The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., has announced two Girls Who Code programs that will take place this spring.

Girls Who Code is a free club for students to explore coding in a fun and friendly environment. The library’s program is open to students of all genders in grades 3-5. Two programs will take place: one for homeschool families during the day and one after school.

Both programs begin March 1, and all participants will need a guardian to stay and fill out a permission slip. Program attendees can bring their own laptop or tablet, or follow along on the big screen in the Lowry Room. The Girls Who Code website will have access to the free books, “Learn to Code and Change the World” and “The Friendship Code,” along with the free coding program, Scratch.

Future meetings will focus on building the foundational skills and understanding of computer science concepts through a reading discussion and coding activities.

You can join whether you are a beginner or a computer master. Also, this is a book club so any gender can join.

The first Girls Who Code Book Club is from 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays and registration is available here: https://calendar.jvbrown.edu/home/event/21263/girls-who-code-book-club

The after school Girls Who Code Book Club is from 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays and registration is available here: https://calendar.jvbrown.edu/home/event/21277/girls-who-code-book-club

If you have any questions, please contact Jacquie Weaver, program facilitator, at 570-326-0536, ext. 115, or via email at jweaver@jvbrown.edu.

There also are opportunities for middle and high school students to volunteer to serve as mentors and program helpers.

This is one of the many ways the library supports the PA Forward Initiative through providing information literacy opportunities for learning.

When Pennsylvania residents know how to use current technology to improve their education and enhance their skills, they can fully participate in a digital society.

The program will be presented in the Lowry Room on the third floor of the Welch Children’s Wing. Registration is required and may be made by visiting calendar.jvbrown.edu or calling 570-326-0536.

The James V. Brown Library is open for browsing and holds pick up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. To place a hold, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library’s operating hours. The library also is open for public computer usage and for services such as printing, faxing, copying and scanning. Walk-in passport services are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., is the place to go to learn, connect and grow. Founded in June 1907, the library champions the love of reading, opens new doors to lifelong learning, provides a haven to those who seek and ensures the preservation of public library services for future generations. The library has more than 225,000 visitors in a year and circulates a half-million items annually. A member of the Lycoming County Library System, the James V. Brown Library participates in PA Forward, a statewide initiative to promote literacies in our communities to power a better future for everyone.