Anderson's Bookshop

The staff are kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. They take the time to get to know you beyond what kind of books you want. The recommendations are stellar. A wide selection of autographed books! They set up amazing author events with great authors! The events are always well organized and its so easy to go through the signing/photo line. Its easy to see why they've been here for more than 150 years!

It is always lovely walking into Anderson's, the smell of fresh book pages and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of thousands of books and fun bookish merchandise always ready for us. They're also really great at hosting a variety of authors, so there's always something to look forward to - a new book, a favorite author, or an unexpected pleasant surprise. Like earlier this month, I asked at the register about ordering a book (Kitemaster, by Jim C. Hines). The bookseller was very knowledgeable, and informed me given how it was printed, it might take a few weeks to get in. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I got a personal phone call barely 3 or 4 days later saying my book was ready for me! Thanks for working some awesome book magic that day, and every day.

Nice bookshop with a long history. Attended for a book signing (Glass Girls by Danie Shokoohi) and spent time after wandering the store. A great selection of books, gifts, and more.

Really lovely bookstore! Super kind staff and it’s organized fairly well. They have other nice knick nacks too. I visit here often just to browse, but it is also easy to find a book if you have a specific one in mind too.

I love this place so much! It has an old school vibe and makes it feel so cozy. The staff is very helpful. And of course there’s nothing better than supporting your local bookstores ❤️

Legendary place that is a pillar of the community. They have a great selection and if they don't have it in stock they will order it for you and it will be there usually within the week. The staff is amazing and just a level you don't find in many other places. Also authors also come through the store with their events that happen quite often.

A fun bookstore with every title you can imagine. I loved the different book set ups in the kids area. They also have a train station table which my daughter loves. My only feedback is I wish they had more areas to sit down and read a few of the books. My toddler brought back a stack of books she wanted to flip through. We made it work and found a spot on the floor. I highly recommend Anderson's, I can't wait to be back solo to check out other titles.

A great bookstore, locked in a perfect place. I came here accidentally for an author's meeting with Wendy Moss and I was enchanted by this place, atmosphere and how professional staff work here. It will definitely come here more than once because the assortment is very rich here.

Anderson's Bookshop is my go-to independent bookstore because they curate beautiful opportunities to connect to the book world, I know the monetary impact of shopping local, AND they are woman owned! You won't get online prices, but the value of shopping here far outweighs the monetary costs. The staff is always friendly and always offering to help you pick your next read. They have AMAZING community events--there was one week where I swear, I had to make the drive, like 3 times because the lineup was SO GOOD! And they do cool things like bookmark designing contests, bingo cards to help you read outside of your comfort zone, and the dopest book fairs.

Staff is amazing! Author events are the best around. I cannot suggest these enough, especially if it's a new-to-you author.

Facility is clean. Staff is nice. A lot of space for scanning and shopping. Well lit. No obstacles in the walk space.

What a fun store and the staff is super nice. Very organized and easy to move through. My daughter was able to find a book she had been looking for. They also sell teas, candies and even some jewelry.

One of my absolute favorite places in Naperville. I used to visit North Central College and some friends nearby and I demanded to go to Anderson's every time. The staff is so welcoming and makes you feel like they genuinely love reading and want to help you find your next book or a gift for someone you love. They ask you real insightful questions with an interest in what you're saying. You do NOT get this kind of energy at most bookstores. Even many independent bookstores have a sort of exclusive energy coming from the staff. However Anderson's has consistently been one of the most welcoming spaces I have ever been in the general public. I feel safe here among the books and the staff are so great. I hope Anderson's is here forever. The also host so many amazing events. Please support this bookshop and the booksellers who work here. They are committed to their jobs and to the reading community and I hope it is here forever. Please stop here if you are passing by. It is worth it. I promise you.

I've heard so many amazing things about this local bookstore and I had never visited until now. I went for a special edition signed copy release of Fourth Wing/Iron Flame. It was on a first come basis so I got there an hour before they opened on a Sunday. I had no idea what to expect but I saw the line outside the store and ended up waiting with everyone else. The event was organized well and they had the customers flowing through the store seamlessly. They were able to get the shelves stocked as books were being purchased and I was very pleased to have been able to purchase a signed copy of each book. As much as I want to gatekeep this place, it truly is a gem and looking forward to visiting more often in the near future.

This store has such a good selection! It's nice to see the interactive books for toddlers so that I can gauge if my child would like them. They have such a good variety too! This store also has a train track for kids to play with.

Sadly this store used to be wonderful. Not sure what has happened but the staff was very rude to me and my kids around the holidays. They are very high priced relative to other bookshops nearby. While the location is great for me, I will be driving a little further to go to a better bookshop with kinder staff.

