PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Author James Patterson chose Conte Community School as a recipient of his annual holiday gift program.

 

The author chose the school to receive a $6,000 grant to purchase new books. In Conte's application, school officials promised to "spend every penny on brand new, sparkling books." 

 

The school was just one of 340 libraries and 87 independent bookstore employees to receive money. Patterson gave away some $2 million, according to the Associated Press. 

 

In a statement, Patterson said, "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!"

 

Patterson is a best-selling author who routinely produces many novels each year. He launched the program to "draw attention to books, and draw attention to bookstore and to libraries," he told the Associated Press.