Libraries Promote Financial Awareness

Saving for college? Preparing for retirement?  Just wish you were better at managing your money?  Sign up today for one of the Brookfield Public Library’s free financial education programs during Money Smart Week®, April 20-27, 2013. Whether you are a savvy saver, or a spirited spender, Money Smart Week®, offers something for you.

Money Smart Week® is a national campaign to promote personal financial literacy sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the American Library Association, and more than 250 local partner organizations. The campaign provides a week of classes and events for all ages aimed at helping consumers make informed choices when managing their personal finances. Roughly 500 free educational classes will take place in the Chicago area with financial topics for people of all ages.  The Brookfield Public Library will be offering the following free financial awareness programs:

Time is Money: Read for Fines                                           
Monday, April 22, 3-6 p.m.
Brookfield teens can celebrate Money Smart Week® by participating in Time is Money: Read for Fines! Teens can work off overdue fines on the library cards by reading in the Library.  For each half hour a teen reads, he or she will earn a dollar off of his or her library fines. Please note: we can only waive only waive overdue fines on Brookfield Public Library’s materials.  Ages 11-High School.

Consumer Credit Card Information
Monday, April 22, 7 p.m.
Learn how to credit card comparison shop, better understand your credit card statement, and review your credit scores and history. Presented by the State of Illinois Comptroller Office as part of their "Take Charge Illinois" initiative.  Register to attend online at www.brookfieldlibrary.info, by phone at 708-485-6917 x 130, or in person at the Information Desk.

Kids’ Money Smart: Piggy Banks & Penny Pitch
Wednesday, April 26, 4 p.m.
What better way to make saving fun than to paint your own piggy bank.  Kids can decorate their own piggy bank for Money Smart Week® and have fun playing the Penny Pitch game. The winner earns ALL the pennies! Register to attend online at www.brookfieldlibrary.info, by phone at 708-485-6917 x 140, or in person at the Youth Services Desk. Grades K and up. 

Foundations of Investing
Wednesday, April 26, 7 p.m.
New to investing? Or ready to jump back in?  Stephen Langworthy from Brookfield Edward Jones presents a seminar on the foundations of investing.  Learn about the key features of bonds, stocks, and mutual funds as well as the importance of proper asset allocation. Register to attend online at www.brookfieldlibrary.info, by phone at 708-485-6917 x 130, or in person at the Information Desk.

Medicare Seminar
Thursday, April 27, 7 p.m.
Are you going to be eligible for Medicare in the near future?  Have you been on Medicare for a while and want to better understand what it offers?  Do you have a family member you help with Medicare issues?  Learn the basics of Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, and Part D Drug Coverage at this free seminar. Register to attend online at www.brookfieldlibrary.info, by phone at 708-485-6917 x 130, or in person at the Information Desk.

Kids Money Smart: A Visit from Our Banker
Friday, April 28, 10:30 a.m.
It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about money. First National Bank of Brookfield CFO Philip M. Richard talks to preschoolers and parents about the value of earning and saving money. Kids can take home a free piggy bank and start being "money smart!”  Register to attend online at www.brookfieldlibrary.info, by phone at 708-485-6917 x 140, or in person at the Youth Services Desk.  All ages with adult.

For further information on the Brookfield Public Libraries Money Smart Week® visit www.brookfieldlibrary.info or contact the Library at 708-485-69174.  To learn more about the Money Smart Week® activities at other libraries, schools, businesses, financial institutions, and organizations throughout the Chicago area visit, www.moneysmartweek.org.