Back-to-School 2026: How the Library Can Help

Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library

Here’s a stat that may (or may not) surprise you: According to the Public School Review 2026 Report, there are about 145,000 students who will head back to school in Hamilton County in the next few weeks. That’s enough kids to fill Great American Ball Park three times... and still have students left over!

And all of those students are going to need help at one point during the new school year. That’s why the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library provides useful resources and reliable information for teachers and students of all ages, all year long. Bookmark this guide so you can use the Library to get homework help, receive teacher collections, and find online resources all year long.

Get Homework Help

Students from kindergarten to eighth grade can get free, walk-in, one-on-one homework help in reading and math at select locations, including:

College Hill: Monday-Thursday, 2-5 p.m.
Corryville: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m. (starts Monday, Aug. 17)
Elmwood Place: Hours vary. Contact the branch at 513-369-4452.
Harrison: Monday-Thursday, 4-8 p.m.; Friday, 2-6 p.m. (starts Monday, Aug. 17)
Mt. Healthy: Monday - Thursday, 3:15-6:15 p.m. (starts Wednesday, Aug. 19)
North Central: Monday - Thursday, 3:30-6 p.m. (starts Monday, Aug. 24)
Norwood: Monday - Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
Oakley: Monday - Thursday, 3-6 p.m. (starts Monday, Aug. 17)
Sharonville: Monday & Wednesday, 6-9 p.m.; Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
St. Bernard: Monday - Friday, 3:15-6:15 p.m.
Walnut Hills: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 3-6 p.m.
West End: Monday - Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. (Some Thursdays. Call the branch)
Westwood: Monday - Thursday, 2-5 p.m.
Wyoming: Monday - Wednesday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Check the Library's Homework Help webpage for location and hours updates. Live online assistance from expert tutors is also available via Homework HelpNow. The service is available from 2 – 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

Access Online Resources and Databases

Search through hundreds of online resources for adults, kids, and teens that are perfect for researching projects, essays, and presentations. You can search the list by subject and format to find what you need quickly.

Did your child’s teacher assign a family tree project? Use FamilySearch to find genealogy and family history information, including historic genealogical records.

Does your teen have homework to write a report about a historical figure? Use Biography in Context to research individuals in a wide range of fields, from science to the arts to politics.

Need to explore both sides of an issue for a persuasive essay? Use Opposing Viewpoints in Context to do just that.

After School Meals

The Library partners with UMC Food Ministry to bring meals and snacks to select branches for kids and teens. Our website will be updated later this month with a full schedule.

For Teachers

Bring the Library to your classroom with Teacher Collections. All you need is an Educator Card. Collections may include up to 50 books and a total of 200 items are allowed to be checked out at a time per educator card.

Please provide two weeks' notice for changes and special collection requests. Materials can include nonfiction books for classroom research, picture books for storytimes, books for students to read, multiple copies of a title for classroom sets, a list of specific titles, and more.

Collections can be picked up at a branch of your choice. Applications for delivery to schools are open through Nov. 6 for the 2026-27 school year. Approved schools will receive a monthly general collection of 25 to 35 books that will highlight holidays, seasons, awareness months, and popular topics. Educators may also request class sets as needed.

Classroom and Library Visits

Library staff love connecting with classrooms, and it makes for a great learning experience for students. Have CHPL visit your classroom, school library, or take a field trip to tour any of our locations.

No matter how you connect, our staff can provide information on topics ranging from literacy and research skills to online safety.

The Library is proud to support students, teachers, and families in their educational pursuits.

Mackenzie Manley is currently reading "Yesteryear" by Caro Claire Burke.