Chapters manager earns James Patterson Bookseller Bonus
Chapters’ store manager Wendy Higgins is one of 500 independent booksellers across the U.S. awarded grants by James Patterson as part of the author’s Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program.
Patterson recently announced the names of 500 independent booksellers receiving grants totaling $250,000 as part of his Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program.
Patterson partnered with the American Booksellers Association to distribute the funds. The full list of recipients is available here.
The nomination form asked one question: “In 250 words or less, why does this bookseller deserve a holiday bonus?” Nominated booksellers were praised for their contagious enthusiasm, skilled hand-selling, innovation, and, most importantly, dedication to books and reading.
“I am thankful to receive a bookseller bonus,” Higgins said. “Thank you to Mr. Patterson for everything you do to support independent bookstores and booksellers like me.” Higgins plans to invest the bonus into Silent Press Bindery, her bookbinding, letterpress work, and photography business.
Bookstore owner Sharon Ritchie said that she is pleased, but not surprised, that Higgins received the recognition. “Wendy’s passion for books and reading combined with her incredible knowledge and customer service skills make her the ideal candidate for a bookstore bonus.”
“We are all so grateful for Mr. Patterson’s ongoing support of independent booksellers,” the American Booksellers Association’s CEO Allison Hill stated. “His generosity is incredible, and his recognition of booksellers and the valuable role they play in the industry is especially meaningful to us.”
Other Chapters booksellers earning James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonuses in prior years include Tina Edwards Vaughn, Olivia Soyka, and Lexie Goad.
Chapters, located at 101 E. Grayson St., is the area’s only independent bookstore. In addition, Chapters & The Wine Cellar at Chapters also offer a unique selection of clothing, jewelry, toys, gifts, food, beer and wine, home décor and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For more information, call (276) 236-9703, visit www.chaptersbookshop.com or follow the store on Instagram and/or Facebook.