Six Iowans among 600 booksellers getting a $500 bonus from author James Patterson
James Patterson is showing booksellers how much he values their work.
The author giving $500 holiday bonuses to employees at independent bookstores across the country, including here in Iowa.
"I’ve said this before, but I can’t say it enough — booksellers save lives," the "Along Came A Spider" writer wrote on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday. "What they do is crucial, especially right now. I’m happy to be able to acknowledge them and their hard work this holiday season."
600 workers were rewarded nationwide
Six hundred employees at independent bookstores from Hawaii to Maine were chosen as winners. The workers either nominated themselves or were recommended by their employers, managers, peers or local readers.
The American Book Association shared the full list of selected workers.
"A huge thank you to Mr. Patterson for his continued generosity to booksellers," the association said in the announcement posting.
Which Iowa booksellers got a holiday bonus from author James Patterson?
Six independent bookstore workers from Iowa were lucky enough to receive a holiday bonus from Patterson himself.
Suzanne Gleeson, Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City
Katy Herbold, Sidekick Coffee & Books, University Heights
Joshua Langseth, The Haunted Bookshop, Iowa City
Aimee Moore, The Curiosity Shop, Pella
Rachel Ramirez, Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines
Rachel Trainum, Dog-Eared Books, Ames
Prairie Lights Bookstore in Iowa City said on Facebook that they're grateful to Patterson for his generosity and the honor he bestows on booksellers.
Patterson will also be in Des Moines in April as part of the Des Moines Public Library's AViD series.
American Booksellers Association CEO Allison Hill expressed awe and gratitude for Patterson's continued support to independent bookstore workers.
"It means so much to have him recognize the valuable role booksellers play in the industry and we appreciate his financial generosity as well as his generosity of spirit," Hill told the Associated Press.
Patterson has donated millions to book community
Patterson is no stranger to philanthropy.
The prolific writer known for both his adult and children's books, has donated millions to booksellers, librarians and teachers. He began giving employee bonuses in 2015 and workers continue to be appreciative.
In April, a book he co-wrote with Matt Eversmann titled "The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians," will publish and delve into his admiration for the community.
"Booksellers and librarians are superheroes, saving lives every single day. Here are their amazing, inspiring true stories as told to the greatest storyteller of our time, James Patterson," the tribute book's description reads.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Patterson gives holiday bonuses to 6 Iowa booksellers
