One of those booksellers is Bob Lingle, owner and operator of Good Neighbor Bookstore in Lakewood.

“Patterson has been a great ally to independent bookstores.” Lingle said. “I’ve been fortunate to receive a Christmas bonus from James Patterson for the last five years.”

Booksellers were able to self-nominate to be considered for a bonus, or they could be nominated by bookstore customers, owners, employees, managers, fellow booksellers, publishing professionals, or authors.

“I made my customers aware of the ability to nominate me for this bonus, I opted to not self-nominate. Receiving the bonus feels more meaningful knowing that it was based on the words of the members of our community.” Lingle said.

James Patterson is pictured writing.

Lingle recently celebrated his sixth year owning Good Neighbor Bookstore, 124 Chautauqua Ave., Lakewood, and recently completed a term serving on the Bookseller Advisory Council for the American Bookseller Association. Bookstores around the country will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day today.

“We are all so grateful for Mr. Patterson’s ongoing support of independent booksellers. His generosity is incredible, and his recognition of booksellers and the valuable role they play in the industry is especially meaningful to us,” said Allison Hill, American Bookseller Association CEO.