When you see the word “coding”, what is the first thing you think of? I’m willing to bet libraries are not top of that list -- here at Code Club we’d really like to change that. 

Code Club is a nationwide network of free volunteer-led after-school coding clubs for children aged 9-11. Our clubs are all across the UK, from Aberdeen to Cornwall, and give young people the chance to make animations, games and websites, and to learn new skills in a fun and creative environment. 

Many clubs run in primary schools, before the school day or after classes, and we also have a growing set of clubs running in community venues including libraries. These clubs are a wonderful opportunity for children who attend schools without Code Clubs to come together with other young people from the local area and learn to code, and to develop digital skills in the local community.

Sarah Coulson, Children and Families Team Librarian at Nottingham City Libraries, is enthusiastic about the benefits of running a Code Club. There are 3 clubs currently running in Nottingham community libraries, and they are also hosting an open Code Club morning at Nottingham Central Library as part of British Science Week.

“Nottingham City Libraries support digital literacy to enable access and support to lifelong learning. Code Clubs have been really successful, receiving lots of community interest from children and adults. For some we have met a need to learn more about coding as an extra-curricular activity that addresses the new ICT curriculum, for others it is a collaborative space to learn and share skills.  For all Code Club is a fun weekly group they all look forward to coming back to.”

So, how does it work?

We have developed over 50 hour-long projects for the children in our clubs to work through. These start with Scratch, which is a drag-and-drop visual programming language. Scratch can be used for free either as a download or in-browser, and is a great entry-point to coding. The projects then progress through to making websites with HTML & CSS, and then finally on to more games with the programming language Python. 

A volunteer with tech know-how (or someone interested in gaining a little) leads the club and  helps children work through any difficulties. A representative from the library, school or other venue is also always present, to support the volunteer and the children in the club. 

To get started with our Scratch projects, venues will need: 

1. A volunteer and a venue representative to run the club
2. Computers or laptops for the club participants
3. Access to the internet or a download of the Scratch Offline Editor
4. Printed copies of the projects for the children to use

That’s it! A big screen or projector for the volunteer to show things to the whole group can be useful, but you don’t need anything more than this for a really successful club.

All Code Club volunteers must have an Enhanced DBS check and be covered by an appropriate public liability insurance. (We recommend that volunteers sign up the STEM Ambassador scheme, which provides both of these things and a lot of other awesome opportunities too.) Venues need to review these documents and ensure they are happy to get started with their volunteer. The Code Club support team will also review the documents; when they have been approved, the club will be activated and can begin.

Sounds great! How do we get started?

If you’re interested in hosting a Code Club and finding a volunteer it’s really easy to get started. Head on over to our site, where you can find out more information and register as a venue looking for a Code Club volunteer.

We also have a poster template you can use to try and find a volunteer from amongst your visitors, which regularly helps venues find wonderful local volunteers.

Code Club also has a support team looking after volunteers and venues in the UK, and we’re always delighted to help people get set-up -- just drop us a line at support@codeclub.org.uk.

Libraries are vital hubs which draw communities together, and make wonderful venues for Code Clubs. Let’s get coding together!

Image source: Photo courtesy of Chocolate Films Ltd.