BCPL

Press release

Money Smart Week is a national education campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. Started by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, the program brings together financial institutions, non-profits, libraries, universities and government agencies to offer thousands of free financial education classes across the country.

Money Smart Week is an opportunity to focus on helping community members learn financial literacy skills, including budgeting, interest, saving, credit and security.

“Financial literacy is an important skill for all ages,” says Caleb Conover, public services librarian. “And we hope the resources made available through the library will assist in teaching members of our community how to attain financial stability and success.”

At 4 p.m. Tuesday, the library will host Financial Literacy: There’s an App for That.  Students, ages 9-18, will be able to learn about and try out a wide variety of apps that will help with financial literacy skills, such as budgeting and spending.

“We want to show middle and high school students that there are resources out there, such as apps, that can help them practice these skills in fun ways that don’t feel intimidating,” says Kinsey Hisle, youth services librarian. “The more comfortable they get knowing and using financial literacy skills, the better off they will be as they grow older and have more to manage.”

Alethea Price will also present during the program.

“The UK Extension Service has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to teaching life skills to all age groups,” says Hisle. “The library and extension shares values of teaching the community — in this case,  youth — skills patrons would find useful and can be used throughout their life, like financial literacy skills.”

The second event held during Money Smart Week will be geared toward first-time home buyers. At 6 p.m. Thursday,  the library will host Home Buying 101: Zero-Down Loans.  Led by loan officer Katrina Salyers and realtor Kristina Beasley-Arnold, this program will cover zero-down loan options and give a brief overview of the home buying process.

Program attendees will be eligible for door prizes and giveaways. Light refreshments will be provided and registration is recommended. Those interested in attending should email kristinaarnold1716@gmail.com or they can call the library to sign up.