Author James Patterson Donates $1 Million to Independent Bookstores

In today’s modern era where many people choose to read novels digitally, bookstores, especially small, independent ones, have began closing at a rapid pace. But James Patterson, the best-selling author who is widely known for the Alex Cross series, is on a mission to keep independent bookstores alive and thriving.

Patterson plans to donate $1 million of his own money to various independent bookstores throughout 2014. Each store will receive a grant ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, which they can spend as they see fit. The names of the first 55 stores, which will receive $267,000 in funding, were announced yesterday. The rest of the money will be distributed later in the year.

According to a statement issued by Patterson’s publisher, Hachette Book Group, the author decided to embark on the philanthropic project because he feels that bookstores are vital to communities and that they leave a lasting love of reading in children and adults.