James Patterson does it again: more school library donations
Patterson originally announced that he would be donating $1.25 million to school libraries but now he's increasing the amount to $1.5 million. 'I鈥檓 blown away by the number of parents and teachers who have shared the urgent needs of their community鈥檚 school library,鈥� the author said in a statement. 'It鈥檚 clear that our school libraries require critical help.'
Author James Patterson contemplates a question during an interview at his home overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach, Fla.
Wilfredo Lee/AP
More libraries will be receiving funds through James Patterson鈥檚 initiative.聽
As we previously reported, the author announced earlier this month that he would be donating $1.25 million to school libraries. For a school to be nominated, someone simply needs to fill out a form with information about the school and the way in which it would use the money. Funds given to schools would be between $1,000 and $10,000 and any American school that has any of the grades from kindergarten to twelfth grade qualifies. In addition, Scholastic is giving the library 鈥渂onus points鈥� that are used for teachers to receive books and other items.
It turns out many, many school libraries have applied. According to booksellers industry newsletter , there was an 鈥渋mmediate and overwhelming response,鈥� so Patterson will be donating $1.5 million. Applications can be sent in until May 31.聽
鈥淚鈥檓 blown away by the number of parents and teachers who have shared the urgent needs of their community鈥檚 school library,鈥� the author said in a statement, according to the . 鈥淚t鈥檚 clear that our school libraries require critical help. I know we can鈥檛 solve the issues overnight, but I hope at the very least we鈥檙e able to raise awareness about the important position the school library plays in the educational achievement of children.鈥