James Patterson Pledge: $1.75 Million Dollars for School Libraries "Libraries are the heart of the school, and the response from educators and parents alike to the first Great Library Pledge showed that there is much more needed to save them. That’s why I’m back with a new $1.75 million pledge to save school libraries across the country. —James Patterson, Bestselling Author |
RECEIVES GRANT FROM JAMES PATTERSON AND SCHOLASTIC READING CLUB FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY
CMS received a grant today from bestselling author James Patterson to support its school library. Additionally, Scholastic Reading Club will match each dollar of Patterson’s donation with bonus points that teachers can use to acquire books and other materials for their classrooms.
CMS was selected from thousands of applications for funding grants. James Patterson and Scholastic Reading club announced in March 2016 that Patterson would donate$1.75 million to save school libraries nationwide in the second installment of his School Library Campaign. As part of an ongoing effort to keep books and reading a number one priority in the United States, selected school libraries will be receiving grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Since the grant program’s launch in 2015, Patterson has donated $3.5 million to school libraries nationwide, with all funds being personally donated by Patterson.
I had previously tried to win a grant for our school but I knew it was a long shot. I wrote another grant asking for $4750 to buy a selection of graphic novels and high interest books and a new bookcase to house them. Mr. Patterson personally read and selected the winning recipients of the grants.
It was very exciting to open the email indicating that we had won. I felt like we had won the lottery. Our students are just as excited and have spent the last few days creating wonderful thank you cards for Mr. Patterson.
James Patterson talks about the importance of early reading, school libraries, and why he does what he does: