Community Connect: Programming

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Libraries selected to participate in Community Connect are responsible for presenting at least a 4-part series of public workshops using Ready, Set, Bank resources for library patrons, open to older teens through older adults, on topics such as the benefits of online banking, online banking safety and security, or getting started with online banking. Libraries can use the programming stipend to cover costs for a local facilitator such as a high school teacher, community college instructor, or other noncommercial expert (like a local nonprofit organization, extension service, or government agency) to lead the workshop series. All must be free to the public.

As the COVID-19 crisis evolves, libraries may choose to host programs virtually through Zoom or other platforms if the library remains impacted by closures and other local health guidance.

To ensure that all programming is strictly noncommercial, the public programs may not be offered in conjunction with financial services firms, including banks, investment advisers, or brokerage firms.

Libraries must also create a passive display on financial capability featuring books and other financial capability resources from reliable sources such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Trade Commissions (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and non-branded Ready, Set, Bank resources. Libraries can use some of the programming stipend to cover costs of adding new titles from ALA’s LibGuide to their collection.

Using Ready, Set, Bank

Ready, Set, Bank is an online library of non-branded micro-learning videos that help people understand and learn how to use digital banking options. Ready, Set, Bank gives people everywhere the tools and confidence to start banking online. Videos guide learners through every step of the process, with overviews and step-by-step tutorials to help them manage their finances electronically.

Each participating library is expected to use one of the following workshop series in their required programming during the 2021 calendar year. The workshops can be offered virtually or live at the discretion of the participating library. Workshops can be delivered as a 4-part series as outlined in instructors’ toolkits or combined into 2 longer sessions at the discretion of the participating library. Libraries will be expected to collect survey data from workshop participants as outlined in the evaluation plan.

All the Ready Set Bank content is available at www.readysetbank.org. The website includes a series of short instructional videos, a demo site to practice new skills, facilitation guides for instructors and case studies featuring the Queens and Houston Public Libraries. The instructional videos are used to conduct workshops series targeting the digital skills of the audience.

  • Ready Set Bank: Digital Basics

The course covers an introduction to downloading and using apps, and common online banking functions, such as how to deposit a check with a smartphone, online bill pay, and setting account alerts.

Target Audience: This course is best suited for individuals with less familiarity with technology and use of apps. This course also provides an overview of the benefits of online banking, security features, and how real time information and online banking functions can improve money management.

  • Ready Set Bank: Money Management

The course covers the most common online banking transactions including depositing a check, transferring funds, paying bills, reviewing account balance, and setting alerts.

Target Audience: This course is best suited for individuals who are comfortable with using smartphone technology but do not currently use online banking.

  • Listos, Clic, ¡Avance! (Money Management in Spanish)

The course is offered in Spanish and covers the most common online banking transactions including depositing a check, transferring funds, paying bills, reviewing account balance, and setting alerts.

Target Audience: This course is best suited for Spanish Speaking individuals who are comfortable with using smartphone technology but do not currently use online banking.

To access, visit readysetbank.org.

Related Reading

As part of your program, your library can have a book club, story time, community read-in, or an author lecture. You may invite local youth groups, churches, daycare centers, community-based organizations, and schools to hold discussions at their locations too. ALA’s comprehensive personal finance LibGuide can be found at https://libguides.ala.org/finra-ore/personalfinance/home. Stipend funds can be used to help enhance your collection.

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