Reading, PA –The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the Reading Science Center a $2,500 grant to support their Science Storytime program. The funds are a part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation’s history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.
The Reading Science Center originally launched its monthly Science Storytime program in January 2025 with the goal of introducing STEM concepts to children through reading. By pairing age-appropriate science-themed books with simple, engaging activities, the program encourages young learners to make early and meaningful connections with science to foster curiosity.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for supporting Storytime at the Reading Science Center. This grant allows us to spark curiosity through stories and hands-on science exploration—showing children that science isn’t just something you learn in school, it’s something you live every day. By connecting STEM concepts to early literacy, we’re helping young learners build the foundation they need to think critically, ask questions, and imagine new possibilities,” said Reading Science Center Director of Educational Programming, Sarah Troy.
With the support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the program will now expand beyond its downtown Reading location. Over the next year, monthly Storytime sessions will continue at the Center, while a new traveling version of the program will bring Science Storytime to local libraries starting this fall. Each session will feature a story, a coordinating science activity, and a free paperback book for each participating family (while supplies last) to take home and enjoy together.
“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Today’s grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.”
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.
The Foundation also plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 21, 2025, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.
The Reading Science Center hosts Science Storytime on the third Monday of every month at 10:30 AM. This fun and educational program is included with admission ($10 per person, under 2 enjoy free admission) and features an exciting investigation in the classroom following the story. To learn more, visit www.readingsciencecenter.org.