I can't believe I didn't write a review on here. It's BETTER than Barnes and Nobles, the workers love books and have knowledge about em and can give you recommendations. As far as I know they have book releases and do events. Cool place

Amazing local bookstore! Have been shopping here for years and never had a bad experience. great selection, good value for the books you get, and friendly staff :)

Cute little bookstore in downtown Naperville. Lots of construction going on when I visited but just park and walk there. Friendly staff, great selection, and an awesome section of banned books!

Popped into the Anderson Bookstore on Naperville looking for a couple different books. For a local bookstore, they seem to have quite a bit! I wanted to pick up "You Exist Too Much" but they didn't have it. However, "A Woman Is No Man" was my next choice. I also found "Lost Girls" and that's one my "too read" list and was a bit of an impulse buy. I asked the clerk about "You Exist Too Much" and she didn't have it on hand but was willing to order and ship to me. I held off but I am able to order and have it delivered to me online. They have quite the selection and is able to compete with a Barnes and Noble or larger sellers. Prices are the same or comparable and they can get you whatever you want if it's not in stock. I made a special trip here and will do so again. I loved my first time and Anderson's and will be back!

My favorite independent bookstore! Though it's a couple of hours from where I live, I find any excuse I can to make the drive to their store. The selection is amazing--they always have a wide variety of signed books as well--every employee is so kind and accommodating, and they host wonderful author events frequently! Highly recommend!

Do you remember the cute book store in the 1998 romance, You've Got Mail? This is that kind of place. Lose yourself for a few minutes and browse through the books. You can travel to foreign places or take a step back in time looking at historical books or historical fiction. Actually looking and feeling the pages of books is awesome. Not only does this place have great books, but if is located near tons of great restaurants. Buy a book and then sit and read it on a nearby patio. A great experience is a short drive away!

I'm so grateful for all the author/book events that they put on throughout the year :) I've gotten the chance to meet some of my favorite authors at Anderson's events. Every time I've attended an event the staff is always super nice, organized and calm (even when it's been super busy with lots of people!)

Amazing local bookstore! They have a wide selection of books and phenomenal author events. And the team at AB is knowledgeable and friendly - ask them for recommendations and you won't be disappointed!

Beautiful, well curated selection. Nice open, bright, inviting space to browse. Found two books I'd been looking to buy but couldn't find elsewhere. This is my new friendly local bookstore.

Anderson's Bookshop is a local classic and is a great place to visit when you are in the area. I come here often to peruse the book selection and take in the cozy bookstore vibes I get when visiting. Although there aren't many tables to sit at in this bookstore, there are chairs at the end of each aisle in the adult fiction and nonfiction sections where you are able to sit and read a sample of each book you are interested in. I think where they really shine would be the guests and speakers that they attract. They are THE bookstore that prominent authors and speakers come to visit when promoting their work on book tours through the Chicagoland area. They've had everyone from J.K Rowling to former presidents stop by. There is room in the back for these visits, and it is definitely worth carving out time during your day to check their schedule for the next speakers that are visiting. Even book signings are included and they usually don't charge for you to be able to attend. It's wonderful! What I also really like is that they have amazing staff recommendations. Their staff, in general, is super friendly and really nice to talk to. They are all really well-read and are willing to spend time with you to help you find what you are looking for. They also have a really neat "mystery book section" where they pre-wrap books and only give you their interpretive summary and some beautiful artwork on the top to entice you to pick it up. It's great, and I've really enjoyed my pickings from what they have had out in that section before. I would have to admit that they do charge premium prices for all their books. Most of the books are retail priced, but if you join their membership program, it allows you to save 10% off each purchase during the calendar year. They also roll out special discounts a few times a year at 20% or more and 40% an item coupon in your birthday month. I would say that if you are an avid shopper of books and feel like buying from a local bookshop, the membership would pay itself back if you choose to do your purchases here. They don't just offer books - they have a variety of swag and accessories to choose from as well. Most popular is their "naughty/don't peek" covers on their hanging calf socks that feature some adult humor if you do peek behind them. It's funny and would make a great gift if you're looking. Overall, I love this bookstore and am a member. I love how reliable it is to be able to purchase new releases out, and love how they lay out the most popular books and their clearance section that's always got some good picks (especially in the summertime!) They might not have the largest selection, but their curation of what they do carry is probably one of the best that you don't feel like you're missing anything. Stop by the next time you're around!

Anderson bookstore is my happy place. The large book inventory makes it easy to browse forever. Supporting this local business is part of our Naperville community. Denise Lemanski

I love Anderson's Bookshop. It has a nice homey feel inside where I can spend hours browsing their books and crafts. I like the fact the décor is not "modernized" because that would take away from its charm. Each section isn't as big as some bookstores which isn't surprising for a locally owned book shop. If I wanted the large corporation feel with all my reading options I would go to Barns and Noble down the street. Or... the smarter option... going on Amazon in my PJs where the books are cheap. Though there is something about Anderson's that you do not get at major bookstores and especially not on Amazon.. and that is customer service. This may be contradictory to some of the other reviews, but I have always had a wonderful customer service experience here. The ladies are friendly and ask you questions about your likes, interests, and experiences while sharing some of their own. I felt completely welcomed there because I was not immediately hounded by a person desperate for me to buy something, but I got help when I needed it. The downside is the books are way overpriced even for an independent bookshop. While I love supporting independently owned businesses I find it hard to spend $40 on a book I can get for much cheaper somewhere else. There is enough of uniqueness to this bookstore that you can find things here you won't find other places which offsets some of the higher prices. However, they should focus more on their local authors and books about the area rather than the bestsellers. Overall, I love coming into this store and browsing their unique selections. There is no better feeling than having a real book with paper in your hand while having a cup of warm coffee or tea. Definitely check this place out.

Local bookstore that makes me think of the movie You've Got Mail. Only this store is larger in size. Looking for best sellers? Go to the far left wall. Children's section is to the right of the entrance. Nick nacks are in the front and middle of the store. Languages and travel books are in the back of the store. Everything else is in between.

Came here last night for Cody Rigsby's book signing event. While the event went fast (as expected by the countless emails sent from Anderson) the event staff were terrible. They kept coming outside yelling at the long line of people to move and not block the walkways. Where did they expect nearly 2000 people to stand? One staff member reiterated to the crowd outside that the bathrooms would be available inside the bookstore. When I finally got in, there were 2 bathrooms that were locked. I asked a staff member to open the door and she said they couldn't find the keys. She refused to look for the keys. I have never heard of such a thing. Locking bathroom doors to customers who just spent money to visit their business and wait in line for 2 hours? Terrible!

real cozy place! amazing selection of fiction books and a decently sized section of children's books. however, i do not recommend this place if you are a nonfiction reader!! the only good section of nonfiction literature was the biographical section. i personally was looking for books on biology and the big bang, and the only i thing could find was some astrology buried by a surplus of climate change commentary . if you're in the area and are deciding between the barnes and nobles and this bookstore, i definitely recommend the barnes and nobles. both stores have around the save price range but this location has a puny book variety for anyone who isn't an avid fiction reader. only thing this place has going for it is that it's a small business and some feel guilty going to large corporate barnes and nobles ‍

During Covid I have been purchasing books online for pick up in-store! It's super easy. Walk in the front door and they have a rack alphabetized by last name to grab your book. Sure, it's not as quick as Amazon, but it's worth it to continue to support this wonderful local business!

21/2 stars! No stars for online purchasing during a pandemic! Five stars for in-store. I am really at odds with myself here. We have always loved Naperville Anderson's, even traveling from Orland Park to browse and buy. So we thought we would support them during the shutdown and order some books. Well, three weeks later we still have not received our order. Now, Anderson's did fill the order and ship via USPS. Really our beef is mainly with the Post Office. But a phone call to the store was met with, well we shipped it so we wash our hands. To Anderson's, why not use UPS or Fedex?

Possibly the best independent book store in the Midwest, if not the nation! As a former Naperville CUSD 203 employee, I worked exclusively with Anderson's Bookshop to purchase books, learn about new and exciting literature, and host myriad authors over my years at a local school. I could see how some might call me biased, but after three years teaching for a large technology company in public and private schools around the nation, I've never come across anything like Anderson's. With over 40 years of experience and excellent rapport with publishers, Anderson's has their pulse on the literary community. They are a powerhouse and are a major reason Naperville, IL often tops the "best places to live" lists. Get to know this independent book store; you'll be a better person for it.

This is the cutest bookstore! Everyone there was so nice and friendly and they had a great selection of books. The kids section was adorable and everything was clean and tidy. They also have fun events and I think they have a great community. Definitely recommend!

