Library hosts free personal finances program

More than 4,000 free financial programs are taking place across the country in libraries, businesses, financial institutions, schools, nonprofits and government agencies this week during Money Smart Week, a public awareness campaign to promote financial education across all age groups.

Launched in 2002 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the program is now active in more than 45 states through national partnerships with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Cooperative Extension and the American Library Association.

“Money Smart Week began as a coordinated effort among a small group of Chicago-area organizations working to promote financial literacy,” says Alejo Torres, senior outreach manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

“Today, Money Smart Week continues to expand nationally, providing greater awareness of, and access to, personal finance resources for all.”

Join us Saturday for a free crash course, “Take Charge of your Personal Finances,” with Chuck Hulbert. He will discuss budgeting, credit, emergency expenses, debt pay-off and savings with a question and answer session to follow.

Hulbert has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oregon Law School and is an expert speaker on personal finances. Adults, families and teens will take away helpful tips and strategies on managing their personal finances.

The following classes, workshops and events will take place at the Sandpoint Branch, 1407 Cedar, unless otherwise indicated.

n Friday, April 29 — Arbor Day at the Clark Fork Library, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come by the East Bonner County Library District’s Clark Fork branch for posters, pamphlets and a free baby blue spruce tree. Be sure to come early as there is limited supply of trees available.

n Saturday, April 30 — Computer class on Microsoft Publisher basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp. Learn the basics of Microsoft Publisher including templates, formatting and pictures. Preregistration required; call 263-6930.

n Saturday, April 30 — Take Charge of Your Personal Finances, 1 p.m. April is Financial Literacy Month. Get smart tips on managing personal and family finance for long-term financial security. Information: 263-6930.

n Monday, May 2 — Teen Make It at the Library, 3 p.m. Teens and young adults grades 7 & up explore robotics, Arduinos and 3D printing.

n Tuesday, May 3 — Mother Goose, 10:15 a.m.; story/singing program for children ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers.

n Tuesday, May 3 — Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m.; for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

n Tuesday, May 3 — Make It at the Library, 3 p.m. Kids create with robotics, Arduinos, needlework, Legos and other projects.

n Tuesday, May 3 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m., Clark Fork branch, East Bonner County Library District. For more information contact the Clark Fork branch library at 266-1321.

n Wednesday, May 4 — Lego Club, 2 p.m. Creating with Legos is the E & the A in S.T.E.A.M. Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)… and open Lego play is just plain fun. For ages 3-12; parents welcome.

n Wednesday, May 4 — Make It at The Library, 2-3:30 p.m., East Bonner County Library, Clark Fork branch, 601 Main St. Kids make a variety of age appropriate crafts.

n Thursday, May 5 — Tales From the Wardrobe, noon. The Sandpoint Friends of the Library host the Bonner County History Museum for an hour-long exploration into fashion in Bonner County in the 1940s and ’50s. Light refreshments provided.

n Thursday, May 5 — West African kora demonstration, 3:30 p.m., children’s program; and 6 p.m., all ages. Musician Sean Gaskell will give two free performances/ educational demonstrations on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa.

n Friday, May 6 — Clark Fork Story Time, 10:30 a.m. East Bonner County Library Clark Fork branch. Reading, games, snacks and more.

n Saturday, May 7 Computer class on computer basics, 8:15 a.m. sharp.

Learn about the parts of a computer, computer terminology, memory, navigation and accessibility. Preregistration required; 263-6930.

n Saturday, May 7 — Sandpoint Friends of the Library book sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., monthly used book sale. Great finds and sweet deals.

n StoryWalk — Four locations and stories. Visit the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, Dover City Park, U of I Recreation Center and McNearney Park for reading, activities, fitness and family fun.

Event is a partnership between the East Bonner County Library District, Kaniksu Land Trust, the city of Sandpoint, the city of Dover, the city of Ponderay, U of I and Friends of Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail.