April is National Financial Literacy Month, a nationwide initiative dedicated to strengthening financial knowledge, building healthy money habits, and supporting economic well‑being for all ages. This year, the Chicago Public Library is launching Money Moves, a monthlong series of free programs designed to make financial learning approachable, practical, and empowering for all Chicagoans.
Throughout April, CPL is partnering with city and state agencies, as well as community organizations, to offer a robust lineup of in‑person and virtual workshops focused on money management, financial protection, retirement planning, entrepreneurship, and more. Whether you’re taking your first step toward financial independence or deepening your existing skills, Money Moves has something for everyone.
Featured Partnerships
Money Moves is made possible through collaborations with our expert partners, including:
- Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI)– offering insurance literacy workshops covering auto, home, renters, travel, long‑term care, life insurance, and health coverage.
- Illinois Comptroller’s Office – presenting Finance 101, SMART Business vendor certification, and identity‑theft resources.
- Illinois Treasurer’s Office – I‑Cash – helping residents discover and claim unclaimed property through onsite tabling.
- Illinois Secretary of State – Securities Department – leading consumer‑protection programs focused on investment fraud and personal finance.
- SCORE Chicago – providing small business development workshops, entrepreneurship sessions, retirement planning, and time‑management programs.
- Nudgeable – sharing behavioral finance tools that help patrons make confident, intentional money decisions.
- Coding Kinetics – delivering tech‑focused education to support financial and digital empowerment.
Money Moves Programs Across the City
CPL locations citywide are hosting programs all month long, including:
- Insurance literacy workshopscovering auto accidents, homeowners and renters' insurance, travel insurance, long‑term care, and life insurance.
- Fraud and scam prevention sessions to help residents recognize red flags and protect their financial identity.
- Finance 101 and personal money‑management offerings supporting financial well‑being at every stage of life.
- Small business and entrepreneurship programs, including SMART Business, grant‑readiness workshops, and business startup resources.
- I‑Cash tabling events to help patrons search for and reclaim unclaimed funds.
- Retirement‑planning and investment information, including programs tailored for women and older adults.
- Time‑management and professional readiness workshops that promote long‑term financial stability.
- Special partner‑led sessions, including health‑insurance literacy and behavioral finance for older adults.
Events are taking place across all the city at numerous branches including Austin‑Irving, Douglass, Dunning, Edgebrook, Garfield Ridge, Jeffery Manor, Legler Regional, Mayfair, Pullman, Rogers Park, Sulzer, Toman, West Belmont, West Chicago, West Pullman, and many more. Programs run from April 2 through April 30, with select related workshops continuing into early May.
A complete schedule of branch‑specific Money Moves programs is available through our online events calendar.
Why Financial Literacy Matters
Financial decisions shape our everyday lives—how we save, spend, protect, and grow our money. Through Money Moves, CPL is committed to supporting Chicagoans in building financial confidence and accessing the tools they need to make informed decisions. By connecting residents with trusted experts, community partners, and practical resources, we aim to make financial empowerment accessible to all.