Discover ways to secure your financial future during April at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

Every year, during Financial Literacy Month, the library offers library users a chance to shrink their fines through Food for Fines. The library will waive $1 in fines for each donation of a nonperishable food item. Only food with expiration dates after June 1, 2023 will be accepted, and some less-expensive foods, such as ramen, will be credited at 25 cents each. Food for Fines donations are good for any money owed to the library, no restrictions. Collected food will be donated to local food pantries.

Also during April, join any or all of seven programs scheduled in conjunction with Money Smart Wisconsin. Events include:

• Saturday, April 15, 11 am: Entrepreneur in Training Partnership – Join Diana Hammer of UW-Extension to learn about UW Extension and Defy Venture’s Entrepreneur in Training Partnership, which facilitates free entrepreneurship, job readiness, and personal development training for currently and formerly incarcerated community members. You can also hear about volunteer opportunities available for those with experience to share.
• Monday, April 17, 1 pm: When I’m 65 – Learn the basics of retirement, social security, and insurance, with Julie Hilbert of McNamera & Thiel Insurance.
• Tuesday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m. in the McLane Room: Join us for a special storytime for Money Smart Wisconsin as we talk about what it means to earn money, how to decide what to save or spend, and make our own piggy banks. Every family that attends receives a free copy of “Give It” by Cinders McLeod.
• Tuesday, April 18, 1 pm: Financial Literacy 101 – What is financial literacy? And what are some good resources to get started? Hear about books, apps, websites, and podcasts that will help you get started on your journey towards financial freedom. Presented by Alana LaBeaf of the Fond du Lac Public Library.
• Wednesday, April 19, 6 pm: Stream This! Watch TV without breaking your budget.  Learn to compare your TV viewing options: cable, satellite, over the air antennas, Netflix, Amazon, and many other options are available. Presented by Jon Mark Bolthouse of the Fond du Lac Public Library.
• Thursday, April 20, 6 pm: New to Medicare – Hear a basic overview of medicare and have your questions answered during a Q&A with Melissa Chase, elder benefits specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center.
• Friday, April 21, 11:30 am: Fraud BINGO – Don’t become a victim; learn how to protect your personal information and avoid scammers. Small prizes awarded to Bingo winners. Presented by Tammy Matzdorf of Consumer Credit Counseling Service.
• Friday, April 21, 1 pm: Rules of the Road – Explore how to move toward your financial goals with Edwards Jones’ 10 Rules of Investing. Presented by Christopher Vitton, financial advisor at Edward Jones.

Fond du Lac Public Library operates two locations: the Main Library at 32 Sheboygan St. in downtown Fond du Lac, and FDLPL Express at 1132 E. Johnson St. near Festival Foods. The main library is open daily: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Chapter 52 Bookstore at 52 Sheboygan St. is open Monday through Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while FDLPL Express is open weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about any of these locations, visit fdlpl.org.