For the fifth year in a row, bestselling author James Patterson has re-upped his commitment to indie booksellers and independent bookstores. His latest pledge is for $250,000 to the Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program.
With this year’s pledge, Patterson will have contributed $1.1 million to independent booksellers in recent years. That’s in addition to $1 million in grants he gave to indie bookstores in 2014.
In making the announcement, Patterson said, “I’m humbled to hear that [the bonuses] make a difference in [booksellers’] lives. And I’m grateful to be able to acknowledge the important work booksellers do.”
Amounts for individual bookseller bonuses will range from $750 to $1,500, and can be used for any purpose. In the past some booksellers have used them to buy holiday gifts for their children, others to pay off medical bills or even purchase theater tickets.
Past recipients are eligible for a bonus and booksellers can nominate themselves. Once again the American Booksellers Association will distribute the funds. The application, which consists of a single question—Why does this bookseller deserve a holiday bonus?— will be live on the ABA website from May 16 through September 30.
ABA CEO Oren Teicher said, “[James Patterson’s] continued generosity has no parallel, and all of us connected to the American Booksellers Association remain grateful and appreciative. The Patterson holiday bonuses have made a real difference in the lives of hundreds and hundreds of booksellers, and we are thrilled that we’ll have a chance to thank James in person at this year’s Celebration of Bookselling Luncheon at BookExpo.”
