James Patterson Gives a Million Dollars to Independent Bookstores

81 independent bookstores across the United States got an early holiday gift from bestselling author James Patterson.

Patterson, who earlier this year doled out grants totaling $535,000 to 98 booksellers, has given another $473,000 to dozens more stores to place a big red bow on his $1 million #SaveOurBooks campaign.

“Here’s to a joyful holiday season for booksellers everywhere,” said Patterson in a prepared statement.

“Here’s to more parents and grandparents coming to their senses and giving their kids books—yes, books—for Christmas and other holidays. Here’s to local governments waking up to the fact that bookstores and libraries are essential to our way of life.”

A number of stores–including Kramerbooks & Afterwords in Washington, D.C., and Sherman’s Books in Bar Harbor, Maine–requested the money to fix up their physical space, while Greenlight Books in Brooklyn, N.Y., will use the money to update its computer system. – Publishers Weekly

Want to help turn-on some video-crazed youth to reading? Patterson, normally known as an author of suspense thrillers, also writes entertaining books for pre-teens. Check out this one about a kid who wants to become the world’s best stand-up comedian, I Funny: A Middle School Story; and this humor-packed adventure tale, Treasure Hunters — both meant for for 8-12 year olds.

(READ more about Patterson’s donation from Publishers Weekly)

Story tip from Harley Hahn