libraries when helping children with homework are being encouraged to search for creative solutions.

Several parents had problems helping their children complete homework last term because the Bermuda Youth Library did not have the resources to support the assignments.

But head librarian Marla Smith said parents and teachers need to become informed about the information that is -- and is not -- available at the library, and be more creative about finding sources for research.

She said many parents helping their child with their homework go into the youth library with a limited amount of time -- generally during their lunch hour -- and become frustrated when they cannot find the information they need.

But she said the resources available at the Bermuda Youth Library may not coincide with teacher's assignments because the library is not under the Ministry of Education's umbrella.

"If we don't have the materials, we try to work with the parents to help them find other sources to find the information,'' Mrs. Smith said. "For example, if a five-year-old is doing homework on the gombeys, there may not be any information on the gombeys written at a five-year-old reading level.

"Especially pertaining to Bermuda books, if we don't have the materials parents may consider looking elsewhere for information -- for example, the Department of Tourism,'' said Mrs. Smith.

"But we need to work together to better benefit the children,'' she added.