By Renita Manley-Garrett on
Two weeks ago, author James Patterson pledged to donate $1.25 million to school libraries, and Monday morning, Patterson increased that amount to $1.5 million.
Patterson will be making his donation via the Scholastic Reading Club program.
Patterson states on the program site, “We’re at a pivotal moment in our history. School libraries are shutting their doors left and right, despite the fact that it’s more important than ever for a child to grow up with a school librarian. I know that you understand the value of reading and work to give your students access to books. Together, let’s support school libraries. With your help, we can embark on a crusade to get kids reading more books.”
“I’m blown away by the number of parents and teachers who have shared the urgent needs of their community’s school library,” he said in a statement released Monday morning. “It’s clear that our school libraries require critical help. I know we can’t solve the issues overnight, but I hope at the very least we’re able to raise awareness about the important position the school library plays in the educational achievement of children.”
Schools can receive between $1,000-$10,000 in grant money to support their libraries. The deadline to nominate a school is May 31, 2015. Click here for more information about Patterson’s library grant.
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