Sherman’s Books & Stationery has been awarded a $7,500 grant from bestselling novelist James Patterson. Sherman’s is one of 81 independent bookstores named Dec. 15 by Patterson, who has given more than $1 million to independent bookstores this year.

Sherman’s intends to use the grant money to spruce up its original store in Bar Harbor. The Bar Harbor store, Maine’s oldest bookstore, “is starting to show its age,” said owner Jeff Curtis. “Mr. Patterson’s program to help small, independent bookstores, will help us bring the Bar Harbor store into the 20th, if not the 21st, century.”

Sherman’s, opened in 1886, has stores located in Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Freeport, and its newest store in Portland’s Old Port.

James Patterson has sold 300 million books worldwide and has had more New York Times bestsellers than any other writer, including more #1 bestsellers for children than any other living author.

“Here’s to a joyful holiday season for booksellers everywhere,” James Patterson said in a statement announcing the grants. “Yes, joyful! Here’s to more parents and grandparents ... giving their kids books-yes, books-for Christmas and other holidays.”