[May 26, 2023] – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Nevada Public Library a $3,000.00 grant to support summer literacy. This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s largest, one-day literacy donation of more than $13 million throughout the 47 states in which Dollar General operates to support adult, family and summer literacy programs.
According to Nevada Public Library’s executive director Jodi Polk, their award will support the summer reading program and will be used to purchase a collection of books, audiobooks and other resources to help readers of all ages who are dealing with learning differences, such as dyslexia or autism. Polk said, “We always have a lot of activities and events planned for our summer readers, and this year is no different. We have a very full calendar of fun ways to share our love of books and reading, but we also wanted to add something new to our typical summer program, so we set our sights on adding a new collection that would help build reading skills for people of all ages who may need a little help. This is NPL’s first time applying for a DG Literacy Foundation grant and we are thrilled with what this very generous award will do for our community and local library collection!”
2023 “All Together Now” Summer Reading program
Nevada Public Library is offering a 500- minute reading challenge program with special events and incentives to encourage children, teens, and adults to read more throughout the summer months. It is our goal to encourage all Vernon County families to use their library's resources and programming this summer in order to gain literacy skills and a love of reading! Registration is open now and the free program runs through August 1st. $500 of the grant award will support the summer reading program.
The new Dyslexic & Autistic Reading Enjoyment (D.A.R.E.) Collection
The Library will purchase a large collection of books and audiobooks, some specifically printed in dyslexia font, for readers who experience dyslexia or other disabilities that
may decrease reading fluency. This dyslexia-friendly collection (DFX) will be used to reach children, teens, and adults who may not usually read for fun. We also hope to eliminate any stigma that may occur when an adult is working hard at reading, but struggling to find age-appropriate stories. $2,500 of the grant award will be used for materials and other literacy-building resources.
“It is a joy to celebrate this historic grant announcement during our 30 th anniversary year,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “For three decades, DGLF’s investment in community programs has created meaningful access to literacy skills for adults, children and families alike and exemplified Dollar General’s mission of Serving Others. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and access to a quality education, and we look forward to seeing these literacy grants inspire reading and build brighter futures.” The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.
To learn more about the library, NPL’s Foundation, the 2023 Summer Reading program or about the new collection coming to our shelves in July, please contact the library at (417) 448-2770 or visit our website at https://nplmo.org.
About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $233 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 19.3 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.