Kids and technology are a natural fit – and Burnaby Public Library is giving local students plenty of chances to get their hands on tech.
The library has a number of upcoming programs to introduce children to the world of technology and coding. (Note that some of these programs are very popular, so sign up quickly, and be sure to check the library’s website for up-to-date availability.) Among them:
Fun With Electronics: LittleBits
LittleBits is a collection that allows children to experiment and invent with electricity and its applications. A course for kids aged eight to 10 is on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bob Prittie (Metrotown) branch at 6100 Willingdon Ave. Each child must bring a participating adult.
There are also sessions on Saturday, March 2 at the Tommy Douglas branch (7311 Kingsway), with seven- to nine-year-olds from 2 to 3 p.m. and 10- to 12-year-olds from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration for those opens Feb. 11 at www.bpl.bc.ca/events, at the information desk of the library or by calling 604-522-3971.
TechPlay: Fun with Osmo
This one’s at the Tommy Douglas branch (7311 Kingsway). These sessions on Saturday, Feb. 2 introduce children to Osmo, an iPad-compatible game that introduces kids to coding skills. There’s a session for seven- to nine-year-olds from 2 to 3 p.m., and a session for 10- to 12 year-olds from 4 to 5 p.m. Children under 10 need to bring an adult who will participate. Registration begins on Monday, Jan. 14; register online at www.bpl.bc.ca/events, call 604-522-3971 or drop in to the information desk to register in person.
Robotics Fun With Sphero
Sphero is a small, round tech toy controlled by an app on a tablet or smartphone, and it introduces kids to the basics of programming as they make it roll around, change colours and navigate through a maze. There are sessions at the Bob Prittie (Metrotown) library branch on Monday, Feb. 11. A session for seven- to nine-year-olds is already full, but a session for 10- to 12-year-olds runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is open for registration at www.bpl.bc.ca/events. Call 604-436-5420 for information.
For more on any of the library’s programs, see www.bpl.bc.ca/events.
