James Patterson PageTurner Awards -- Recognizing People & Institutions Promoting the Excitement of Books

Authors interested in thanking literacy advocates, whether they're booksellers, librarians, or English teachers, typically do so on a book's acknowledgementspage. However, to show his appreciation, bestselling author James Patterson is upping the ante. Patterson and Time Warner Book Group recently announced the debut of the James Patterson PageTurner Awards, annual cash prizes, intended to single out and support the people, companies, schools, and other institutions that find original and effective ways to promote the excitement of books.

Each year two $25,000 prizes and 25 $1,000 prizes will be awarded. One $25,000 prize, the PageTurner Award, will go to a person, company, or institution that presents books to the public in an exciting and original way. The other, the PageTurner School Award, will be given to an elementary school, middle school, or high school that inculcates the joy of reading for pleasure in its students. The winning school will also win a visit from Patterson, whose last 16 novels have achieved number-one New York Times bestseller status, for a day of reading, signing, and talking about books. The 25 $1,000 prizes will be awarded to individuals and institutions that have made notable contributions to promoting the excitement of books.

To be eligible for the PageTurner Award, candidates must be able to demonstrate outstanding accomplishments (or ongoing efforts that have taken place) within the given calendar year. Any U.S. organization or citizen age 13 or older may be nominated by any U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older. Candidates for the School Award must be a U.S.-accredited private or public primary, secondary, or vocational school or college. Merit candidates must meet the criteria of either the individual or school awards. The deadline for nominations is October 1, and winners will be announced by November 30.

Complete details and an online nomination form are available on the PageTurner site, www.pattersonpageturner.org. --Karen Schechner