Being cash savvy is something that can help individuals today and in the future, and Naperville Public Library dedicates a whole week to making that hard-earned dollar go far. The library’s upcoming Money Smart Week programs will focus on how all ages can save and value money.
Money Smart Week, which is from April 5 through April 12, is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. It kicked off more than 10 years ago. Kent Palmer, business librarian who organizes the library’s programs for Money Smart Week, said the library has been involved with the campaign since about the beginning of its inception.
“Our intent is to help people develop an awareness of money matters and to learn how to be smart about their money and make good decisions before things become urgent,” Palmer said. “My anticipation for Money Smart Week is to have those who attend learn something that they didn’t already know. These programs are always most successful when the attendees who most need the information are able to gain free access to that information.”
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Adult Money Smart Week programs:
• Financial Analysis at Your Library
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 7, 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive
• How to Bridge the Retirement Gap
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 8, 95th Street Library
• How to Prepare for the Rising Cost of College
7 to 8:30 p.m. April 9, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.
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• ABCs of Buying a Home
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 10, Nichols Library
Teens also can learn about being money smart during the Teen Reality Fair from 12:30 to 3 p.m. April 12 at Nichols Library. The fair will teach the basics of financial literacy like opening a bank account and interviewing for a job.
“The Teen Reality Fair has always been a big hit for teens and their parents alike,” Palmer said. “The fair is on Saturday so we’re expecting a good crowd of teens.”
Children, who want to learn the ins and outs of saving, can attend the library’s new children’s program, Money Smart Mini Camp for Kids and Parents, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. April 12 at 95th Street Library. The program requires advanced registration.
“I think it is very important for children to learn at an early age that money doesn't come easily and that it requires work and planning to be able to have enough money to buy the things we need and want,” he said.
For more information, including program times and locations, go to naperville-lib.org.
