ALA and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation invite public libraries to apply for a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit, a collection of expertly vetted programming resources to help libraries offer financial education for children ages 3 to 12, both in the library and in children’s homes.
The programs will allow kids to create their own farm, participate in a puppet show, learn about adopting pets and become party planners, all while learning about personal finance topics like saving, spending and budgeting. Designed by educational media specialists and vetted by children’s librarians and financial literacy experts, the programs can be scaled to work in libraries of all sizes and can be led by library workers, volunteers or teens of varying experience levels, including those with little or no prior experience hosting financial education programming.
All public libraries, including tribal and state libraries, in the U.S. and U.S. territories are encouraged to apply. The brief application can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
Visit the project guidelines and apply online by September 8, 2023. Approximately 200 public libraries will be selected.
Selected libraries will receive:
- All materials needed to host five different in-person children’s programs – such as ready-to-use games, props and other physical materials – for children ages 3 to 12.
- A set of Playaway Launchpad tablets (no internet connection required) pre-loaded with digital content that aligns with the in-person program offerings that will be available for families to check out and use at home.
- Program instructions, talking points, related book lists and other resources to assist library workers in planning and hosting the in-person programs.
- Template promotional materials and digital graphics to assist library workers with marketing the programs and Launchpad tablets to the public.
- Access to virtual training and a community of practice.
The estimated value of each kit is $2,000. Libraries will keep all kit contents, including the Launchpads, after the grant period is completed.
Selected libraries are required to attend two brief virtual trainings; host each of the five in-person children’s programs at least once during the 16-month programming period; add Launchpad tablets to library circulation and collect circulation data; and complete a brief final report form (estimated completion time: 15 minutes).