Free Homework Help Returns to Cincinnati Library Branches for 2026-2027
The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library is running its no-cost, walk-in homework help program again for the 2026-2027 school year, offering one-on-one help in reading and math to K-8 students at branches across the county. The service runs during the school year and requires no appointment, no library card check at the door and no fee.
For families outside Hamilton County, or those who want help after a branch closes for the evening, the library also offers a separate, free online tutoring service open to students from kindergarten through adult.
How In-Branch Homework Help Works
Students show up during a branch’s posted homework help hours and get paired with a helper for reading or math support. Hours vary widely by location, so it’s worth checking the specific branch before heading over. As of this school year:
- Bond Hill: Monday-Thursday, 2-5 p.m.
- College Hill: Monday-Thursday, 2-5 p.m.
- Corryville: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Deer Park: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Delhi Township: Monday-Thursday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., starting Aug. 24
- Elmwood Place: Hours vary. Contact the branch at 513-369-4452.
- Groesbeck: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Harrison: Monday-Thursday, 4-8 p.m.; Friday, 2-6 p.m.
- Madisonville: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Mt. Healthy: Monday-Thursday, 3:15-6:15 p.m.
- North Central: Monday-Thursday, 3:30-6 p.m.
- Norwood: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Oakley: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Pleasant Ridge: Monday and Wednesday, 3-7 p.m.; Friday, 4-6 p.m.
- Price Hill: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4:30-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
- Reading: Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Sharonville: Monday and Wednesday, 6-9 p.m.; Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
- St. Bernard: Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.
- Walnut Hills: Monday and Wednesday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- West End: Monday-Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- Westwood: Monday, 3:30-7 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; Thursday, 3:30-6 p.m.
- Wyoming: Monday-Wednesday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Not every branch in the system runs the program, so a family whose nearest location isn’t on this list may still have a short drive to one that offers it.
Online Tutoring for Kindergarten Through Adult
Homework HelpNow, the library’s online tutoring platform through Brainfuse, is available seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and covers a wider age range and a wider range of subjects than the in-branch program. Beyond live one-on-one tutoring, the service includes a writing lab that returns a detailed critique of a submitted paper within about a day, a 24/7 question drop-off option for slower turnaround help, practice tests for the SAT, ACT and GED, and flashcard tools students can use on their own.
The platform also runs a separate track for FAFSA help, with tutors available Monday through Thursday from 2 to 11 p.m. to walk students and parents through the federal financial aid application at any stage.
Access is free with no library card required to log in. Families who haven’t used it before can check the Homework HelpNow FAQ page for a walkthrough of what each tool does before jumping in.
Good to Know
The in-branch program is funded through The Library Foundation, the Charles H. Dater Foundation and the Turner Construction Company Foundation, not the library’s general operating budget, which is part of why it’s offered at no cost to families.
Because hours differ so much branch to branch, and a handful of locations post variable schedules, confirming the current hours directly with the branch is the safer move before a special trip, especially early in the school year when schedules can still shift.
Plan Your Visit
- In-branch homework help: Available at 20 Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library branches, Monday through Saturday depending on location, during the 2026-2027 school year. Full branch list and hours at chpl.org/teens/homework.
- Online tutoring (Homework HelpNow): Available daily, 2-11 p.m., for students from kindergarten through adult. Log in to Homework HelpNow.
- Cost: Free.
- Questions: Call the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library at 513-369-6900, or contact an individual branch directly.