The State Library of Louisiana and Calcasieu Parish Public Library offer a variety of new and updated resources for students and adults in need of educational or vocational assistance.

Homework Louisiana, the State Library’s online homework resource, recently expanded the hours and features available. The site offers tutoring, test preparation and job search assistance.

Live tutoring is available in more than 60 subjects, including HiSET and GED curriculum, 2 p.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday in English and Spanish and 6-9 p.m. in Vietnamese. The site also features self-study tools in a variety of formats including video lessons, practice quizzes and standardize test prep.

Homework Louisiana “puts an end to those afterschool kitchen table homework battles,” allowing families to enjoy the benefits of private tutoring at home for free, said State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton.

For those with vision impairment or for those unable to type, the site offers a “voice chat” feature allowing residents to “connect with voice” using their computer’s audio system or by calling a toll-free number. The site also offers a “drop-off” service where individuals can submit essays, math problems and even resumes to be reviewed by an expert. Users “upload” or “drop off” the documents, which can be “picked up” at the user’s convenience.

In addition to Homework Louisiana, residents of Calcasieu Parish have access to more than 50 premium research and educational resources through the library’s website.

Christy Comeaux, CPPL public information officer, said using the resources are “not only educational for children, but also for teens and adults — especially adults who are trying to improve their education.”

The site offers resources in English and Spanish, covering basic elementary skills through products like ABC Mouse to Advanced Placement test preparation.

For older students learning a foreign language, Comeaux said Mango Languages is one of the most popular services “like a free Rosetta Stone where you can learn actual conversation skills in 60 to 70 different languages.”

Similarly, library card holders have access to Lynda.com, where they can choose from thousands of free video lessons on various subjects.

For patrons needing more specific research or technology assistance, Calcasieu libraries offer a “book a librarian” service, Comeaux said. One-on-one library assistance is available at no charge by calling the Central or Sulphur library and booking an appointment.

Online: www.homeworkla.org and www.calcasieulibrary.org.