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Brain Lair Is Among 600 Independent Booksellers To Receive $500 Gift From James Patterson
SOUTH BEND ― A local bookseller, who has carved out a niche by selling and advocating for books aimed at young readers who might feel marginalized, is among 600 independent shop owners nationwide to receive a $500 holiday bonus from best-selling author James Patterson.
And it isn't the first time that Kathy Burnette, owner of Brain Lair Books at 1005 Portage Ave., has received the gift from Patterson ― even though his books aren't among the hundreds of titles that visitors can find on the shelves of the warm store.
"It's our fourth or fifth time," said Burnette, who said the holiday gift is carved up among employees at the store. "And it certainly comes in handy this time of year."
Kathy Burnette, owner of Brain Lair Books on Portage Avenue in South Bend, talks Dec. 19, 2023, about the grant she received from James Patterson.
The bookstore workers either nominated themselves or were recommended by their employers, managers, peers or local readers, according to USA Today. The prolific writer known for both his adult and children's books has donated millions to booksellers, librarians and teachers, and began the holiday bonuses in 2015
After years of thought, Burnette opened Brain Lair Books in July 2018 in the East Bank neighborhood before moving to what she hopes is a permanent spot in the Near Northwest Neighborhood just beyond downtown.
Beginnings: Meet a South Bend bookstore owner who is offering up stories about characters of all colors and creeds
Small independent businesses are springing up in the neighborhood at places like the Portage Collective at 905 Portage Ave. and the Ward Baking Co. Building across the street, where developer Mike Keen aims to create space for numerous small businesses.
Instead of people simply passing through the neighborhood, Burnette sees the area growing into a neighborhood commerce center where motorists will stop rather than just use Portage to get into and out of downtown.
The exterior of Brain Lair Books store Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, on Portage Avenue in South Bend.
And she also likes how walkable the neighborhood is, encouraging people to spend some time visiting the small businesses that are springing up in the area. "And I think that's only going to get better," she added.
Even with a steady stream of customers in the store, Brain Lair Books has also built up a strong online presence for customers who might not have access to a bookstore that offers diverse and inclusive stories.
It might be a book with a character who is black, indigenous, disabled or LGBTQ, she said, adding that not every child or young adult fits the same mold but that it's important for all readers to find books with characters and subjects that they can identify with.
This sticker is on Brain Lair Books in South Bend.
Burnette believes deeply in that core concept and has hosted or sponsored authors ― such as a visit from Chasten Buttigieg to discuss his book "I Have Something to Tell You" and other authors — while also speaking up for the library when there were efforts to control the placement of some books.
Besides being important for a teen who might be questioning their sexuality, for example, such books ultimately can do more, Burnette said. "We want to build empathy and community," she said, pointing out that books can serve as that bridge.
Patterson seemed to echo that sentiment.
"I've said this before, but I can't say it enough — booksellers save lives," the "Along Came A Spider" writer wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "What they do is crucial, especially right now. I'm happy to be able to acknowledge them and their hard work this holiday season."
Email Tribune staff writer Ed Semmler at esemmler@sbtinfo.Com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Brain Lair Books has carved out a niche aimed at the under represented
Author James Patterson Sends $500 Bonus To Springfield's Bookmarx In Time For Holidays
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Three Iowa City Booksellers Awarded James Patterson Holiday Bonus
Three Iowa City booksellers are the recipients of a $500 holiday bonus from prolific author James Patterson, who recently sold his 100 millionth book this past April. The author of "Along Came a Spider" and "The President is Missing" pledged a personal contribution of $300,000 to be distributed in amounts of $500, to 600 booksellers […]
Three Iowa City booksellers are the recipients of a $500 holiday bonus from prolific author James Patterson, who recently sold his 100 millionth book this past April. The author of "Along Came a Spider" and "The President is Missing" pledged a personal contribution of $300,000 to be distributed in amounts of $500, to 600 booksellers from American Booksellers Association member bookstores. In recent months, books have been undergoing intense scrutiny and removal from schools across the country. Mr. Patterson said he started the Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program as a reminder that books – and the purveyors thereof – play an important role in American culture.
Colorful holiday books grace the display window of Prairie Lights Books, located at 15 S. Dubuque St. CREDIT ANNIE BARKALOW "I've said this before, but I can't say it enough—booksellers save lives," he wrote on X – formerly known as Twitter – on Dec. 13. "What they do is crucial, especially right now. I'm happy to be able to acknowledge them and their hard work this holiday season." It's only fitting that half of the recognized booksellers in Iowa reside in Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature. 
Prairie Lights Books, at 15 S. Dubuque St. In Iowa City. CREDIT ANNIE BARKALOW Booksellers Suzanne Gleeson, with Prairie Lights Books, Katy Herbold, with Sidekick Coffee & Books, and Joshua Langseth, with The Haunted Bookshop, found out about their award last week, when The American Book Sellers Association emailed them the good news. Jan Weissmiller, owner of Prairie Lights Books, located at 15 S. Dubuque St., nominated Ms. Gleeson for the award in October. "The store would not run without what she does," said Ms. Weismiller. Ms. Gleeson has worked for Prairie Lights Books for 30 years, and Ms. Weissmiller uses a variety of adjectives to describe her: careful, reliable, great troubleshooter, smart and funny. Every day, the 11,000 square foot bookstore receives a large number of books, which Ms. Gleeson diligently processes and uploads into the computer system. "It's very labor-intensive," said Ms. Weissmiller. Speaking of her employees in general, she said they are "always deserving of any extra they can get." "I was happy and surprised," said Ms. Gleeson, on discovering her reward, and said she would most likely use the prize money to buy new lenses for her glasses. The success of the bookstore, she added, is a "group effort – it's a lot of communication between a lot of people." Local children's author and illustrator, Jennifer Black Reinhardt, nominated Sidekick Coffee & Books owner Ms. Herbold for the award. 
Katy Herbold of Sidekick Coffee & Books, poses with her family. CREDIT REBECCA SANABRIA "I cried – I'm a big sap like that," said Ms. Herbold, on finding out she was an award recipient. "Sidekick…used all funds to purchase books for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County, with the book choices made by Jennifer and Program Specialist and Outreach Coordinator at BBBS, Dina Bishara. Thank you Jennifer, Dina, and James Patterson for your teamwork for such a great cause!" Ms. Herbold wrote in a Facebook post Dec. 14. Sidekick Coffee & Books, located at 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave., has a Christmas tree dedicated to Big Brothers Big Sisters in its cafe, and customers can pick a tag off the tree to buy a book for a child. Tags are brought to the register, where an employee finds the book on a shelf and puts it in a book bin near the tree. Donations will be accepted through the first week of January. "Books are great gifts," said Ms. Herbold. "It was a no brainer to use (the money) for books." 
The Haunted Bookshop, located at 219 N. Gilbert St. CREDIT ANNIE BARKALOW Other Iowa winners include: 
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