Author James Patterson has been on a mission to help libraries this year. After watching the riots that followed Freddie Gray’s funeral, he’s adding the Enoch Pratt Free Library to his benevolent book tour.
The prolific best-selling author pledged to give 25,000 copies of his illustrated children’s book “Public School Superhero,” which chronicles the adventures of a black sixth grader, to Baltimore kids. That’s enough for every public school kid from grades 3-7.
The creator of Alex Cross is also planning a visit to Central Library on Sept. 16.
“I’ve always liked Baltimore — except for the Orioles — and I was impressed and moved by the way the city ultimately handled the recent tragedy,” Patterson wrote in a statement. “Helping the kids in Baltimore become better readers, and encouraging others to help, seems like the right thing to do.”
Earlier this year, Patterson pledged to give $1.75 million to libraries across the country. Before that, he made a nine-figure donation aimed at helping independent bookstores stay afloat.
