Earlier this month Oaktree Elementary School received a $2,000 grant from bestselling author James Patterson to support its school library.

In addition, Scholastic Reading Club will match each dollar of Patterson’s donation with “bonus points” that teachers can use to acquire books and other materials for their classrooms. Oaktree Elementary was selected from thousands of applications for funding grants.

“The grant will allow us to purchase multiple copies of those books to have on hand in the Oaktree library for students to check out and enjoy reading,” said Amy Tomblinson, Oaktree Elementary fifth grade teacher who sought the grant. “Research has shown that when beloved teachers recommend books and they are available to read, kids desperately want to read those books. Not only will this encourage reading, but more importantly, it will provide an opportunity for conversations about books.”

James Patterson has sold more than 350 million books worldwide and currently is the Guinness World Record holder for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers. Patterson, along with Scholastic Reading Club, announced in March 2016 that he would donate $1.75 million to save school libraries nationwide in the second installment of his School Library Campaign.

Tomblinson said the school will be creating an area in the school library which will showcase teachers’ favorite books.

Schools entering were asked to share the story of their school library, including past efforts to make improvements and “great ideas to help create a brighter future.” Patterson personally read and selected the winning recipients of the grants.