“This will be a shorter class than we’ve previously held,” Public Service Librarian Shelley Ruterbories said. “We want people to bring their questions and we’ll individually help them work through things.”
Nebraska OverDrive provides access to materials to anyone with a valid library card.
The Gering Public Library joined forces with dozens of libraries around the state in Dec. 2007. Ruterbories said the libraries can pool their resources this way and provide access to more eBooks and Audiobooks. They added Kindle books about three years ago.
“Each month new books are added,” Ruterbories said. “They are constantly updating titles.”
Library Director Diane Downer said as of Sept. last year there were over 15,000 eBooks and close to 8,000 Audiobooks available in the state. The books are of interest to all ages and reading levels.
“Another advantage is the eBooks are treated like physical books,” Ruterbories added. “They are never overdue as after two weeks they automatically expire.”
Ruterbories said people can check out as many as six books at a time.
“Some of the more popular items are travel books,” she said. “People can check out Fodor’s Travel Guides and use them when they visit cities. They have easy access to maps and links to restaurants and other attractions.”
The electronic book options can be downloaded on smartphones and tablets such as Android, eReaders, Kindle, NOOK, MP3 players and all Apple devices.
Smart Investing course
Later in the day the library will be hosting a ‘Smart Investing’ course starting at 1 p.m. in the community room. The library is offering books, DVDs, an in-library event, and online curriculum, to help people make better decisions about their money by taking advantage of free, unbiased resources.
Pre-registration is required and can be set up by stopping by or contacting the library at (308) 436-7433 or [email protected]
Gering Public Library and community partners, including UNL Cooperative Extension, are promoting free resources to help consumers better manage money, credit, investments, and debt – and learn to avoid identity theft, protect their privacy, and steer clear of financial scams and fraud.
Ruterbories said ‘Smart Investing’ is designed as a four week course but people can go at their own pace. “Some do it in two weeks, others may take six,” she said. “We have written resources, videos and quizzes. It is organized like a college class.”
Ruterbories said all that is required is a name and an email address to register.
“There are three different course levels,” she said. “One is for the 20 to 40 age group for people who are just starting out with investing. The second on is for pre-retirees who already have some knowledge about financial planning. The final level is for retirees and is designed to help them make sure their money lasts.”
Ruterbories said the ‘Smart Investing’ resources and materials were available in English as well as Spanish. “We have a big selection of resources that should be of benefit to anyone no matter where they are at regarding financial planning and investing.”
This financial education effort is supported in part by a grant from Smart Investing @ your Library, a partnership between the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.
This program is coordinated in Nebraska by the Nebraska Library Commission and the Northeast Library System.