books and magazines, King County Library System libraries offer one-on-one tutors, homework help, study areas, research and reference sources, software classes and computer workstations where students at all levels can prepare high-quality term papers, book reports and other assignments.

When homework assignments seem daunting, KCLS has dedicated staff and volunteers ready to tutor on key subjects, and to help your child learn to use library resources effectively to improve grades and enhance academic skills. As all KCLS resources and services, this help is available for free.

Computer-savvy parents and kids can begin with the KCLS Web site: where the full range of academic resources are available online.

For young students, shy or reluctant learners, a trip to your community library is a great way to begin mastering the art of studying.

It’s simple to make studying a family priority. Start with a trip to your favorite KCLS community library, and ask a staffer to help you get started. You’ll learn how to find the best resources needed for each assignment, and get the schedule for all the library’s homework help services. Then mark your calendar for regular family study nights at your neighborhood library. While your kids are getting help with their homework, you can catch up on your own reading, join a book group, or simply relax and browse through the latest music and magazines.

• Test Prep and Study Zone

Look for free test preparation classes, SAT prep classes for teens during the fall 2009. Check the Web site.

Many KCLS libraries will offer the Sandwiess SAT prep classes for five weeks, including a practice test that will be graded and returned to the student. Classes are limited to 22 students at each library.

• SAT and WASL online tutoring service and WASL and SAT tutoring service

Online tutors are available seven days a week from 2-10 p.m. to assist students preparing for the SAT and WASL exams. Select your test and grade level and set your own pace with expert tutors provided by Brainfuse.

• Study Zone

Need homework help? Get it at the library Study Zone.

The Study Zone is a great place for students to study, do homework and get help with their questions. Volunteer tutors provide free homework help during Study Zone hours. Students can find help in all subject areas, including math, science and WASL and SAT test preparation. Stop by a KCLS community library and find your Study Zone.

• What is Study Zone?

Volunteer tutors are available at participating KCLS community libraries to provide homework help to students at the library. The program is open to all students grades K-12. Each tutor works with one-to-five students in a group setting. The Study Zone is a great place for students to study, do homework and get help with their questions.

• How do students join Study Zone?

Students are not required to register or provide personal information to participate in Study Zone. There is no need to sign up in advance, just drop in any time during Study Zone hour. See the schedule bellow for Study Zone hours at a KCLS library near you.

• How much does it cost?

The Study Zone program is a free service of the King County Library System. There are no registration fees and there is no cost for students to participate.

Study Zone tutors offer help with al subjects for grades K-8, at every Study Zone location, including math help and WASL test preparation.

High school students: Each Study Zone tutor specializes in one or two subjects at the advanced high school level and can help with WASL and SAT test preparation. Advanced high school math help is highlighted below. Other high school level subject specialties are in the tutor subject list. For additional assistance locating a tutor for advanced help in a particular subjects, including foreign languages, please contact the Study Zone coordinator at 425-369-3312 or aholloma@kcls.org.

• Covington Library Study Zone

2:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays

6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays