Home / Education / Thousands Apply: Patterson Expands School Library Aid
Thousands Apply: Patterson Expands School Library Aid
11 Oct
Summary
- Bestselling author James Patterson significantly increased his donation to school libraries.
- Over 28,000 applications were received, prompting two donation increases.
- 467 school libraries received grants for books, technology, and repairs.
Bestselling author James Patterson significantly boosted his support for school libraries, ultimately donating $1.75 million. His initiative, launched in March 2015 with Scholastic Reading Club, aimed to help US school libraries acquire books and enhance resources. The initial pledge of $1.25 million was quickly raised due to an unprecedented flood of requests.
Within weeks, thousands of applications poured in, prompting Patterson to first increase the donation to $1.5 million, and later to $1.75 million. By June 2015, over 28,000 applications highlighted critical needs, including funding for new books, shelving, and repairs due to damage. This overwhelming demand drew broader attention to the challenges faced by school libraries nationwide.
Ultimately, 467 school libraries benefited from the grants, which ranged from $1,000 to $10,000. The funds supported vital areas such as purchasing new books, implementing reading programs, acquiring technology, and essential repairs. Patterson's commitment, recognized with an AASL Crystal Apple award in March 2016, extended beyond this initial campaign, demonstrating the profound impact of sustained support for children's literacy.
