MURRAY – The owner of an independent bookstore in downtown Murray was among 600 booksellers given a $500 bonus from best-selling author James Patterson.
Whitney Bolin of Bolin Books, 304 Main St., is one of seven Kentucky booksellers on this year’s list of recipients. Patterson, a prolific author of many best-selling novels, has a tradition of sending checks to booksellers who have been nominated either by customers or their peers.
The American Booksellers Association (ABA) reported that this year Patterson’s team received 6,000 nominations, which highlights the quality and quantity of impactful booksellers across the United States.
“The holiday season is essential for independent booksellers like us, but along with the joys of the season come our busiest days and the hardest work of the year,” Bolin said. “Receiving the James Patterson Bonus is an enormous vote of confidence that shows our efforts to build a community bookstore are recognized and celebrated. We’re so thankful to Mr. Patterson and the ABA for this opportunity and recognition.”
While Bolin was the only recipient in western Kentucky, six other booksellers across the state were awarded with this honor. They include:
- Holly Alder, Blue Marble Books, Fort Thomas, KY
- Emma Aprile, Carmichael’s Bookstore, Louisville, KY
- Sarah Cottrell, Carmichael’s Bookstore, Louisville, KY
- Stephanie Staton, CoffeeTree Books, Morehead, KY
- Kelly Nusz, Foxing Bookstore, Louisville, KY
- Kathy York, Plaid Elephant Books, Danville, KY
Bolin Books is an independent bookstore in downtown Murray, Kentucky, with a focus on used and rare books. ABA is a national trade association that supports and advocates for the success of independent bookstores.
