A new Code Club launching at Bradford City Library this autumn will give children and young people the chance to explore coding and digital creativity in a fun, friendly environment.
Run by Bradford Libraries in partnership with the University of Leeds, the pilot initiative aims to inspire curiosity about technology while building skills and confidence among children aged 6 to 16.
The free club will run on two consecutive Saturdays, 29 November and 6 December, with younger participants (ages 6–12) attending from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, and older teens joining from 2pm to 3pm. Each session will be hosted at Bradford City Library in the city centre.
Children will get hands-on experience using iPads and computers to experiment with coding, games, and interactive challenges. Activities will be guided by trained University of Leeds student volunteers, all DBS-checked, working alongside library staff and digital mentors to create a safe, inclusive and engaging space.
The pilot forms part of a broader push to help families access digital learning opportunities through local libraries. Organisers say it’s about showing that coding is creative, accessible and fun, not something limited to computer scientists.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for children to learn a valuable new skill in a relaxed and creative setting. The Code Club will help build confidence with technology and show that libraries are places for innovation as well as books.”
The pilot’s outcomes will help inform future coding clubs across the district’s libraries, expanding digital engagement opportunities for children and teens.
