By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—The North Shelby Library is stepping in to the world of technology. From Dec. 7-14, the library will join with schools across the world in hosting the Hour of Code.

Organized by Code.org, the Hour of Code is a one-hour program filled with tutorials designed to introduce the basics of computer science and coding. More than 100 million students have tried coding through the Hour of Code, and events are hosted in more than 180 countries in 40 languages.

“The Hour of Code is for everybody ages 4 to 104,” librarian Kate Etheredge said.

During the week, anyone is invited to drop in to “learn how the computer thinks,” Etheredge said. Designated coding workstations will be set up throughout the library for patrons to use and participate in the Hour of Code.

Technology is nothing new to the North Shelby Library. The library has held a number of technology-based programs, including an intensive, week-long digital animation class and a 3-D design and printing class.

“It’s important for kids to know what goes on behind (devices and apps),” Etheredge said. “I think it improves their creativity and improves their logical thinking… Hopefully, it’s getting them excited about STEAM (the science, technology, engineering, art and math curriculum emphasized in many schools).”

This is the library’s first year to participate in the Hour of Code, and Etheredge said she hopes to have more technology programs available in the future.

“We are really pushing for more technology programs,” Etheredge said. “We really see this as a place where we can help.”