Anderson's Bookshop
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
12 Reviews for Anderson's Bookshop
Great local shop. They bring lots of authors in for book signings. There is a massive kids' section with books and toys. They have a Thomas table set up for the little ones.
If you purchase a book by an author that's coming in for a signing, make sure to ask for a number in line for the signing event. My son is very excited to see Erin Hunter (Warriors series) later this month.
I've only been to Anderson's Bookshop once and that was for a book signing by my favorite chick lit author. I felt the event was well organized for the most part.
If you purchase a book by an author that's coming in for a signing, make sure to ask for a number in line for the signing event. If you purchase it in advance you get a much better place in line than you would if you purchase it at the event itself. Being the book signing virgin I was I had no idea this was a possibility.
I also recommend you come early to find parking. I ended up parking in one of the public lots a few blocks from the shop. Thankfully it was a nice evening so I didn't mind the walk at all.
All in all, my experience at Anderson's left me looking forward to my next visit.
One star for being cute. One star for being local. One star for great author signings. I just can't do any better than that because of the revolting bathroom.
It was FILTHY; worse than most gas stations I've visited. It smelled like urine. There was dirt on the walls. The floors clearly had not been mopped in weeks - you could see layers upon layers of piss spots on the floor. (It's a family-friendly store, and a one-seater bathroom so I pin the blame on little boys!)
After using the restroom, I put my would-be purchase down and left. I don't see myself going back.
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Anderson's is a nice local bookstore, with several locations, but locally held. They offer a good schedule of author signings of fiction, non-fiction and children's authors. The selection here is very good for its size and the layout makes browsing comfortable -- especially if you are just out for a day of shopping in downtown Naperville.
My only problem with Anderson's is the membership discount. You have to buy a membership and I just don't go for that. A store should buy my loyalty, I don't have to purchase it.
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Wonderful book store... and more.
I love this local Naperville shop and will alway support it b/c of great customer service and warm inviting atmosphere. My children love coming here where we find the best birthday party presents.
Great selection of popular books and educational toys. Kid friendly.
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Anderson's was the first bookstore I visited after I moved to Chicagoland and its charm really radiated through. It seems like they are constantly organizing events and arranging for neat things -- whether it's an author signing, a reading circle, or the whole hoopla that happened in July 2007 for Harry Potter. Though their selection won't rival Barnes & Noble down the street, it doesn't need to.
What you get with Anderson's is a refreshingly personal, authentic experience in an independent bookstore run by passionate bibliophiles that the conglomerates and mass chains are steadily eating away at. So far Anderson's is surviving it, thanks to loyal clientele, and I hope that never changes.
The atmosphere is different and it's wonderful. The staff is attentive and they go the extra mile to answer questions, order books and give suggestions if you're stuck on a great summer read or what to purchase for a friend's birthday. I love using this as a resource for presents, as I've not gone wrong yet.
The childrens' section isn't one I visit often (no kids) but it's fantastic, with plenty more than just books.
Together with some of the nicest people, reasonable prices and a feel of a "real" bookstore, Anderson's is very much worth the trip. As a note, if you can't find street parking, try the free lots next to the Naperville Library (behind Eddie Bauer) or by Tom's Montana Grill and Lou Malnati's.
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The fact that they want you to bring in a cup of coffee and browse is just the beginning. I find myself wandering into bookstores when I'm traveling on business. Who knew one of the best is so close. The selection is very good for the size of the place and if a book can't be found, the staff is always ready to help, especially during that uncomfortable time when your brain goes on vacation and you have to play charades to come up with the book's title or author. Anderson's seems to get the best authors on tour, and the signings are always well managed. It's just a great bookstore. Lose yourself there.
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Loved this place! The staff was so helpful and there's so much selection!
I had never been in here, but I had heard all kinds of good things and I was not disappointed. Tons of kid stuff, not only books, but Klutz art kits, magazines, and some Thomas the Tank engine stuff.
I can't rave enough about the staff. We couldn't find a few things and they were looking all over for us!
I'm sad that this isn't closer to my house!
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I love any non-chain store. They have a large selection of toys and gifts, so it is kind of like a Hallmark with books. With the recent closing of so many small stores I would think that the staff would be a little friendlier, I seem to get the cold shoulder every time I come in here, and I buy a lot of toys here and at Oswalds.
The have definetly cornered the market on author signings, and they have some unique window displays. Defintely worth stopping in.
Book stores the way they are supposed to be. This place is a must. You have to check out the incredible Author Signings they have here. Some really big names make here. You aren't going find that with the mega-stores.
Excellent childrens' section. Very helpful staff.
I highly recommend shopping here.
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Forget the chains, even in Naperville. Anderson's has just about everything, and they will order it if not. Get on their membership program and get 10% off - and they mail newsletters with additional 10% off coupons. Great guest authors, including David Sedaris.
Naperville is so kid centered, they necessarily stock a huge selection of children's books for every age, and some activities, games and toys. Sometimes I bring my kids to browse for an hour, and I don't mind leaving with a new book for each of them. So much better than buying them toys or junkfood - it's a decent, healthy bribe.
The service is quite good and it's a local business you'll be proud to support. They have another spot in Downers Grove.
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Daughter and I came to find some books, of course. We could not find the books we were looking for so they recommended other books. Nothing that really perked us up. So we left.
That was our experience. There was a ton of people in there. The staff looked like they were having a good time.
Check it out for yourself. Maybe they have the book you are looking for.
Update 04/21/2007
We went back on a whim, and this time they were extremely helpful. I noticed that the children's section was larger than I had first seen.
Not bad.
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