The thought of coding a game may seem impossible to some, but with the library’s new Hour of Code program, anyone can learn how to code a full video game.

“The ‘Hour of Code’ is a worldwide initiative to get more students involved in writing code and perhaps becoming interested in pursuing a career in Software Programming/Engineering,” Computer Science teacher Pam Ford said. “It is predicted that software jobs will increase at a substantial rate over the next few years and there will be a deficit of students majoring in Software to fill those jobs. It is estimated that by 2020, available jobs in the software industry will increase to 1.4 million and the projected available workforce to fill those positions will be .8 million.”

Not only does Hour of Code teach students code, but also shows them the world of programming.

“Most people do not even know what a programmer does; the Hour of Code gives students a glimpse into what it is like to write code in a fun environment,” Ford said. “Their mission is to introduce coding to tens of millions of students in 180+ countries,” Ford said.

It all started when the district was registered in the Hour of Code system.

“As a district, Lovejoy (administration) registered our district to be a participant in the Hour of Code,” Library Media Specialist Emma McDonald said. “So then the high school and each of the other schools registered to be a participant as well.”

Starting Dec. 7, the library will start hosting Hour of Code events for the entire week.

“We will be doing a featured tutorial everyday,” McDonald said. “Monday will be ‘Star Wars,’ Tuesday will be ‘Minecraft,’  Wednesday will be ‘Scratch,’ Thursday is a game called ‘Code Combat,’ and Friday is another game as well.”

Those running the event hope it will promote an increase in the interest of programming.

“A lot of kids are interested in video games but someone has to create them on the back end and make them fun and interesting,” McDonald Said. “Hour of Code is one way to show how fun creating a video games or creating games can be.”

Students who participate will also learn imperative lessons.

“I think it might give them a glimpse into what it’s like to write code,” Ford said. “To me coding is like solving a puzzle; it can be frustrating at times, but it can be rewarding and exciting when you put that last piece in place and the computer finally does what you want it to do. My hope is that students will experience that excitement and perhaps become interested in taking computer classes to help them understand how a computer works which should be important to every person in this day and age.”

Hour of Code events will start after school December 7 in the library and will run all week. Everyone is welcome and no prior coding experience is needed.