American Dream Starts @ Your Library(R) Grant Recipients Target Spanish Speakers and English Language Learners

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Apr 28, 2010, 04:29 ET

CHICAGO, April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Seventy public libraries in 21 states have been selected by the American Library Association (ALA) to receive $5,000 grants as part of “The American Dream Starts @ your library®” literacy initiative. Many of the programs have been developed for Spanish speakers. The initiative is funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

The grant recipients include urban and rural libraries. The grant funds will be used by the libraries to expand their print and digital literacy collections, offer classes and conversation clubs, develop mobile tech labs and reach out to English language learners. A list of the libraries receiving the grant is available at www.ala.org/americandream.

“The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to join with the ALA to provide grants to libraries that are committed to enhancing their literacy services for those learning to speak English,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “These specialized programs and services will help so many achieve their own dreams of success in America.”

Public libraries have long been a cornerstone of the American Dream, providing equal access to information. Libraries are uniquely positioned to be among the first American institutions immigrants turn to for help in adapting to a new culture by learning how to read, write and speak English, according to ALA.

“The American Dream Starts @ your library reaches thousands of adults and helps libraries change lives.” said Dr. Camila Alire, ALA 2009-2010 President.

The 2005 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) found that 11 million US adults – about one in 20 – have such limited English skills that they can’t read a newspaper. Recent immigrants account for most of this group. “The American Dream Starts @ your library®” literacy initiative was created by ALA and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to meet this need.

About the ALA

The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 63,000 members.

About Dollar General

Dollar General is a leading discount retailer with more than 8,800 neighborhood stores. Dollar General stores provide convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. 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 $40 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 2.1 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. To learn more about Dollar General, visit www.dollargeneral.com.

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Camila Alire

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SOURCE American Library Association