August 26, 2021
Did you know the library can help students study, write reports and do homework? Let us be your partner in academic success! Use these seven tips to maximize your learning this school year with services and resources available for free from Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL).
Tip #1 - Get support and guidance from library staff.
You are not alone at the library — or wherever you are with internet access or a mobile device! Library staff are trained to help students find legitimate information sources in branch and online, including historical newspapers, speeches, reference databases, trusted websites and more.
Visit the Information Desk at a branch for in-person support with research and help finding physical materials.
Need a different way to reach us? Call your local branch or send us an email at wwwlib@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Tip #2 - Take advantage of free tutoring sessions.
While the library does not provide tutoring services, we can connect you with them — including virtual and in-branch sessions!
Brainfuse HelpNow, a new FCPL resource available beginning Sept. 1, 2021, provides live, online tutoring and homework help for students in grades K-12. Tutors are available to meet virtually in English and Spanish every day after 4 p.m. A library card is required to use HelpNow outside the library.
Students in grades K-6 can also sign up for GIVE tutoring sessions hosted in multiple branches weekends throughout the academic year. High school student volunteers with Growth and Inspiration through Volunteering and Education (GIVE) provided the tutoring.
Tip #3 - Access 24/7 homework help online.
The library's Homework Resources guide is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you find free resources to explore new ideas and get help with homework topics.
Find a variety of online resources offering research material for papers and homework help separately tailored for students in grades K-6 and grades 7-12.
Writing a paper? No problem. Check out the writing resources section for help with style, vocab, proper source citation and more. Plus, visit Brainfuse HelpNow's online Writing Lab for assistance and feedback in virtual study spaces.
And then there are recommended websites categorized by homework topics so you can find help specific to your subject, from economics and history to science, math and more.
Tip #4 - Find books, magazines and newspapers.
Whether you’re studying classics, history, current events or any other subject, with a library card you have at your fingertips more than 2.3 million items in the library's collection of digital and physical materials.
Print books can be checked out in person or placed on hold and picked up later.
Digital books are available 24/7 via OverDrive.
Access magazines and newspaper articles in print or online.
Tip #5 - Check out library items with just your name — and no fines!
FCPL provides all Fairfax County Public Schools students in pre-K through grade 12 with a fine-free public library virtual account called a Library Equity Access Pass (LEAP). All you need is your name to check out physical materials at a branch, and you can check out up to three items at a time for six weeks each.
Tip #6 - Use library resources to prep for fall SATs and ACTs.
Several different online sources offer test preparation for SAT, ACT, AP and SOL exams. Start with LearningExpress Library for a wide range of options (library card required).
Tip #7 - Access free Wi-Fi and computers.
Whether you have your own device or not, simply log in to do just about any online research and project preparation needed for school assignments.
Bring your own laptop, tablet or mobile device and connect to free Wi-Fi from inside any branch and even from outside many of them. As of April 2021, all public branches without parking garages have expanded exterior wireless access.
Can't bring your own hardware? Use ours! The library offers more than 400 public computers at our branches, all equipped with Microsoft Office apps, internet access and printing and scanning capabilities.
