An innovative digital initiative which has been rolled out in North Ayrshire’s libraries has received national recognition.

The Council’s DigiDabble Project – which has proved a huge hit for families in recent months - won the ‘Digital Library’ prize at the EDGE 2017 Awards recently.

The DigiDabble events take place on Saturdays and provide a new twist to how we learn and read and have given everyone, particularly young people, a chance to embrace new and interesting technologies.

During DigiDabble Days, a variety of software packages are introduced to help create new ways for young people to learn and interact.

One is called Osmo - a game system that changes the way children interact with iPads by opening it up to hands-on play which enhances learning in literacy, numeracy, creativity and coding.

Others apps are used on the iPad to teach literacy and numeracy to younger children, while the software Marbiotic Smart Letters and Magik Play combine different learning challenges for the iPad with the simplicity of traditional toys.

The most recent event at Kilwinning Library included the North Ayrshire Youth Services team delivering a range of activities including Sony Virtual Reality, Anki Overdrive racing game and 3D augmented reality colouring app Quiver.

DigiDabble supports the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) agenda but more importantly it helps increase social and digital inclusion as well as building skills and confidence.

Interest has been growing in local schools with a series of sessions arranged for classes to participate in the new technology.

Audrey Sutton, Head of Service (Connected Communities) said: “The DigiDabble events bringing something different to our libraries and providing new ways for our young people to learn and develop.

“The events have proved really popular so far and seem to have caught the imagination of families.

“A huge well done to everyone involved and we look forward to even more DigiDabble days in the future.”

EDGE2017 awards highlight and rewards good practice in innovative Scottish libraries.