Largo, Maryland – Financial literacy is an essential life skill that Prince Georgians can learn through the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS). This National Financial Literacy Month, the Library expands its longtime partnership with the Financial Empowerment Center at Prince George’s Community College (FEC@PGCC) to launch the Money as You Grow Book Club, a family financial literacy series for parents/caregivers and children ages 3-8. The programs teach children new skills, such as earning, saving, planning, and shopping. Concepts are presented through interactive reading and family activities, and simultaneously reinforce financial education for participating adults.

Based on a nationwide curriculum provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Money as You Grow Book Club will initially be offered at four PGCMLS branch libraries, Oxon Hill (April 11 at 5:30 pm), Largo-Kettering (April 20, 10:30 am), Glenarden (Tuesday, May 9, 5:30 pm), and New Carrollton (June 1 at 4 pm). Additional sessions and on-demand videos will be available in summer 2023.

“Prince Georgians have access to a wide range of financial programs and services through the Library and FEC@PGCC, including tax preparation, financial coaching, financial workshops, and more,” said Nicholas A. Brown, Acting Co-CEO, PGCMLS. “The Money as You Grow Book Club series provides access to intergenerational learning opportunities about financial skills that will help individuals and families obtain knowledge and practical household application. These programs align with the Library’s strategic focus area of personal achievement, which aims to connect customers with opportunities to advance their individual growth.”

Financial Literacy Resources at the Library

PGCMLS offers a wide range of financial literacy programs, services, and resources throughout the year. All programs, services, and resources are free, but some may require registration or a library card.

• Tax resources: state and federal tax forms (subject to availability), free tax preparation services with Prince George’s CASH Campaign and FEC@PGCC
  
• Online resources: Foundation Directory Online Professional and Grants to Individuals (Candid) - available on-site at the Hyattsville Branch Library, academic research databases, virtual FAFSA counseling through Brainfuse HelpNow
  
• Books: Finance and business books in English and Spanish (print and electronic)
  
• Magazines: 135+ finance magazines like Fortune, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, and Entrepreneur via Libby/Overdrive, including publications in English, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and more.
  
• Programs: Listos, clic, avance online banking literacy classes for Spanish speakers, financial workshops presented by FEC@PGCC, Money as You Grow

The Financial Empowerment Center at Prince George’s Community College is a partnership with the United Way of the National Capital Area, powered by Truist.

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About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve book lovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of the 2021 Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award for Workforce and Economic Development. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.