James Patterson Completes His Promise to Donate $1M to Indie Bookstores in 2014

By Dianna Dilworth 

jamesPattersonBestselling author James Patterson is giving a generous gift to independent bookstores this holiday season. He is donating $473,000 to 81 different stores across the country.

The donation is part of the author’s promise to give $1 million to indie bookstores this year. This brings the author’s donations for the year up to $1,008,300 which he handed out to 178 independent bookstores across the country.

“Here’s to a joyful holiday season for booksellers everywhere,” said Patterson in a statement. “Yes, joyful! 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. Here’s to media coverage of books, booksellers, and publishers, and to a wiser, more literate America. Happy holidays to one and all!”