The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded a Youth Literacy grant in the amount of $246,806 to the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the American Library Association announced today.
The ALA says ALSC and YALSA will use the grant to support three important initiatives: El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), Teen Read Week, and summer reading for teens.
“The El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) initiative is committed to introduce families to community resources that provide opportunities for learning through multiple literacies,” says Starr Latronica, ALSC president, in the announcement. “The Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s continued support of this initiative is invaluable to libraries across the country.”
Adds Shannon Peterson, YALSA president, “Summer reading and Teen Read Week are valuable tools used by libraries all over the country to support teen literacy efforts. YALSA is thrilled to have the Dollar General Literacy Foundation continuing to support these important efforts.”
The foundation awards Youth Literacy grants to public libraries, schools, and nonprofit organizations in order to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading.
Says Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO, in the announcement, “The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is pleased to continue our support for El día de los Niños and Teen Read Week. By engaging children and teens in reading, a foundation for future success is built. We applaud the life enriching work of ALSC and YALSA and value our partnership.”