Dolphin Vies for James Patterson Indy Bookshop Grant

Indie bookshop lovers share something in common with best-selling author James Patterson. He wants to see these venues, and in fact American literacy, to not only survive, but thrive.

"We're in a juncture right now where bookstores as we have known them are at risk," Patterson told NPR. 

"The government has stepped in to help banks, automobiles, anything where money is concerned, but nobody seems to care about books and our bookstores," he added. "And I'm telling you, American literature is in jeopardy."

To help, he’s launched a program to donate $1 million to independent bookshops to invest in improvements, its staff and literacy outreach programs.

That kind of assistance sounds promising to Dolphin Bookshop, an independent bookstore on Port Washington’s Lower Main Street. The shop is home to not only books for adults and children, but also toys, author events, live music, discussions and more. Recently, the shop posted on its facebook, letting customers know how they can suggest Dolphin as a possible contender.

“A grant would enable us to enhance our community outreach and educational programming,” said Dolphin owner Judith Mitzner, a Sea Cliff resident. 

To date, 55 bookshops, including The Book Revue in Huntington, have already received between $2,000 and $15,000 in grants.