Bookworks' Connie Griffin Wins JAMES PATTERSON HOLIDAY BONUS

Connie Griffin, Bookworks' longtime bookseller, Children's Specialist, and host of its award-winning weekly story time, is a recipient of a James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus.

Best-selling author Patterson announced last week that 149 independent booksellers would receive grants through the American Booksellers Association for amounts ranging from $1000-$5000 each, for a total of $250,000.

Winning booksellers were nominated by store owners, managers, fellow booksellers, publishing professionals, and customers. This year's bonus recipients come from stores large and small, across the U.S.

"I am sending a million thanks to Mr. Patterson. The bonus is an incredible boost to my well being and one for which I am very grateful," Griffin said. "I keep checking the list to make sure my name is really on it and rereading my award letter!

"We congratulate Connie on this much deserved honor," Bookworks owner Wyatt Wegrzyn said. "She's been rocking the kids' area for nearly two decades, and we are grateful to have her on staff at Bookworks."

Patterson is no newcomer to philanthropy. He donated $250,000 to booksellers and $1.75 million to libraries, and in 2014, he awarded $1 million to 178 independent bookstores, including Bookworks, for children's programming and initiatives.

"I loved hearing about the passion these grant recipients have for the work they're doing," said Patterson. "Each is committed to handselling and carefully curating book recommendations for each person that walks through their doors."

I have been at Bookworks about 17 years.

Griffin has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and a Masters in Family Studies. She has worked in TV news, early childhood education, and has worked at Bookworks for seventeen years.