Kona Stories Among Patterson Bonus Recipients

Kona Stories was recently named among 87 independent bookstores to win a chunk of $250,000.

The holiday bonuses were awarded by James Patterson, a best selling author and literacy advocate, who launched the bonus program in October to thanks booksellers for the dedication to the spread of joy in reading.

Kona Stories’ Brenda McConnell and Joy Vogelgesang will receive their share of the money as one of the 87 bookstores to be selected from 2,848 nominations. Book sellers will receive between $1,000 and $5,000 each.

“These grants and bonuses are my humble acknowledgement of some of the terrific work taking place in libraries and bookstores,” said Patterson. “Here’s to communities supporting their bookstores and libraries. Here’s to a country that makes reading a priority. Here’s to flourishing libraries and booksellers, and to a joyful holiday season.”

In 2014, Patterson awarded over $1 million in grants to 178 independent bookstores that were committed to fostering a love of reading among children and young adults.

Along with his donations of holiday bonuses and grants to bookstores, Patterson made a pledge of $1.75 million in grants to schools libraries across the county earlier this year. The pledges were in partnership with Scholastic Reading Club and provided a total of 467 school libraries with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.