LIBRARIES WHO CODE: Computer-science education, now heavily promoted in public schools, is entering public libraries. Last week the American Libraries Association announced a $500,000 competitive grant program, sponsored by Google, to help libraries build computer-science education centers.
The grant is part of an initiative called Libraries Ready to Code, where libraries bring in resources and research to help staff members teach youth and families computer science in informal learning settings.
Representatives from the American Library Association say 25 to 50 libraries will receive funding from the ALA and consulting expertise and operational support from Google. The project’s leaders hope that libraries, often utilized by low-income families who do not have technology at home, will give young people and their relatives new opportunities to learn that they otherwise would not have.
