New York Times best-selling author James Patterson pushes youth reading at the Dreyfoos School

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla - It can be tough sometimes to get kids into the library. But on Thursday, it was standing room only at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts as students welcomed New York Times best-selling author James Patterson.

Largely known for his thriller series "Alex Cross," Patterson said he feels it's important to reach out to young people and encourage them to read.

At a time when technology rules among our youth, Patterson said electronic books are good tools to entice more reading.

"Kids love to read on screens and actually books are cheaper if you're going to buy them. Also the libraries, you can get e-books from the libraries," said Patterson.

The author said if parents want their children to read more, they should buy them books on the format they prefer.