To address the increasing demand for programming education, Moldovan public libraries are stepping up their offers to local communities to learn the basics of coding through their ‘CodeLab’ initiative. As part of a Novateca grant associated with its Library Innovators Leadership Initiative, and in coordination with the National Children’s Library, over the past 3 months, 11 public libraries have trained over 2,000 children and adults (55% girls and women) how to code and use programming platforms to improve their digital skills and express their creativity in a fun and interactive environment.

Preschoolers, elementary school kids, and teens (and even some adults) have become familiar with online sources and applications such as Scratch and Hour of Code (hourofcode.com) that help them build essential IT literacy skills, gain an understanding of logic and sequence, and develop their own simple games and programs. The CodeLab initiative is proving to be a fun and popular way to introduce coding principles to a diverse audience, and underscores the role that public libraries play to enhance interest in STEM in Moldovan communities.