Coding challenges, programmable robots and Minecraft are among the activities on offer at North Lakes Library, where the current program includes hands-on digital sessions for children, teenagers and adults.
The line-up stretches from introductory robotics for children to STEAM activities, a weekly Minecraft Club and an adult group devoted to game programming and design.
One of the more unusual offerings is TryBots, a free session built around programmable robots. The latest North Lakes session was held on Saturday, 5 September, with the next currently listed for 7 November.
Getting to Grips With Robots
TryBots is for ages five and over and does not require bookings. Children can use Blue-Bots in games, build a maze or challenge for a robot, try coding activities using the library’s Tech Trolley and join a Storytime session featuring a robot.
Blue-Bots are small programmable floor robots that follow sequences of movement instructions. They can also connect to a tablet or computer via Bluetooth, giving children a simple way to experiment with basic coding concepts.
No previous coding experience is listed as a requirement, and the library also has Blue-Bots available to borrow for use at home.
Minecraft is another regular fixture at North Lakes Library, with Minecraft Club running on Tuesdays from 3.30pm to 4.30pm for ages six to 17.
Players take on challenges using the library’s Minecraft server, with the sessions open to different levels of experience. Bookings are required. Participants can play remotely using their own Java or Bedrock account or attend the library and use its computers and accounts.
North Lakes also hosts STEAM Station for children aged five to 11, combining science, technology, engineering, art and maths through hands-on activities. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for 14 and 23 September and 12 and 28 October, from 3.30pm to 4pm. The sessions are free and do not require bookings.
Game Development for Grown-Ups
The digital program is not limited to younger library users.
The Game Development and Design Group meets every Thursday from 6pm to 7pm, giving adults a place to share ideas, collaborate and learn about game programming and design practices.
The group is free and does not require bookings. Its current listing does not specify a minimum level of experience or whether participants need to bring a laptop, so anyone unsure about equipment or the level of the sessions can check with the library before attending.
Meetings continue throughout September and October.
More to Try During the Holidays
Some of the regular activities continue into the September school holidays.
Minecraft Club is scheduled for 22 and 29 September, while STEAM Station will run on 23 September. LEGO Engineers Club, which uses LEGO in design and engineering challenges, is also scheduled for 21 September.
There is more to come after the holidays. On Saturday, 17 October, North Lakes Library will hold a free Studios Open Day from 9.30am to noon.
People aged 12 and over can try activities including podcasting, Cricut cutting and robotics, with no booking required.
The open day also provides a look inside the library’s Digital Studio, a bookable space equipped for activities including podcasting, content creation, vinyl and paper cutting and experimenting with robots.
It is a less traditional part of the program at the library at 10 The Corso, sitting alongside books, public computers, Wi-Fi, printing and scanning services and a wider calendar of children’s and community activities.
Published 8-September-2026
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