TOP TEN TUESDAY
June 7, 2016

It’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by the wonderful blog at The Broke and the Bookish! This week’s topic was Top Ten Reasons I Love X so I chose my local indie, Anderson’s Bookshop! 

1. It’s in the suburbs!

Being a Chicago suburbanite, I find myself having to travel for so many events — concerts, sporting events, celebrity appearances (okay, I don’t really go to those), musicals, plays, conferences — so it has been AMAZING to (barely) travel for author events in the area! Most of the events have been at Anderson’s in Naperville but even events in Downers Grove aren’t too far (although LaGrange events are proving to be a bit of a hike). I’ve been able to attend so many because I can get there after work on a weekday or take a quick trip over on a weekend. If the location wasn’t so convenient, I wouldn’t be able to go as often as I do!

2. Oh yeah, they host author events! (That should have been the first one)

I am SO thankful that I get to attend so many author events! Anderson’s is amazing and they’ve always got the best authors coming to town. I’m so thankful that they host so many of my favorites!

3. They have the best staff.

Everyone has always been so helpful, kind, and willing to go out of their way to assist me. I love the recommendations and staff favorites around the store!

4. They’ve even designed their own conferences for children’s and YA lit.

Anderson’s hosted a Young Adult book conference every year (also children’s but I attend the YA conference) and it’s so much fun!! It’s definitely different than national conferences like BEA or ALA but it’s just a blast and it’s great to see local bloggers/librarians/teachers and so many amazing authors come out for it!

5. The store is so welcoming.

I could just spend so much time in there. I love how it feels so cozy and warm, even though it still feels quite like a store. There’s just something about it – plus its location in downtown Naperville makes it feel a little quaint versus being on a random street in the town. It has more of a community feel!

6. They have multiple locations.

Personally, Naperville is the one for me! But there’s also a location in Downers Grove and a NEW location in LaGrange!

7. They’re kind of a big deal.

I didn’t really realize it but Anderson’s is a pretty big name as far as indie bookstores go! A lot of out-of-town friends really wanted to visit Anderson’s when they were in Illinois!!

8. They introduced me to book events & author signings!

My first EVER book event was at Anderson’s! I was living in Lisle at the time (one town over) when I found out there was a book signing and I randomly went! I still remember seeing fellow bloggers for the first time and meeting authors too! (Leigh Bardugo was there as a debut author!!!)

9. I’ve met so many people at their events.

From bloggers to authors to publicists, book store employees to fellow book-lovers, I’ve met so many incredible people at events! I’ve grown so many friendships by seeing other people at Anderson’s book events and it’s always great to see someone I know at pretty much every event now!

10. I always feel so welcome.

Anderson’s is my bookish home. It’s a place where I can go meet friends, see authors, and buy books while supporting a great staff. I always feel so welcome there!

What is your favorite indie book store? Have you ever been to Anderson’s Bookshop before?