The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library will host a traveling exhibit designed to teach kids and their families about money.
Thinking Money for Kids is a museum-quality exhibition that is traveling to 50 U.S. public libraries between 2019 and 2021, including the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, during regular library hours from Wednesday, Feb. 12, through Friday, March 20, at KHCPL South. Nearly 130 public libraries across the country applied for the opportunity, according to ALA.
We all need to master the knowledge and skills to make smart financial choices and prepare for whatever the future brings. Thinking Money for Kids strives to teach children ages 7 to 11 and their parents, caregivers, and educators about financial literacy topics — such as saving, spending, and budgeting — in a way that is not only understandable, but also fun.
Through a bustling community market-themed storyline, digital interactive content and other fun, hands-on activities, the exhibition explores:
- What is money?
- How do we earn money?
- Saving and spending
- Money values, such as fairness and charitableness
- Making responsible financial decisions
KHCPL has created a website, as well, with all kinds of tips for money management and lesson plans for teachers. Find it at thinkmoney.khcpl.org.
“In our culture, we tend not to talk about finances even within families,” said KHCPL Director Faith Brautigam. “I see this exhibit as a great opportunity to get our community to begin communicating about this important topic with each other and with the children in our lives.”
In addition to the exhibit, KHCPL will host a number of programs to teach kids, teens, and adults about money:
Thinking Money for Kids
Kids Create!
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. * KHCPL South
Free drop-in craft time for children ages 4 and up.
Saturday, Feb. 15: Spend, Save, Give Banks
Kids’ Flea Market
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. * Saturday, Feb. 22 * KHCPL South
Come shop in our kid-run flea market that offers outgrown toys, handmade crafts, and other small items for sale. There’s no registration to attend. Anyone who wants to have a shop needs to call 765.453.4150 between Jan. 1 and Feb. 1 to register. Late registration might be available, depending on space.
Kids’ Money Manager
6:00 to 7:00 p.m. * Tuesday, Feb. 25 * KHCPL South
Children ages 6 to 9 have few occasions to see what money does and how it’s used, so at this program they’ll gain an understanding of how we use money day to day. Girl Scouts can earn a badge. Online registration required at KHCPL.org under “Events.”
Adventure in Coins
6:00 to 7:00 p.m. * Thursday, Feb. 27 * KHCPL South
Kindergarteners through fifth-graders, learn and then do activities involving coins. Then tour the Thinking Money exhibit. If you’re a Cub Scout, you can earn the Wolf Badge.
Thinking Money for Kids-Book Discussion
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. * Tuesday, March 3 * KHCPL South
Third- through fifth-graders, have you ever wanted to earn money with a lemonade stand? Come join the discussion of the book The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. It is a competition story between brother and sister to see who can be the first to make $100. A tour of the Thinking Money for
Kids exhibit will be included. Snacks provided. Books will be available to check out starting on Feb. 3.Thinking Money for Kids Storytime
10:00 a.m. * Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18 * KHCPL South
10:00 a.m. * Mondays, March 2, 9, and 16 * KHCPL Russiaville
It’s never too early to teach children ages 3 to 5 about money matters. Learn about saving, earning, spending, and greater than and less than through stories, songs, and activities.
Save Money and Redesign & Redefine Your Clothing
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. * Sunday, March 8 * KHCPL South
Third- through eighth-graders, bring in an article of clothing that you have found at a thrift shop or that unworn piece in the back of your closet. We will teach you how to take something used and how to refresh it into a designer look.
Thinking Money for Teens
Leap Into a New Wardrobe
Drop-off
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every Monday in February * KHCPL South
1:00 to 8:00 p.m., every Thursday in February * KHCPL Main
Event
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. * Saturday, Feb. 29 * KHCPL South
Teens in sixth through 12th grades, revamp your closet with a free clothes swap! Bring in your unwanted or too-small WASHED clothing to donate. See something you like? Take it. It’s free!
How to Interview
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. * Tuesday, March 24 * KHCPL Main
Teens in ninth through 12th grades, are you ready to make your debut into the workforce? Nervous about interviewing? Come to this class to learn the dos and don’ts of acing that good job. Online registration required at KHCPL.org under “Events.”
Thinking Money for Teens and Adults
Craft Corner
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. * KHCPL South
Free drop-in craft time for teens and adults.
Saturday, Feb. 15: Bucket List Jar
Personalized “Fund” Jar
2:00 to 4:30 p.m. * Sunday, March 15 * KHCPL Main
Teens and adults, do you need to start saving for your next vacation, retirement, or just a rainy day? Come create your own personalized “fund” jar using Cricut Design Space and KHCPL’s Cricut machine. You’ll learn the basic tools and user interface of Cricut Design Space by designing and creating a vinyl decal to put on your “fund” jar. All supplies provided. Online registration required at KHCPL.org under “Events.”
Thinking Money for Adults
Lunch N Learn: Thinking Money
noon * Thursdays, March 5 and 12 * KHCPL South
Session 1: Credit reports and Credit Scores
Learn how to get your credit report, what to pay attention to, and learn about the difference between credit scores and credit reports.
Session 2: Start Small, Save Up
Adults, whether you want to put money aside for unexpected expenses or make a plan to save for your future goals, we have resources that can help. Each session will be hands-on and lunch is provided. Registration required by calling 765.453.4150.
Shred Your Confidential Papers FREE
9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. * Wednesday, March 4 * KHCPL South
Free shredding with a maximum of three file boxes per vehicle, and no plastic containers. Please remove any wire-bound files before shredding.
DIY Natural Cleaning
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. * Tuesday, April 7 * KHCPL Main
Adults, come learn about how you can save money by making your own earth-friendly cleaning supplies! We will making a small bottle of general cleaner to take home. Online registration required at KHCPL.org under “Events.”