BELLOWS FALLS — The Rockingham Free Public Library (RFPL) will soon present “Teen Techie Tuesdays,” a series of programs designed to emphasize technological skill development and information literacy through gaming.
This project is made possible through the “Make a Change Closer to Home” initiative, sponsored by Pepsi and Price Chopper. The companies are donating a total of $30,000 to be awarded to local organizations who want to make a difference in their communities.
One of 15 grants in this category, Youth Librarian Samantha Maskell submitted her winning idea and was awarded a $2,000 grant to help fund the “Teen Techie Tuesdays” project.
“We are thrilled to be a recipient of this grant, said Maskell. “It will really jump-start this project.”
Funds from the grant will be used to purchase the necessary equipment for the series, but more funding would allow more teens to participate. Maskell said the library is looking toward the community for further support and invite local businesses, organizations and residents to make donations to this program.
The “Teen Techie Tuesdays” series will feature three, six-week workshops, and also large-scale gaming events. Between each of the workshops, panels and discussions will be presented for all ages, featuring local experts and business leaders on related subjects: “How to Get a High-Tech Education;” “Emerging Career Fields” and “Working in Technology.”
“Be a Video Game Programmer” will kick-off the “Teen Techie Tuesdays” series in January. Learn how to create your own video game based on your favorite book, using online tools like “Scratch” from MIT, and “Game Maker.” They will spend time learning how to program in Python, an open source dynamic programming language.
“Booktrailers: Coming to a Library Near You” will begin in March. Create your own media by making a book trailer for your favorite book. Book trailers are short films that describe and promote books similar to movie trailers.
Also to come is “Hi-Tech Hide and Seek.” Using GPS technology and working with local government and historical resources, create a treasure hunting game. It will require reading, research, critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork. Teens will get to know their community and develop an understanding of civic responsibilities. Once the game is created, it will be available at RFPL for the whole community to play.
“The skills considered part of 21st Century literacy now include information, media, and technological literacy, in addition to all the traditional skills,” Maskell said. “The public library is a primary youth access point for technology in the community, and we see 'Teen Techie Tuesdays” as providing a huge step toward providing these skills in ways that will really engage and inspire teens.”
Sign-ups for the workshops begin thismonth. Space is limited, so stop by the library or call 802-463-4270 for more information.