James Patterson grant helps Round Lake's Avon School

Avon Center School in Round Lake has received a grant from best-selling author James Patterson to support its library.

In addition, Scholastic Reading Club will enhance Patterson's donation with "bonus points" that teachers can use to acquire books and other materials for their classrooms.

As part of an ongoing effort to keep books and reading a No. 1 priority in the United States, Patterson and Scholastic Reading Club made a commitment to help save school libraries nationwide, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 allocated to each of the 467 selected schools. Avon was selected from 27,924 applications for funding grants.

"We are extremely grateful for the donation from Mr. Patterson and the Scholastic Reading Club," Avon Principal Chris Wolk said. "The library at Avon Center School is not only at the physical center of the building, but the emotional center as well.

"With these funds, we plan to refresh our school library materials with a more updated selection of fictional and nonfictional materials for students of all ages and reading abilities. Our students deserve nothing less than the best learning environment and this grant will assist us in our mission."

Avon is one of seven schools that are part of Grayslake Elementary District 46.