Willington Public Library Receives Dollar General Grant For Youth Literacy

WILLINGTON, Conn. — The Willington Public Library has received a $3,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support efforts to promote reading and expand literacy opportunities for children in the community.

The grant will help the library provide children with access to new reading materials designed to make reading engaging, educational and enjoyable, according to the library.

“We are extremely grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for this generous support,” Willington Public Library Director Steve Osier said. “Developing a love of reading at an early age can have a lasting impact on a child’s education and future.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center. Funding supports adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs.

Library Board Chairperson Laura Rodriguez thanked the foundation and Osier for pursuing outside funding opportunities for the library.

“We are very thankful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for recognizing the importance of youth literacy in our community,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also said Osier’s grant efforts help expand library services and resources while offsetting recent reductions in town funding.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation also operates a student referral program for people seeking assistance with reading, English-language skills or preparation for a high school equivalency exam.

The Willington library said the grant will support its ongoing efforts to encourage a lifelong love of reading and provide young people with resources to learn and succeed.

A comprehensive list of grant recipients is available through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.