Decatur Bookstore Gets Boost from James Patterson

This week, the Decatur shop was among the first round of stores that received funds from Patterson.

Dave Shallenberger is the co-owner of the Little Shop of Stories.

He won’t specify the amount of money the store received from Patterson.

“We’re very happy, put it that way,” says Shallenberger.

An audio version of this story.

The bookstore will use the money from Patterson to help buy an old school bus, which will be turned into a bookmobile.

Shallenberger says he’s grateful for the gift from Patterson.

“Not only to our store, but the fact that he’s highlighting the importance of independent bookstores throughout the country.  That might be the best thing that comes out of this,” he says.

But, in the days of electronic books and the likes, is there a need for old-school books?

Yes, according to Shallenberger.

“With a physical book, it becomes almost a physical wall that envelops me….that I’m able to shut off everything else and concentrate on that book.”

Little Shop of Stories is a Partner in Education with the City Schools of Decatur.