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Debut author will give grants to six independent bookstores

Author Jeffrey Stayton, whose first book is being published this February, recently sponsored a competition to select six independent bookstores as recipients of $250 grants.

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Ann Hermes
The Book Cellar, is an independent bookstore in Chicago's Lincoln Square.
  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

Even those who haven't yet published a book can make donations to independent bookstores.

Jeffrey Stayton hasn’t even released his first work yet – his debut book will be out this February – but he recently sponsored a competition to select six independent bookstores to receive $250 grants, according to industry newsletter Shelf Awareness. The competition was titled Cheer for the Bookstores.

One of the stores, Memphis’s Burke’s Book Store, is Stayton’s former workplace.

The six stores have various plans for the money. They include a new children’s “reading nook” that Carrollton, Ga.’s Horton’s Books & Gifts wants to make and employee holiday presents or bonuses at New York City’s Books of Wonder. “They work so hard, do such a great job, and make the kids and parents who show at our store so happy,” the store's plan reads.

Bestselling author James Patterson recently wrapped up his plan to give $1 million to indie stores, with 81 stores recently receiving his funds. The requirements for Patterson’s donations were that stores be “viable” and have a children’s section. 

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