Concerned about your grandchildren’s saving and investing?

New Money Smart “Kids Read” Event Coming to an Iowa Library Near You

You’re invited to help your elementary school age grandchildren learn about saving and investing with you at a “Money Smart Kids Read” program offered for the first time this year at more than 20 libraries across the state between April 5-15.

As part of this year’s Money Smart Week Iowa events, AARP is pleased to sponsor this innovative approach designed to help children learn about the importance of saving and investing in a fun, inter-generational way with their grandparent or parent.

“We are delighted to sponsor the Money Smart Kids Read events because reading together is such a great way to connect the generations, and children can learn so much from their grandparents and parents, especially when it comes to saving and investing,"  said AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern. "Reading a book together is a terrific start, and local library is the perfect place to do it,” Sovern added.

This year’s Money Smart books for the program are Rock, Brock and the Savings Shock by Shelia Bair (for 2nd and 3rd graders), and Stock Market Pie:  Grandma Helps Emily Make a Million (for 4th and 5th graders) by J.M. Seymour.  Each child will be able to take home their own copy of the book they read.

Money Smart Kids Read dates, times and libraries and contacts for more information are as follows:

April 5
Council Bluffs Public Library, 1:30 p.m., 712-323-7553
Knoxville Public Library, 6:30 p.m., 641-828-0585
Marion Public Library, 6:30 p.m., 319-377-3412
April 6
Johnston Public Library, 3 p.m., 515-278-5233
April 7
Alton Public Library, 7 p.m., 712-756-4516
Hawarden Public Library, 3:30 p.m., 712-551-2244
Jesup Public Library, 4:30 p.m., 319-334-7161
Westgate Public Library, 5:30 p.m., 563-578-5151
April 8
Ankeny Public Library, 6:30 p.m., 515-965-6455
Boyden Public Library, 4:30 p.m., 712-725-2281
April 10
Dubuque Public Library, 4 p.m., 563-589-4137
Graettinger Public Library, 5:30 p.m., 712-859-3592
Hull Public Library, 7 p.m., 712-439-1321
Independence Public Library, 6:30 p.m., 319-334-7161
April 11
Hospers Public Library, 4 p.m., 712-752-8400
Ida Grove Public Library, 5:30 p.m., 712-364-2306
Sac City Public Library, 4 p.m., 712-662-7276
Waukee Public Library, 4:30 p.m., 515-978-7944
Westgate Public Library, 5:30 p.m., 563-578-5151
April 14
Clinton Public Library, 5 p.m., 563-243-5436
April 15
Shenandoah Public Library, 4 p.m., 712-364-2306

Money Smart Week is a week of free, educational events – with no sales pitches – designed to help consumers better manager their money.  It was created and is managed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.  In Iowa, more than 200 banks, credit unions, libraries, businesses, nonprofits and government organizations partner with the Chicago Fed to host more than 160 events on dozens of financial topics.