Libraries are wonderful places to go to for information and advice. In many ways they have always encouraged young people to make independent use of resources to support their learning, out of school hours. Core Skills Development Partnership’s funding had enabled 27 libraries in Birmingham to establish Homework Help Clubs. Designated library staff have had additional training in the National Curriculum and learning skills, and can support young people to find the information they need. In the first 3 months, more than 2,000 young people used the Homework Help Clubs. The Clubs operate in the early evenings and on Saturdays and are aimed at young people aged 11 to 16 years old. They attract a good mix of both boys and girls. The young people come from a range of schools, and challenge the resources by seeking support across a wide variety of topics. The libraries offer special homework collections, access to the rich diversity of city-wide resources, study space for quiet work, photocopying facilities, basic tool kits of calculators etc., and the support of friendly helpful staff. Each club is equipped with at least one multimedia PC and a collection of appropriate CD-ROMs, and some offer Internet access.		These new Homework Help Clubs in libraries have been enthusiastically received by library staff, by parents, and by the young people. Staff are pleased to be able to offer more time to help young people find the information they need and help with homework. The young people are very positive about the clubs, and are already seeing the impact on their work at school. As well as having immediate access to study support materials, the young people are developing high levels of information handling skills and are valuing their local library as a key community. At a broader level, the Library Service is working with the Prince’s Trust to develop a set of national standards around homework support in libraries. They are also part of a national research project into the educational and social value of library-based homework clubs. Some views of librarians: "We opened our doors in January and whoosh!, the children are flocking in." "It is amazing to see the children gaining the skills to use the whole range of resources." And of the users: "My marks at school are going up since I started to use this club." "I got top marks last week for my homework." "This is great. It really gives me the kind of support I need, just when I need it."