One of only 50 libraries in the nation chosen to host this exhibit, "Thinking Money for Kids," will open with a kick-off event at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Blair Public Library and Technology Center thanks to a national grant. The 1,000-square foot exhibit will be on display through Sept. 18.
The exhibit is a multimedia, interactive exhibit using games an activities with a fun storyline to help children understand what money is, its function in society, money choices, and money values such as fairness, responsibility and charitableness.
"I had to fill out the programs I anticipated having, the newspapers I would contact," said Margaret Hanson, gallery exhibit coordinator and library assistant. "It was an honor that our application was selected. I was over the moon."
She said there are a number of games the children will play to help them learn, including making change, finding out what things are going to cost and even bartering.
"I hope to have one on charitable giving in September," Hanson said. "I'm also going to have a speaker come talk about Medicare supplement changes and internet safety especially for kids.
It's been a fun thing to work on."
The Blair library is the only library chosen in all of Nebraska and western and central Iowa. The grant is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA. Host libraries were selected by a peer-reviewed, competitive application process.
“I spent over 20 years in the banking industry, and I continue to see the struggles families experience because of the ease of using an ATM card, the ease of using credit cards and the mindset of trying to keep up with the neighbors," Hanson said. "Money is such an important topic, and it’s one that we often forget to discuss with our children.”
Hanson said society has changed, with most teens having little experience with a bank account and failing to understand the responsibility of using a debit card.
"Parents often send their children off to college or out in to the work force with no knowledge of budgeting saving money or tracking expenditures," she said. "This exhibit will hopefully begin a dialogue to prepare youth for the money-world and kick-start conversations between adults to be more aware of where and how their earnings are spent. We encourage people of all ages to come explore Thinking Money for Kids.”
The library will partner with the Blair High School FBLA Chapter and Vicki Schrick, business teacher and chapter sponsor, and Caitlyn Haggstrom, chapter president. Members will be helping visitors with various aspects of the exhibit. Schrick and Haggstrom will also be sharing news regarding the Blair chapter’s plans for the 2021-22 school year.
Washington County Extension 4-H assistants are also lending their support on opening day with activities for youth such as the “Farm in a Glove” and the “Glitter Bug” experience to help promote healthy eating and healthy cleanliness habits.
Federal Trade Commission handouts will be available in English and Spanish relating to topics such as debt collection, identity theft, types of scams, data breaches and even online dating pitfalls.
During September, the library will be offering additional free programs for all ages and a variety of topics including what you need to know when buying your first car, how the better business bureau can help you, story times, and maybe even decorating a cookie or two.
Library staff will be available to help with the exhibit and answer questions. The Creative Commons will also be open for visitors to learn about 3-D printing, Laser Printing and the Cricut.
