Trustees Consider Starting Tutoring Program at Library

Having problems conjugating French verbs? Can't quite seem to master fractions? Losing sleep over the MCAS exams?

The Tewksbury Public Library is exploring the possibility of starting an ambitious new program that may help.

At its meeting Wednesday night, the Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to begin investigating the possibility of launching a formal tutoring program for students high school age and younger.

The program, which would be free to students, was proposed by board member Robert Homeyer.

"I think it might be beneficial to families in town that can't afford to send their kids to out-of-town tutoring programs," he said. "This would be something we could add to the wonderful programs we already offer at the library."

Homeyer's proposal hinges on a partnership with local businesses, who would be asked to sponsor a particular tutoring class for $200. Of that total, $100 would go toward direct expenses for the class and the other $100 would go into a scholarship pool that would available, through incentives, for students taking part in the tutoring program, when they are ready to move on to college.

Homeyer believes $20,000 in sponsorships need to be raised to get the program off the ground.

"I think there are many businesses in town that would be willing to donate $200 to sponsor a class," he said, adding that he was willing to pledge $1,000 himself to get the ball rolling.

"For a program like this, the first thing you need is space, the second thing is money and the third thing is the commitment," said Homeyer. "We have the space here in the library and I believe we can raise the money."

Board Chairman Joe Frank said he didn't believe that library had ever offered a formal tutoring program like this in its history and he was supportive of examining the logistics of such a program.

"I really like the idea. I think we should pursue it," said board member Patricia Pino.

Homeyer said he believes the program could also increase community participation with the library overall and Library Director Diane Giarrusso said she believed such a program furthered the mission of the library.

"This is another way for the library to be valuable within the community," she said.

Under Homeyer's proposal, the tutoring classes offered would range from foreign language to simple math to SAT prep.

Several board members said that if the tutoring program does go forward, the school department should be consulted relative to the types of classes and schedule offered.

By their vote Wednesday night, the trustees committed to a three-month exploratory period. At the end of the three months, the board will re-visit the proposal and decided whether or not to move forward.

Homeyer envisions a six-month fund-raising period being needed, followed by a three-month coordination period before the program could launch. Under that timetable, the tutoring program could debut in Fall, 2011.