Libraries provide no-cost learning tools

With a student ID and free time, my oldest son tapped into a computer network. At a nearby branch of the public library he borrowed a laptop and logged onto the wireless network.

Neither the connection nor the laptop made a dent into his allowance. It was a free service. The Miami-Dade Public Library has 475 laptops for borrowers to use at various branches.

Access to free laptops and terminals is a frugal solution to the nightly computer crunch that squeezes many homes during the school year. Even with multiple computers in a single home, it's hard to book computer time to complete term papers, online research and after-hours work in the home office. But tapping into extra computers is just one of the many back-to-school tools offered by libraries throughout the country.

Homework assistance: Tutors can cost $25 to $125 per hour. But some public libraries have free tutoring assistance programs. For example, students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade can sign up for free tutoring or homework assistance in science, math and reading through the "S.M.A.R.T." program offered by Miami-Dade Public Library.

Teen programs: At public and private schools, after-school activities often come bundled with additional fees. But public libraries have a variety of free programs for teens and tweens. In my neighborhood, free activities include a chess club, Henna body art seminars and hands-on filmmaking sessions.

Free e-books: With a library card and Internet access, it's possible to download free books and movies onto your personal computer. Best-sellers and popular movies are available on a 24/7 basis.

Family programs: Wellness programs, Yoga classes and story-time sessions for toddlers are among the free programs available at public libraries. Recent classes include seminars about drug-free approaches to learning and behavior problems and information about holistic medicine.

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SharonHarveyistheauthorofthe"FrugalDuchess:HowtoLiveWellandSaveMoney"—acoming-of-agememoiraboutmoney—andacontributingwriterinWiseBread's"10,001WaystoLiveLargeonaSmallBudget,"bothavailableonAmazon.com.