Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Fund Celebrates $1 Million in Funding to School Libraries Affected by Natural Disaster

June 27, 2011

Program has helped 113 school libraries recover

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (BUSINESS WIRE), June 27, 2011 - Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Fund is proud to announce that it has provided $1 million in funding to school libraries affected by natural disasters. The fund has helped 113 school libraries recover from such disasters since it was launched in 2006.

“School libraries play an important role in providing our nation’s children with the educational resources needed to compete in the global marketplace,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “We are proud to partner with the ALA and AASL in their mission to bring relief to school libraries most affected by these devastating disasters and hope our funding can help make the recovery and rebuilding process a little easier.”

Beyond Words is a collaborative effort among the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the American Association of School Librarians, the American Library Association and the National Education Association. Together, the organizations launched Beyond Words in 2006 after witnessing the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina. The program was created to provide financial support to public schools affected by disasters to rebuild and expand library programs. The grants can be used to defray the cost of replacing or supplementing books, media and/or equipment in the school library.

To be eligible for a Beyond Words grant, applicants must be located within 20 miles of a Dollar General store, distribution center or corporate office and must represent public schools serving students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Grant applicants must also meet one of two eligibility requirements: the library must have lost its building or incurred substantial damage or hardship due to a natural disaster, fire or an act recognized by the federal government as terrorism. More information about the Beyond Words program and how to apply is available at dgliteracy.org under the literacy grant programs section of the website.

About Dollar General

Dollar General is a leading discount retailer with more than 9,500 neighborhood stores in 35 states. 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 $58.6 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 3.2 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.

About AASL

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.

About ALA

The American Library Association (ALA) is the voice of America’s libraries. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.

About NEA

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional organization, representing 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. For more information, please visit www.nea.org.