Best known for writing thrillers involving fictional forensic psychologist Alex Cross, American author James Patterson has experienced monumental success since publishing his first book in 1976. Decades and millions of book sales later, it is Patterson’s philanthropy which is taking centre stage.
Patterson’s involvement in promoting reading as a vital activity is extensive: he created the James Patterson PageTurner Awards which celebrates individuals and groups who creatively inspire reading; he has a website, ReadKiddoRead.com which serves as an online resource for adults to search for suitable books for children and he even helped to launch the Get Dads Reading campaign which aims to – well – get fathers reading to children; statistically, they are far less likely to participate in this crucial act than mothers.
In June 2014 Patterson pledged to donate £250,000 to independent bookshops who have a dedicated children’s book section. The first round of successful bids have just been released, with the author giving a total of £130,000 to 73 bookshops across the UK and Ireland. The money and publicity will be used to highlight the importance of independent bookshops in the face of their dwindling numbers, as well as serving to encourage children to engage with books; the ultimate goal being a desire to create a generation of lifelong readers. The winning bids thus far have included creative ways in which bookshops plan to improve the literature experience for children, such as buying a mobile bookshop, starting a children’s book festival, redeveloping bookshop websites, organizing a children’s reading group and transforming the existing (and somewhat tired) children’s sections in the shops themselves. Patterson has stated:
“I have been completely overwhelmed by just how many people have applied for the grants and impressed and enthused by the calibre of the applications. It’s been a very difficult decision process and I have worked to identify independent bookshops for whom this money may make a difference. I’m excited to follow their progress and see the proposed ideas in action.”
It can be said that Patterson’s desire to captivate people (especially the younger generation) within the pages of a story is infectious; surely one of the most devoted and dedicated efforts in the literary world.
Are you an eligible bookshop who would like to receive a grant of between £250 and £5,000? Application forms are available on the Bookseller’s Association website and can be sent to [email protected] once completed. The next winners will be announced in 2015.