Thinking Money is Back at Bentonville Public LibraryTM4K social (12)
 
Bentonville, AR...The American Library Association has chosen Bentonville Public Library (BPL) to host a traveling museum-quality exhibition for grades 1 – 6 called Thinking Money for Kids from September 10 – October 15.

BPL will host the traveling exhibit in the Walmart Community Room, which kids and parents can visit during most open hours. The exhibit will be accompanied by programs and events at the Library throughout the six (6) week duration.

The Library hosted a sneak-peek of Thinking Money for Kids for elementary and middle school educators on Thursday, September 8. Educators dropped in for an exclusive look, followed by a professional development workshop lead by Jennifer Taunton, Gifted and Talented Facilitator for the Springdale School District.

The exhibit will begin with a Grand Opening on Saturday, September 10 from 10AM – 2PM. The event will include a ribbon cutting, family storytime, crafts and bingo! Throughout the exhibition, programs like book clubs, STEM workshops and fine art classes will fill the Library. BPL’s exhibit will conclude with a World Bazaar Finale on Saturday, October 15 from 11AM – 1PM. Kids will explore commerce from around the world while filling out a BPL-issued passport.   

Field trip opportunities to the Library are also available for classes in grades 1 - 6. During their visit, students will explore the exhibit and take part in other small-group financial literacy activities. Lesson plans developed by Economics Arkansas will be sent to teachers for use before and after their visit.  

To schedule a field trip, or for more information, contact BPL's Children’s Librarian Christina Clark at [email protected]  or 479-271-6816. Space is limited; therefore, teachers are encouraged to secure their visit at their earliest convenience.

Through a community-market-themed storyline, digital interactive content and other hands-on activities, the exhibition explores topics like earning, saving and spending money as well as making responsible financial decisions.

Thinking Money for Kids was developed by the American Library Association Public Programs Office in collaboration with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, whose support made this exhibition possible. In 2018, BPL hosted Thinking Money: A Financial Exhibition, a traveling exhibit grant that was geared toward middle grade students and teenagers. The project was also in collaboration with the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.