Rainy Day Ready : Financial Literacy Programs and Tools

A survey from the American Psychological Association shows that money is a more frequent cause of worry than work, family, or health issues. Empowering people with the knowledge to make sound financial decisions is an important way to make a difference in your community, and many libraries across the country are doing just that. Drawing from the expertise of business librarians and ALA’s Public Programs Office (PPO), this book is a ready-to-use guide for offering financial literacy initiatives at your own library. Presenting 16 model programs from a variety of institutions, complete with budgets and funding sources, this resource shares

• resources for free outreach materials and training;
• approaches to Money Smart Week from institutions such as public libraries, a tribal library, and community colleges;
• tips for developing partnerships with members of the local business community;
• ways to facilitate discussions between parents and children about finances, such as creating a play and learn career center for children using the Family Place model;
• programming for teens, including a Harry Potter-themed financial literacy series;
• a program where a banker advises college students on questions to ask when shopping for credit cards;
• how to collaborate with health and social services agencies in order to reach immigrants and underserved populations; and
• methods for evaluating and strengthening a personal finance collection.

By incorporating these model programs and tools into your library's offerings, you’ll be taking steps to ensure that your patrons are rainy day ready.

Melanie Welch is a project director in the ALA Public Programs Office. Melanie is a veteran nonprofit professional with experience in outcomes-based work at museums and environmental organizations and expertise in informal education, public programs, and community engagement and outreach. In her current role with ALA’s Public Programs Office, she develops informal education programs and professional development opportunities for libraries and library staff of all types throughout the United States. She received a bachelor of science degree in environmental biology from Bradley University and a master of science degree in biology from Northern Illinois University and is a member of the Second Nature class of Catto Fellows at the Aspen Institute.

Patrick Hogan is an editor with the American Library Association's book publishing imprint. Previously, he was an editor with a Chicago business book publisher.

ALA Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation and connection in communities of all types.