National Book Foundation to Honor James Patterson

Shelf Awareness

The National Book Foundation will give its 2015 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community to bestselling author James Patterson in recognition of his "contributions to the vitality of American literary culture." NBF executive director Harold Augenbraum said Patterson's "dedication to the expansion of reading is closer to a crusade than an avocation. Its fervor seems to increase with each passing year."

The NBF noted that for the past decade, Patterson "has been a passionate campaigner to make books and reading a national priority. A generous supporter of universities, teachers colleges, independent bookstores, school libraries, and college students, Patterson has donated millions of dollars in grants and scholarships with the purpose of encouraging Americans of all ages to read more books. Patterson has donated over 250,000 books to children in the United States and over 650,000 books to U.S. soldiers, and created the website ReadKiddoRead--a National Book Foundation Innovations in Reading Prize Winner--to help families develop healthy reading habits."

This year's National Book Awards will be presented November 18 in New York City.