It’s 6 p.m., teachers have left the school for the day and your child needs help with their homework. What do you do now?

Well if you live in Jackson, Banks or Barrow counties and have a library card with the Piedmont Regional Library System, you simply have your child log on to a computer.

The Piedmont system has recently launched an online homework tutorial program for third- through 12th-grade students.

"This kind of this was on my list of services we wanted to be able to offer if we could. It is a logical fit as both libraries and schools are partners in our children’s education," said Alan Harkness, who is the system’s regional director. "This is something that my son has had access to in another county and it has been invaluable, especially for late night math emergencies."

The free help is provided through Brainfuse, an online tutorial service and is also available in Spanish.

"(The Piedmont system) is the first library system in Georgia to have Brainfuse’s HelpNow, but there are other online tutorial services available at libraries throughout the state," said Harkness. "Once you’ve logged in through our system, there are several choices. The most popular is HelpNow for homework help. The students selects the grade level and the subject — math, science and social studies are available — and soon you’re in a specialized chat session with a live instructor who’ll walk you through a problem."

Harkness stresses that the instructor won’t do a student’s assignment for them, but they will walk a child through a problem until the process is understood.

The service is available from 2 to 11 p.m. and students can get unlimited assistance.

"The instructors are certified teachers who are screened and monitored by Brainfuse," said Harkness. "Through choosing the grade level and subject, the student is connected to a teacher who can help with almost any homework problem, including writing skills. Students can submit papers and get assistance with their writing with a 24-hour turn around."

According to Harkness, Spanish and language arts assistance is also available.

"We have to constantly look for opportunities to make library services available remotely, when it is most convenient for residents," said Harkness. "Through our home page right now you can request books from home, access Galileo, use Learning Express to take practice tests for job skills or the GED, SAT, ACT, GRE and more. "We’re just adding another remote service that makes sense for working parents."