FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA), in partnership with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), received a $4,000 grant from the Investor Protection Trust to create investor education library kits and purchase e-books about investing for the state’s electronic media collection.
The State Library, located at KDLA, has created investor education kits for all age levels. Investing is the adult kit, Let’s Invest is for teens, and Money Matters is for elementary school children. Each kit includes age appropriate investor education books, a flash drive with workshop handouts, video/audio/media materials, games and more.
The kits are available for public workshops/presentations, displays and other programs and events. Public libraries can check out the kits for six weeks at a time. The kits also include a sample packet of DFI brochures on investing that libraries can order and distribute in their lobbies.
“Kentuckians need access to information that will equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed investment decisions,” said State Librarian and KDLA Commissioner Wayne Onkst. “KDLA and DFI are pleased to partner to create Investor Education Library Kits that can be checked out for use by public libraries across the state.”
The goal of the project is to increase general investor knowledge, as well as to increase resources available to people researching investment opportunities and strategies. Nearly 2.5 million Kentuckians use the state’s public library system, and this project will ensure that investing resources are available to these library users.
“Increasing the availability of investor education materials as well as the knowledge of the librarians in Kentucky will help provide investors with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed investment decisions, use investments appropriately to plan for their financial future, and recognize and avoid fraud,” said KDLA librarian Alicia McGrath.
“Also, previously there were only 33 investment titles available for checkout statewide. With this grant, KDLA has purchased an additional 24 investment titles, including multiple copies of some titles,” said McGrath.
“Kentucky DFI strives to provide beneficial investor education programs to citizens across the Commonwealth,” said DFI Securities Division Director Shonita Bossier. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring investor education materials and programs to library users of all ages across Kentucky.”
KDLA provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained and made accessible. For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-8300 ext. 315.
DFI, http://kfi.ky.gov, is an agency in the Public Protection Cabinet. For more than 100 years it has supervised the financial services industry by examining, chartering, licensing and registering various financial institutions, securities firms and professionals operating in Kentucky. DFI’s mission is to serve Kentucky residents and protect their financial interests by maintaining a stable financial industry, continuing effective and efficient regulatory oversight, promoting consumer confidence and encouraging economic opportunities.
For more information about the Investor Protection Trust, go to www.investorprotection.org.
