For the sixth year running, author James Patterson has renewed his Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program. Patterson has pledged $250,000, as he did last year, bringing his total contribution to independent booksellers and bookstores through the program to $1.35 million to date.
Patterson is partnering with the American Booksellers Association once more to distribute the funds.The $250,000 will be distributed in denominations of $500 to 500 independent booksellers and bookstores, with 100 of those going specifically for children’s booksellers. (Patterson also partnered with the ABA in 2014 to give $1 million to bookstores, bringing his total contribution to indie booksellers and bookstores over the past 6 years to $2.35 million.)
“We’re now in the sixth year of my Bookseller Bonus program with the ABA and I have to say that very few things make me as happy as hearing from the deserving booksellers who’ve received bonuses over the years," Patterson said in a statement to PW. "Some have told me that they’ve used them to buy Christmas gifts for their families, to make necessary and long-awaited repairs to their store—or cars—or even to finally schedule an overdue doctor’s appointment. Whatever the case, I’m humbled to be able to give back to people who champion books on a daily basis—and especially to those children’s booksellers guiding kids to books that’ll keep them reading. Nothing is more important.”
This year’s Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program campaign will be open to all U.S. independent bookstore employees through September 30. Applicants must answer a single question in their application: “Why does this bookseller deserve a holiday bonus?” Patterson will then select winners himself from bookstores nationwide. All past recipients of Patterson grants are eligible, and booksellers are able to self-nominate.
"For the past five years, James Patterson has demonstrated again and again just how strong his support is for the independent booksellers who introduce readers of all ages to the authors and titles that are most likely to spark and deepen their joy of reading," ABA CEO Oren Teicher said in a statement. "Nobody puts their money behind their words more than he does, and this extra financial support for more booksellers than ever—including more children's booksellers—will be much appreciated by all the hardworking booksellers who are recipients of his generous holiday bonus program. We can't thank him enough."
This article has been updated with further information and for clarity.
