ALA announces latest American Dream Starts @ your library® grant recipients

CHICAGO — Thanks to a generous grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the American Library Association (ALA) and its Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) will continue funding the American Dream Starts @ your library®, a literacy initiative for adult English language learners and their families.

In 2013, ALA selected 44 public libraries in 21 states to receive one-time grants of $5,000 to $15,000 to add or expand literacy services for the adult English language learners in their communities. This funding will help libraries build their print and digital ESL collections, increase computer access and raise the visibility of library services for immigrant populations.

The newest American Dream libraries join a cohort of 100 previously funded programs in Dollar General communities. These American Dream libraries built easily replicable programs, developed coalition-building strategies and provided annotated lists of proven resources for libraries across the country serving adult English language learners.

All American Dream libraries are located within 20 miles of a Dollar General store, distribution center or corporate office.

“There are very few gifts that last a lifetime. Literacy is one of them. It empowers individuals to increase their education and employability,” said Denine Torr, Dollar General’s director of community initiatives. “We are pleased to partner with the American Library Association to expand services to English language learners and to help enhance individuals' potential to unleash their American Dream.”

“We applaud the Dollar General Literacy Foundation's recognition of the role libraries play in building their communities,” said Maureen Sullivan, 2012-13 ALA President. “Because of the Foundation's generosity, 44 libraries will have additional resources to build their literacy programs and to extend a welcome to all people they serve. Indeed, the American Dream Starts @ your library!”

To see the list of the 2013 libraries, please visit www.americandreamtoolkit.org.

About the ALA

The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with 58,000 members. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.

About Dollar General and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 70 years by offering high quality, brand name and private label products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. With more than 10,000 stores in 40 states, Dollar General has more retail locations than any retailer in America and the company has a longstanding tradition of supporting literacy and education. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $74 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 4.4 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com.