GLASGOW, Ky. — Independent bookstores and their employees have a chance to receive holiday bonuses through a program launched by author James Patterson, including an opportunity for local bookstores to receive $5,000.

Patterson has pledged $300,000 for the 2026 Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program, which will award $500 bonuses to 600 booksellers at American Booksellers Association member bookstores.

The program will also award 10 independent bookstores an additional $5,000.

Barren County has two bookstores: Nadine West Book Company in Glasgow and One More Chapter Bookstore in Cave City. Both are members of the American Booksellers Association.

Nominations are open through Oct. 29 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.

How to nominate a bookseller

Booksellers can nominate themselves, or nominations can come from customers, bookstore owners, employees, managers, fellow booksellers, publishing professionals and authors.

To qualify, booksellers must work at an eligible ABA member bookstore in the United States when nominated and when awards are given. The bookstore must have held full ABA membership before Sept. 30, 2026. Previous recipients of Patterson bonuses and grants are also eligible.

Owners, employees and managers who nominate a bookseller at their store can also enter the bookstore for a chance to receive one of the $5,000 awards.

The American Booksellers Association is a national trade group that supports independent bookstores through education, networking, advocacy and other resources.

Nominations can be submitted through the association’s online nomination form.