2017 American Dream Libraries Announced

2017 American Dream libraries announced

ALA News: 2.24.2017 by Zina Clark

Program Coordinator, American Dream Literacy Initiative

Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

The American Library Association (ALA) ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services  is pleased to announce the recipients of the fifth round of the American Dream Literacy Initiative grant, generously funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

The American Dream Literacy initiative is a year-long program that delivers services and serves thousands of English language learners in a warm and welcoming environment. Nineteen U.S. public libraries were selected through a competitive application process. To date, 185 public libraries have initiated or expanded literacy services for the adult English language learners. American Dream libraries offer computer access and training, job readiness programs, and ELL, GED and citizenship classes. As part of the initiative, American Dream libraries build replicable programs, develop coalition-building strategies and provide annotated lists of vetted resources for libraries across the country.

Much of the program’s success relies on outreach to new immigrant populations, and requires public libraries to build strong partnerships while leveraging additional resources received through these collaborative efforts.

This year’s recipients are:

Bemis Public Library, Littleton, Colorado.

Campbell County Public Library System, Lynchburg, Virginia.

Cresskill Public Library, Cresskill, New Jersey.

David A. Howe Public Library, Wellsville, New York.

The Ferguson Library, Stamford, Connecticut.

First Regional Library, Hernando, Mississippi.

Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, Illinois.

Keyport Public Library, Keyport, New Jersey.

Lebanon County Library District, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Maplewood Memorial Library, Maplewood, New Jersey.

McAllen Public Library System, McAllen, Texas

North Bergen Free Public Library, North Bergen, New Jersey.

North Miami Beach Library, North Miami Beach, Florida. 

Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, New York.

Perry Public Library, Perry, Ohio

Plainfield Public Library (RAILS), Plainfield, Illinois.

South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey.

Terrebonne Parish Library System, Houma, Louisiana. 

West Orange Public Library, West Orange, New Jersey.

The office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services offers thanks to the newly formed American Dream Initiative Committee for their hard work in selecting the 2017 recipients.