New
Contact: Howli Ledbetter
212-245-0510
Hledbetter@pro-mediacommunications.com
For Immediate Release
January 17, 2008
New "American Dream Starts @ your library" grant to be awarded to 15 public libraries across the U.S.
American Library Association and Dollar General Foundation partner to increase literary Services to English language learners
CHICAGO– The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce a request for proposals for a new grant entitled, “The American Dream Starts @ your library.” The grant, funded by the Dollar General Foundation seeks to help public libraries increase their literacy services to adult English language learners. The grant will give 15 libraries a one-time award of $5,000 each.
Public libraries have long been a cornerstone of the American Dream, providing equitable access to information of all kinds. For many immigrants, the American Dream starts at the library. The library not only collects American history, but shapes the promise of the future. The library also helps immigrants hold on to their native words and customs so that they can tell their stories, preserve their culture and share their wisdom across generations.
The American Dream Starts @ your library grant supports this tradition by awarding public libraries with a demonstrated need to provide literacy services to adult immigrants’ resources to expand or add literacy services for adult English language learners. The award is being funded through a generous two-year grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which, for over 10 years has supported literacy and education efforts nationwide.
To qualify, public libraries must be located within 20 miles of a Dollar General Store, distribution center or corporate office. Additional details and online application are available through,
www.americandreamtoolkit.org. The deadline for submitting an online application is 11:59 pm on January 31, 2008.
About the ALA
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 65,000 members. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.
About Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Since 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has improved the functional literacy of adults by providing grants to non-profit organizations dedicated to the advancement of literacy. Dollar General’s commitment to literacy began with J.L. Turner, co-founder of Dollar General. With only a third grade education, J.L. overcame tremendous odds and built the company now known as Dollar General Corporation.
The adult literacy grants program and the family literacy grants program are funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The Foundation supports non-profit organizations within Dollar General's market area that are established for public use and have an active 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Service Code.
About Dollar General Stores
Dollar General is a Fortune 500(R) discount retailer with over 8,000 neighborhood stores. Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as a selection of basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The Company store support center is located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Dollar General's Web site can be reached at
www.dollargeneral.com.
