Build Your Money $marts!

If you haven’t heard the big news, the Washington-Centerville Public Library has been awarded a $100,000 grant to teach kids and teens about financial literacy! The majority of the grant money has been used to create an interactive exhibit designed to teach kids and teens about earning, saving, and spending money. This exhibit, created with the help of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, will be on display at the Centerville Library from September 21st – October 31st.

In addition to the exhibit, we’ve created Money $marts ‘Brary Bags for kindergarteners and preschoolers on counting, money, and shopping. Each bag contains three books, a learning game or toy, and a tips sheet for parents with more financial literacy ideas and information.

Finally, during the next several months, the library will be offering money-related programs and contests for kids and teens. Don’t miss out on all of these fun and exciting ways to turn your child into a great money manager!

For more information, visit: http://wclibrary.info/moneysmarts/index.asp

This program is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through
Smart investing@your library ®, a partnership with the American Library Association.

Beat the Spring Break Blues!

Some of you might be wondering what in the world I could be talking about—Spring Break Blues?! I mean, who doesn’t LOVE Spring Break?! Well, if you’ve ever taken little ones out of town, you’ve probably experienced at least a little bit of the madness that can occur during a long ride in a car (or plane, or train…you get the point). Kids get bored and cranky, and that tends to make everyone a little cranky. Luckily for you, the library has some great ways to entertain your littlest travel companions and combat the Spring Break Blues:

-Audiobooks: We have tons of audiobooks for your little listeners, from collections of shorter picture books to family-friendly chapter books that can entertain the whole gang. CD books are great for a car ride when everyone wants to listen, and playaways are perfect for individual listeners or times when you don’t have access to a CD player.

-Bagged Books: Our bagged books, as we call them, are bags that contain a picture book and CD. These are perfect for times when there’s only one adult in the car (please don’t read and drive) or if you’re like me and get carsick trying to read on the move. Kids get to listen to the story while following along with the words and pictures.

-Music CDs: Listening to music is a great way to pass the time on a long trip. Check out our extensive selection of children’s CDs to find new songs to learn or some of your old favorites. I’m going to be honest and say that I can really jam to some of the old Disney soundtracks, like The Little Mermaid and The Lion King.

-‘Brary Bags: While great anytime, our ‘brary bags are fabulous for trips. Each themed bag includes three books related to its theme, a game or toy, and an early literacy tips sheet that gives parents extra information and extension ideas. Our wide selection includes baby, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten bags.

-eCollection: If you’re traveling with smart phones, laptops, or tablets, our eCollection will certainly come in handy. The library offers eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMusic, and more. This is a great way to access our collection without weighing down your luggage!

Finally, if your Spring Break Blues are caused by the fact that you’re staying in town, come visit the library’s Spring Break Activity Center. We’ll have fun, springtime crafts set out all week (March 27th- April 4th) at both libraries for you and your kids to enjoy!

Brand new 'Brary Bags!

Thanks to a grant from Target, the library has created a collection of 'Brary Bags, each with a different theme, that are filled with books, a toy, and a sheet of awesome early literacy activties to do at home.  Starting January 16th, we will have bags at both locations that are appropriate for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.  Hurry in to get your hands on one before they are all checked out!