HARTLAND — Libraries have always aimed to provide people with the knowledge they need to succeed.

A new club in Hartland is taking a distinctly 21st-century approach by hosting a club to teach kids about computer programming.

“Sometimes those opportunities for tech programs for kids aren’t available in rural locations, and yet most of the jobs in the future are going to entail folks knowing a bit about code,” said Library Director Nancy Tusinski. “Libraries are in a wonderful position in the community to be able to provide those trainings and resources at no cost.”

The Code Club will meet each from 3:15–5:15 p.m. Tuesdays beginning in March at the library, 153 Route 5, Hartland. It is open to all kids ages 8-18. It’s informal, so participants can drop in and out around their other activities throughout the year, Tusinski said.

Tusinski applied for a grant through technology company Prenda, which is encouraging small and rural libraries to host coding clubs for kids. Prenda provides software, training and support for the program, which will be administered by Tusinski and Children’s Librarian Amy McMullen.

“It is incredible software,” Tusinski said.

Both women were trained to lead the club using the software that Prenda provides, although Tusinski said the adults function more as guides while children and teens explore the technology on their own.

“The librarians did not have to know anything about coding,” Tusinski said.

Using the Prenda software, participants learn to code by building an app, website or computer game. The library plans to host a community showcase twice a year to highlight the work that code club participants have done. Since much of the learning is self-led, there will be plenty of opportunities for kids in the club to help one another troubleshoot and problem-solve.

“Amy and I are there to help if they get stuck, by asking them questions and asking other kids who are a bit ahead,” Tusinski said.

Tusinski would like to see lots of kids participate in the program, especially since she believes that knowing about computer code will be an essential job skill in the near future.

The program will run for a year, and Tusinski said she hopes to secure additional support for it to continue in the long term if there is interest.

□

For more information on Code Club, contact McMullen at kids@hartlandlibraryvt.org or by calling 802-436-2473.