New survey on Library Services in the Digital Age

The Pew Internet and Life Project released a very interesting report on Libraries Services in the Digital Age.  They found that 80% of Americans say that reference librarians and borrowing books are "very important" services that libraries provide. They also found that 77% of Americans say free access to computers and the internet are "very important."

The survey also looks at how people use the library.  They found that Americans use libraries to check out books, do research, attend programs,  use the internet, study, read newspapers and magazines, use online database, and many other services. 

What services do you think are important for libraries to provide and how do you use your library?

Niles Library Partners with Niles Senior Center for Money Smart Program

Money Smart for Seniors
Wed., Feb. 6 10:00-11:45 pm
Registration required.
To be held at the Niles Senior Center, 999 Civic Center Dr.
To register, call 847-588-8420.

This workshop will provide you with vital information on how to make smart choices with your money. Participants will learn to recognize how federal deposit insurance protects deposits, how to guard against identity theft, how various types of insurance will help manage risks, and the need to plan for unexpected death or disability. All ages welcome. Presenter: Dedra Thomas, Consumer and Family Economics, University of Illinois Extension Services.

Smart Solution$ targets adults ages 50 and better, but is helpful for anyone seeking financial education. This initiative is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart investing@your library®, a partnership with the American Library Association. Log on to www.nileslibrary.org/smartsolutions to find tips to help successfully manage your financial future.

Morningstar Names Best 529 College-Savings Plans for 2012

In an annual review of the largest 529 college-savings plans released in October, Morningstar analysts identified 27 plans that are likely to outperform their peers on a risk-adjusted basis during a full market cycle. These 529 plans earned medals due to a strong menu of investment options, solid management, and reasonable fees.

Visit the Morningstar Investment Research Center's Portfolio section to find a link to the complete list of rated 529 plans.
You must have a Niles Library card to access this resource.

Go to www.nileslibrary.org/research. When prompted, enter your library barcode. Select Financial & Public Records. Choose Morningstar Investment Research Center at the bottom of the page. At the Morningstar home page, select the Portfolio tab, then choose 529 college-savings plan ratings at right.

For more information on 529 plans, select the Articles and Videos section and find 529 Plans College Savings at the Collections area from the column along the right-hand side.

Please feel free to contact libraryservices@morningstar.com if you have any questions.

Learn from Home with Morningstar Tutorial Videos

Looking for a simple overview of Morningstar Investment Research Center? If you’re unable to attend a monthly live training session, Morningstar's Tutorial Center is a great place to start.

You must have a Niles Library card to access this resource.

Go to www.nileslibrary.org/research. When prompted, enter your library barcode. Select Financial & Public Records. Choose Morningstar Investment Research Center at the bottom of the page. At the Morningstar home page, click the Help & Education tab and select the Database Guides column, which includes a link to the Tutorial Center. These short instructional videos will provide you with a step-by-step overview of the database and its valuable tools. Please feel free to contact libraryservices@morningstar.com if you have any questions after reviewing the tutorials.

Morningstar also offers monthly training webinars the first Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Central Time.

Be Money Smart!

Thurs. Nov. 29 10-11:30am or 6:30-8pm

Learn the best sites for seniors and money, retirement and financial planning, consumer protection, and more. This walk-in session highlights our Smart Solution$ site for unbiased information to help you make informed decisions and plan your financial future. Come in anytime during this session. Staff will work with you personally to walk you through areas of interest.  No registration required. A Smart Solution$ program.

Money Smart

Dedra Thomas, Extension Unit Educator, at  University of Illinois Extension Services, speaks to patrons about the importance of your credit report

 Adults and Money: Bank On It
Thurs., Oct. 25 6:30-8 p.m. Registration required. To register, call 847-297-251
To be held at Maine Township 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge.
Learn about the functions of the various types of financial institutions.

Bank on it  is the fourth in a series of Smart Solution$ programs on various financial issues. Partnering  with Mainstreamers of Maine Township, The Niles Senior Center, and The Park, the Library’s upcoming events are listed below.

Adults and Money:  Identity Theft
Thurs., Nov. 8 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Registration required. To register, call 847-296-0333.
To be held at The Park at Golf Mill, 8975 West Golf Rd.
This program will demonstrate customer vulnerabilities and how to reduce the victimization process. .

Be Money Smart!    www.nileslibrary.org/smartsolutions
Thurs. Nov. 29 10-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. No registration required.
To be held at the Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St.
Learn about the Library’s Smart Solution$ web site—online resources include topics for seniors and money, retirement and financial planning, and consumer protection. This walk-in session highlights our Smart Solution$ site for unbiased information to help you make informed decisions and plan your financial future. Come in anytime during this session.