``Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program'' Opens a New Chapter for School Libraries Affected by Disasters; Public school library recovery effort is the largest in ALA and NEA history.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- Reaching out to communities recovering from major disasters, Dollar General today announced the creation of "Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program," a grant program to benefit public school libraries in affected areas.

Initially, Dollar General is donating $800,000 to fund the program, which will be administered by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The National Education Association (NEA) will work with AASL on the grant review committee and provide support materials to libraries.

"In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we recognized that the needs of school libraries were under-served," said David Perdue, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. "We were compelled to reach out because school libraries often provide the only access children have to books."

The fund will provide grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, for books, media and/or equipment that support learning in a school library environment. First priority for the initial grants will be given to school libraries impacted by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma - either through direct loss or through an increase in enrollment due to displaced students.

Dollar General's dedication to education was inspired by company co-founder J.L. Turner, who only had a third grade education. Dollar General's prominence in under-served communities fuels its grassroots literacy efforts, which last year helped more than 81,000 individuals take steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency.

For more information on "Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Program," eligibility requirements and application details, visit www.ala.org/aasl/disasterrelief.

About Dollar General

Dollar General is a Fortune 500(R) discount retailer with 8,038 neighborhood stores in 33 states as of March 31, 2006. Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as a selection of basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The company has a longstanding tradition of supporting literacy and education in the U.S. In 2005, the company awarded more than 930 grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to increasing literacy levels. For more information about Dollar General, go to www.dollargeneral.com.

About AASL

With more than 10,000 members, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is one of the largest divisions of the American Library Association (ALA). It promotes the improvement and extension of library media services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. 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 the 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.