Have I misjudged James Patterson? This best-selling author, known primarily for thrillers, has received mixed reviews from his peers. Many consider him more of an industry than an artist, churning out book after book. I’ve shared that view.

Honestly, I haven’t been fair to the man. I haven’t read any of his books. I tend to be suspicious of authors who constantly publish new work and self-promote on TV. Although I enjoy psychological thrillers (his predominant genre), I don’t know if his style is my cup of tea. But I’ve decided to check out Patterson’s books.

What made me reconsider Patterson is his recent Salon interview on trying to save an imperiled book industry. In the Salon interview, Patterson cites how governments of other countries support their publishing industry and suggests ways our country can step up to the challenge. The Salon interview followed on the heels of ads Patterson published in the New York Times Book Review and Publishers Weekly calling for individual, corporate and government support of book stores, libraries and reading.

Some have accused Patterson of using this platform to sell more of his books. I disagree. For several years, without fanfare, he has established hundreds of educational scholarships and donated thousands of books to libraries. He also created ReadKiddoRead.com, which helps parents, teachers, and librarians find the best books for their children.

In the world of commerce, change is inevitable. The emergence of self-publishing provides more opportunities for writers to get their work produced; eReaders make books more portable; online booksellers and big box discounters offer books at lower prices. If we are complacent, these good changes will come at a cost we cannot afford: losing the traditional publishers that produce enduring classics, along with the bookstores and libraries that keep the classics in circulation. It would be wonderful if support came solely from private interests but it has not been enough. There is a role for our government to assist in the promotion, protection and preservation of enduring American literature. Our role is to demand this assistance.