Events and Activities : DATES SET FOR “SMART INVESTING” GRANT

Participants need to register with their library

The Marengo Public Library will launch the “Smart investing @ your library” program to promote investor education from 7:00 to 8:30 Tuesday, September 28 and Tuesday, October 26 at the library.  Call the library at 319-741-3825 to register.  Participants will also be provided resources both online and in the library to study in between the face to face classes.

In January 2010, the State Library of Iowa was awarded a $98,251 grant funded by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation as part of the “Smart investing @ your library®” program.  Marengo was one of only 25 rural libraries in Iowa selected by the State Library of Iowa for participation.

The face-to-face and online education will be provided by Iowa State University Extension staff.  Three different courses will be offered:  one for those who are first-time investors, one for those preparing for retirement and one for retirees.  Participating libraries will receive $575 worth of library materials about investing.  Classes will be held this fall and in spring 2011.  Ames Public Library, a previous grant recipient, will partner with the State Library of Iowa to select financial resources for the participating libraries and help train library staff. 

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that give underserved Americans the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success throughout life. 

ALA’s mission is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.