Computer programming jobs are growing at twice the national average, but the declining number of computer science students doesn’t come close to the number of available computer science jobs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections estimates by 2020 jobs will outnumber students by 1 million.

Pierce County Library System is joining in the global Hour of Code effort to introduce students to computer science during Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 7-13, and throughout the coming year.

In just one hour, anyone can learn about computers. Kids as young as 4 and adults of any age can take tutorials, try a code puzzle, create an interactive project or learn online with Treehouse, lynda.com and Universal Class (free with a Pierce County Library card). Librarians at Pierce County Library System locations are happy to help you get started any time, in the library or at home.

“Anybody can give it a try and everyone can benefit from a one-hour introduction to computer science,” notes teen librarian Elise Doney. “Even one hour can boost digital literacy and help nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity,” adds teen librarian Jami Schwarzwalder.

The library is offering Hour of Code events in five locations in coming weeks. Find out more at hourofcode.pcls.us.

South Hill Pierce County Library: Dec. 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Lakewood Pierce County Library: Dec. 7, 4-5 p.m.

Summit Pierce County Library: Dec. 8, 4-5 p.m.

Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library: Dec. 9, 6-7 p.m.

University Place Pierce County Library: Dec. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m.