Pioneer Library System

In our present-day turbulent economic times, many cannot afford to lose any money, especially due to the misunderstanding of credit card use. Though Oklahoma foreclosure rates are lower than in many other parts of the country, one out of every 1,576 homes in our state is in foreclosure, according to RealtyTrac.

On Monday, December 7, the Shawnee Library will offer “Understanding Credit: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly,” instructed by training and technical assistance consultant Inger Giuffrida. The session, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will help young adults understand credit, how to use it, and how to avoid problems with it. Participants will also learn what is on their credit report and credit scoring, and how to decipher the significance of these numbers. Registration is required. 

“Understanding Credit: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” is an adjunct to the Pioneer Library System’s Smart Money Program. The program, sponsored by a generous grant from the FINRA (Financial Investor Regulatory Authority) and the American Library Association, will last for the next two years. The purpose of the grant is to build the capacity of U.S. public libraries to provide effective, unbiased financial and investor education resources and services to library patrons.

The PLS Smart Money Program will provide financial management information and resources to help members of the community understand their financial situations, develop plans to save money, understand the principles and tools of investing, learn how to lessen debt, and even make some sense out of what went wrong with the economy. Four branches—Moore, Noble, Norman, and Shawnee—will be hosting participatory workshops for the community in all nine branches throughout the next two years.

All PLS hometown public libraries will also be developing financial management and investor education resource centers, featuring books, worksheets, and easy-to-understand fact sheets about saving, investing, getting out of debt, and more. PLS is creating book discussion kits for libraries and community groups to encourage conversation started on this timely topic. PLS will also launch a Smart Money web portal, including information about programming, an interactive blog, financial management tip sheets and work sheets, book and online information features, calculators, and more.

Unbiased financial management information is key to increasing your financial knowledge to navigate through the economic times we are in. Through the new Smart Money Program, your hometown library will provide many opportunities and resources for you to manage your money and respond to the challenges ahead.