Norfolk libraries inspire county's children and young people (CYP) throughout Digifest 2024
Digifest, which aims to inspire the next generation of coders and creators, is back for 2024!
Digifest forms part of Norfolk County Council's Digital Inclusion Strategy. It helps children and young people (CYP) with the use of creative digital technologies, aiming to inspire them to pursue a future career in a digital industry.
Throughout February, there will be a huge variety of free events and workshops taking place across Norfolk's libraries for children and young people (CYP) aged four to 14. They are being encouraged to try their hand at stop-motion animation, learn basic coding skills with different robots, create with 3D pens and more.
In Norwich, Adult Learning will host three-dimensional (3D) printing sessions, and the UEA School of Psychology will run a fun activity with their innovative eye-tracking technology. At the end of the month, local games professional Susi Bauer will draw Digifest to a close. Susi will deliver an engaging career talk for older children and young people at Millennium Library, covering jobs in the games industry.
Special partner sessions have also been scheduled across the county, including Lego™ robotics sessions with ICT Solutions, Norfolk's experts in introducing children to new technology.
Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "Our libraries provide a fantastic digital offering all year round, and the month of Digifest is the perfect opportunity for children and young people to get inspired by these hands-on workshops and events.
"Making sure that everyone in Norfolk is digitally included is a top priority for the council. We know that as a rural county we need to work hard to connect people together, and young people joining in Digifest will help to encourage them into the vital digital jobs of the future."
The free workshops will run throughout the month with the aim of sparking interest in technology among Norfolk's youngest residents.
Alongside Digifest, Norfolk Libraries offer a whole host of digital initiatives for all ages, including:
- A suite of apps, such as:
- Press Reader, which allows readers to access digital versions of magazines and newspapers
- Libby, which allows readers to borrow digital copies of books
- Digital Health Hubs which give people one-to-one support to get access to online health services
- The National Databank, which provides adults in need with six-months of free data via a SIM card
- A team of Digital Champions who help people, usually one-to-one, to improve their computer skills
- Code Clubs and Robotics Clubs
- Laptops to Loan, an initiative which allows over 18s with a full library membership to borrow a laptop for up to six weeks at a time
- Safe and welcoming study spaces - including extended 'Open Library' access during unstaffed hours
- Theory Test Pro which is a free simulation of driving theory test including official practice questions, hazard perception videos and online version of the Highway code
- Volunteering opportunities
To explore events taking place across Norfolk's libraries throughout Digifest, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/digifest
Alternatively, join your local library and explore everything they have to offer by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/jointhelibrary