LIBRARIES in West Dunbartonshire are launching a new club to help teach youngsters digital skills.

The new Code Clubs aim to inspire the country’s next generation of coding experts. They are aimed at 9-11-year-olds and give young people the opportunity to learn a variety of digital skills in a fun environment.

The clubs will be implemented across Scotland and two in West Dunbartonshire will pilot the scheme before it is rolled out to the rest in the area.

A council spokeswoman said: “Code Club offers the opportunity for young people to learn new digital skills in a fun way and we’ve already supported a number of staff through the required training.

"The initiative is being launched in two libraries initially and will be rolled out to all libraries in West Dunbartonshire once members have been trained in all our branches.”

Gillian Daly, head of Policy and Projects, Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) said: “Public libraries in Scotland are a place where people can access technology and learn how to use it. Digital technology touches every aspect of our lives and digital literacy is vital to tackle inequality and social exclusion and promote self-improvement.

“Code Clubs are a fun and engaging way for young people to learn new skills. Most young people these days know how to work a smartphone better than any adult, but we still need to equip them with the right skills and knowledge for their future as technology and computing specialisms become embedded into our careers.”

SLIC was awarded £47,000 in funding from Scotland’s Digital Xtra Fund to deliver the Code Clubs in public library services across Scotland. The fund provides grant support to organisations delivering extracurricular computing and digital activities to young people aged 16 and under across Scotland.

Lorna Gibson, Scotland Coordinator, Code Club added: “The benefits of coding are far broader than just developing important digital skills. At a Code Club children are problem solving, collaborating, persevering and creating, all whilst having fun designing games and animations.

"We want to see a Code Club in every community, so that all children can have the opportunity to make and share their ideas using technology.”

To find out more information about the Code Clubs contact your local library or visit SLIC’s website www.scottishlibraries.org.