ALA seeks applications from public libraries for "The American Dream Starts @ your library" mini-grants
Contact: John Amundsen
American Library Association
Communications Specialist
Office for Literacy and Outreach Services
(312) 280-2140
jamundsen@ala.org
NEWS
For Immediate Release,
February 2, 2010
CHICAGO – In January 2010, the American Library Association (ALA) received a two-year grant of $750,000 from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for “The American Dream Starts @ your library.” This funding makes it possible for ALA to fund 70 public libraries in Dollar General communities to develop literacy programs for adult English language learners.
To be eligible for funding, the applicant institution must be a public library, or a public library with a bookmobile providing literacy services for adult English language learners, and must be within 20 miles of a Dollar General Store, distribution center or corporate office. Each funded library will receive a onetime $5,000 grant.
Applications for funding are being accepted online through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. Selected applicants will be notified in early April, 2010. To learn more about the American Dream Starts @ your library, the library grants and to apply online, please visit
www.americandreamtoolkit.org .
Dollar General is a Partner in the Campaign for America's Libraries (
www.ala.org/@yourlibrary), ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians.
In 2007, the American Library Association received a similar grant from Dollar General, the Tennessee-based corporation, for mini-grants aimed at helping public libraries expand literacy services to adult English-language learners. In 2008, ALA funded 34 public libraries in 18 states serving communities from under 850 to more than 1 million. Libraries used these funds to expand multi-lingual print and digital literacy collections, improve technology, build mobile language labs, add literacy programs and services, develop training manuals, produce outreach videos, and train tutors. For additional information about the funded libraries visit
http://www.americandreamtoolkit.org/programs.html.
About the ALA
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 63,000 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.
