On any given weekday, a quiet hum of curiosity fills the Chicago Ridge Public Library. But on coding club days, the energy is electric. Groups of children huddle around self-made robots, computer screens, and tablets, bringing animations, games, and stories to life with lines of code.
This initiative, aimed at fostering a love for technology and problem-solving, provides children with a creative outlet and essential skills for the digital age. The program has become a hub for young minds, from beginners navigating their first algorithms to budding tech enthusiasts dreaming of apps, including Rayana Ahmed, a Simmons Middle School student who aspires to become a pediatrician.
“Computer programming is essential to my career goals,” said Rayana, 12, of Oak Lawn. “The more I know, the better.”
Rayana isn’t the only student in attendance with ambitious goals.
Ten-year-old Harnew Elementary School students Fatima Alkhulaqui, who dreams of being a veterinarian, and Amelia Ahmed, who plans to become a dentist, are equally engaged.
“I love building stuff and learning about computer programming,” said Fatima, of Oak Lawn. “When I heard about this program, I knew right away it was for me.”
“I’ve been involved with coding programs before, and they’re always so much fun,” added Amelia, also of Oak Lawn.
The coding club, held at the library at 10400 S. Oxford Ave., launched in December under the guidance of Youth Services Librarian Salimah Boufath.
“I think the program is a great way for kids to build their computer skills, learn coding, and even create their own video games,” Boufath said. “They get to meet new people and work together toward shared goals.”
Children ages 10 and up meet every Monday at 4 p.m. Recently, they used a program called Bloxels to design and code their own video games. Working individually or in pairs, the kids create ideal games for others to play.
The group is also learning to write commands for toy robots, gaining a deeper understanding of how coding functions as a set of instructions for computers. Coding allows programmers to create programs like websites and apps and to process data in more efficient ways, Boufath explained.
“I’m astonished at how quickly these kids pick up coding and work on their projects with minimal assistance,” she said. “This program could inspire them to create professional video games in the future.”
On average, 10 children attend the weekly meetings, but library staff expect the number to increase.
“This program motivates kids, boosts their computer skills, and increases their social skills,” Boufath said. “With technology constantly evolving, this is a great way to prepare future generations for a changing digital landscape. Kids are always playing video games—this program helps them understand how games are created and lets them make their own.”
With every line of code and every project completed, the children at Chicago Ridge Public Library’s coding club are not just building games, they are building futures in a digital world full of endless possibilities.
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