Halton Borough Council is part of an innovative pilot in partnership with the Micro:bit Foundation to increase enhance digital skills for communities, one of only six authorities nationwide to be chosen.
The Micro:bit Foundation has donated a number of micro:bits to test lending in libraries across the UK and Halton has been selected as one of six pilot locations. The micro:bits are now available to borrow from all libraries in Halton.
The micro:bit is a handheld, fully programmable computer . This little device has a lot of features, such as 25 red LED lights that can flash messages. There are two programmable buttons that can be used to control games.
Micro:bits are free to loan to adults or children from all Halton Libraries for up to 3 weeks. They can also be reserved from any Halton library or online via the catalogue. http://library.haltonbc.info/
Each micro:bit pack contains: one micro:bit, one mini USB cable, one battery pack with two AAA batteries and a set of instructions. Library staff will be supporting children aged seven- to 12-years-old with their micro:bit at our weekly Code Clubs every Tuesday 3.45pm to 4.45pm at Widnes Library and Halton Lea Library. More information is available from our website
http://library.haltonbc.info/bbc-microbit/
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Libraries, Cllr Phil Harris, said: “We have run micro:bit events in the past but they have never been available to lend them out before so this is a great opportunity to try out new projects and show them to friends and family.”
Halton Libraries were chosen because the lending of micro:bits complement the library’s existing and innovative programme of informal science learning using technology.
This allows officers to expand the offer further and provide an exciting take home element for people of Halton