Roanoke County Public Library (RCPL) is launching its first Girls Who Code program series in March. Girls, grades 3-12, will learn from library staff via tutorials and materials provided by Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit reaching nearly 90,000 girls of all backgrounds across America.
Girls Who Code, founded by Reshma Saujani in 2012, focuses on closing the gender gap in technology. In addition to creating a large network of future female engineers, the boosts confidence and teaches teamwork skills. Clubs at RCPL began the first week of March.
Saujani’s new book, “Brave, Not Perfect” just hit the shelves and will soon be available for checkout at various Roanoke County libraries. Remember, one can place a copy on hold, and have it sent to any Roanoke Valley library. The book is based on Saujani’s widely popular TED Talk, “Teach girls bravery, not perfection” that looks at how women’s wiring for perfectionism can sometimes hold them back from being brave and bold.
Another coding opportunity for 9-13-year-olds is Code Club Roanoke at the South County Library. Code Club Roanoke is a branch of Code Club International and will be led by local group, NokeCodes, on specific Saturdays in the spring starting on March 9 at 1 p.m. The April-May calendar is available by visiting www.yourlibrary.us. Contact 540-772-7507 for more information.
- Submitted by Caitlin Gills
