Cumberland County Public Library received a $13,500 grant from The Terri Union Endowment for Women and Girls Fund from Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. to launch coding programs for girls ages six through 17. These innovative programs will be hosted at the Headquarters, North Regional and East Regional Library locations.

Library coding programs kick off in December at East Regional Library on Dec. 6 at 3 p.m., Headquarters Library on Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. and North Regional Library on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.

This initiative stems from feedback gathered during 32 coding programs held in spring 2024 at several Cumberland County Public Library branches. The Girls Code programs are designed to inspire and empower young girls in the community, providing them with essential skills in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) fields and fostering workforce development opportunities.

By offering coding programs, Cumberland County Public Library provides girls with the confidence, tools and opportunities to become creators of technology. These programs will foster soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity. They also challenge gender stereotypes and offer girls a chance to envision themselves as innovators, designers, engineers and leaders.

Participants in the library’s coding programs will receive a unique custom-made charm each month, representing each program attended. Participants can build a bracelet, necklace, key chain or more with the charms collected.

For more information about the Girls Code programs, contact Headquarters Library at 910-483-7727 or visit the library’s event calendar at bit.ly/3YzGbTz.

Learn more about Cumberland County Public Library at cumberlandcountync.gov/library or call 910 483-7727. Follow the library on social media at facebook.com/CumberlandCountyPublicLibrary.