FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Earn, Save, Spend, Budget! Kids Can Learn about Personal Finance through New Library Offerings

62040 — Young people will have the opportunity to learn about financial topics — like earning, saving, spending, sharing and budgeting — in a way that is both meaningful and fun through a new SMRLD offering. Starting 2025, visit the library for in-person kids’ programs or take home a tablet loaded with fun games, offered through the Thinking Money for Kids program.

SMRLD has been selected to receive a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit from the American Library Association (ALA) and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. The Program Kit is a collection of expertly vetted resources to help libraries teach financial education concepts for children ages 3 to 12, both in the library and in children’s homes.

Selected through a national application process, the Six Mile Regional Library District is one of 300 libraries to receive this unique offering.

“We’re excited to introduce the Thinking Money for Kids programs at Six Mile Regional Library District!” said Youth Services Manager Erica Hanke-Young. “Customers can borrow Playaway Launchpad tablets pre-loaded with fun financial games for kids ages 5 and up. Plus, stay tuned for engaging financial education children’s programs coming to the library in 2025.”

Playaway Launchpads are kid-friendly tablets designed to continue learning at home, available to check out for 1 week. The Launchpads don’t require a home internet connection and will be available for checkout at our 2001 Delmar Ave location NOW. Games that are pre-loaded on the Launchpads also have corresponding physical games in the library including Pet Cents, Making Mooo-lah, Currency Conga and Penny Pinchers’ Party.

For more information and a calendar of upcoming Thinking Money for Kids programs, visit smrld.org/thinkingmoneyforkidsgrant/

Contact:
Erica Hanke-Young
Youth Services Manager
Six Mile Regional Library District
618-452-6238
[email protected]

Thinking Money for Kids Storytimes
10 AM at SMRLD, 2145 Johnson Rd
January 13 – Currency Conga: Learn to Identify Money
January 27 – Special Guest: Stephanie Bevely from the IL State Treasurer’s Office
February 3 – Piggy Bank Theater: Learn the difference between Spend & Save
In partnership with FINRA and ALA
Explore, Learn, Succeed!