Bookshops allocated grants to ‘Get Children Reading’

Bestselling author and bookshop devotee James Patterson has announced 69 successful independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland to be allocated a share of £110,000 in grants, following his latest pledge in April 2015 to donate £250,000 over the next year.

The Bookcase in Lowdham is among the bookshops to be allocated grants.

Since the first round of applications in September 2014, this third announcement takes the total allocated by James to over £360,000 across 210 independent bookshops to date. £140,000 is still left to allocate in the next round of applications with the successful bookshops announced by James Patterson next year.

This third round of applications will see grants used to fund everything from author events, to a children’s reading challenge, and a Book Bus for school visits. Other causes include the refurbishment and redesign of children’s sections, creation of storytelling spaces and new signage, carpeting and flooring.

Any independent bookshop with a dedicated children’s book section was eligible for a grant of between £250 and £5,000. Patterson is committed to bringing attention to the important contributions of independent bookshops and he is especially concerned with inspiring children to become lifelong readers.

James Patterson says: “I have been completely overwhelmed by just how many independent bookshops have applied for this third round of grants, and yet again have been impressed and enthused by the calibre of the applications. It’s been very exciting to see the ideas from previous grant applications in action, with everything from a bedtime reading project to a refurbishment of children’s sections now underway. I have again worked to identify independent bookshops for whom this money can make a difference and for whom getting children reading is a real passion. I can’t wait to see what the UK and Ireland’s incredible and pioneering bookshops propose for next year.”

Eligible bookshops are still able to apply for a grant via the BA. Grant application forms are on the BA website and should be completed and returned to james.patterson@booksellers.org.uk. The next round of successful applicants will be announced in 2016.

www.booksellers.org.uk/campaigns/jamespattersonlovesbookshops