Nice independent bookstore. While the store itself is alright, the events that they host are above and beyond any bookstores I know.

spent 2 hours today between books and toy shops, found so many wonderful books and toy, BUT NOT ONE person spoke to me, no hello, no offer to help. it is a membership sale day, I was asked if I was a member, when I said no, I wasn't offered info or to join. For this I passed up the opportunity to shop Indie bookstores in Chicago. I am incredibly disappointed and won't be back

Hang out at Anderson's for a hour, and you will leave feeling like you just had a fabulous mental spa treatment! There are so many gems here: -Excellent Children's Section will expand both the mind of a 6 yr old or a 60 yr old. Play with the creative toys or browse the impeccably organized book section.m! -Ask the staff for a recommendation. They are literary scholars! -Peruse the upcoming schedule speakers coming to this Independent book store. A formal president? A rising business entrepreneur? A Pulitzer Prize winning author? A fashion visionary ? An elite athlete? A genius chef? They all make appearances at Anderson's. Stroll in with a coffee and make yourself at home. Endless possibilities. We are extremely fortunate to have this establishment in Downtown Napervillle!

Great staff very accommodating for people with disabilities Great selection of books and book related products Fun atmosphere I love visiting Anderson's Very very good 10/10 would recommend

Previously shopped at both Downers Grove and Naperville locations and service and gift selection was always great and a nice variety; recently not so much. Horrible customer service and a decline in gift choices/variety not sure what direction they are going or what happened or new management or owners perhaps? Clearly a huge disappointment and I will not be returning.

Went here today to support a local business on my day off. Said hello to a male employee behind a counter and he ignored me. Not one employee smiled or said hi to me the entire 15 minutes I was there. Everyone says "support the small businesses" but if Im going to be treated badly or ignored, what prevents me from going to Barnes & Noble in downtown Naperville where they are always friendly and helpful?

Let me start off by saying this isn't a review of the actual bookstore, but of the author signing/Q&A events they do. I went to my first Anderson Bookstore Q&A event last night for Anna Kendrick. Huge fan of hers, so I was looking forward to it. Now, Anna was great, but there were aspects of the event that could have been better. First, the event was listed to be an event from 7p to 9p on the ticket page. Now this might not be direct fault of Andersons, but 7p to 9p is what people were expecting because of that. The event started around 715p and ended at 820p. And it seemed as if it ended abruptly, which if that was the case, explain that to the crowd. A lot of people were not happy about that. Second, it was listed as a Q&A. Well only 4 audience questions were taken. That's not really a Q&A. I've been to numerous Q&A events at other places, and the focus is on the audience questions, not the on stage interviewer that nobody cared about and that nobody wanted to hear talk for more than the simple questions she was supposed to ask. Also, when audience question 4 was asked, the announced "last question" and even Anna responded with an "oh, ok?" to that. Lastly, and this isn't a real complaint from me, because I knew we wouldn't get to "meet" Anna, HOWEVER, don't put signs up in your bookstore that say MEET ANNA KENDRICK. After the event numerous people outside were confused as to why they DID NOT get to meet her like the signs in the store said. I informed them it was clearly stated on the site, however, if someone didn't read that information and only went off what it said in the store, I could see why they would be confused. I have heard numerous things in the past about signing and meet & greets at Andersons that were bad, Ronda Rousy for example was oversold most people did not get to meet her, but I was hoping the Anna event would be better. Unfortunately it was not.

Let me browse unhindered quickly shown me to the area of books I was interested in. Friendly checkout. Surprised I missed it the last time I was in town.

The best bookshop and a gem of the community. Anderson's is by far my favorite store in Naperville. They have a great selection of books for all ages and interests as well as fun and thoughtful gifts. The staff are all true book lovers and are always helpful and kind. If they don't have exactly what you're looking for they are more than happy to order it. The store is a real asset to the community as they frequently holds events with authors both local and world-renowned. Even in this time of social distancing and isolation they have many free virtual events. Their convenient pickup service has been a lifesaver amidst the boredom of this past year.

I really want to like this place. It's convenient, it's a small business, they do the fun "employee recommendation" reviews on the shelves with books. But on every occasion I've gone in here, the service has been completely off-putting. Today I went in to see if they had a book. I went up to the desk where two employees were talking to each other. They kept talking to each other for half a minute (a long time to just stand there looking expectant) before I said "excuse me" (they could not have missed me standing there right in front of them). Every other time, I have been treated with a suspicious attitude as if I was going to try to stuff anything I could into my purse. As a former bookseller myself, this just gets to me. I'd like to be able to rave about them as a great local resource, but I just can't get past the service. Maybe one of the other area locations is better, but I'm soured on this one.

Great bookstore! There are too bookstores in downtown naperville. I prefer this smaller/ local bookstore. I went into this store looking for a specific book. I found a few ladies at the information desk. They were very friendly and helpful! One of the ladies showed me exactly what I was looking for. Overall- great local bookstore with a fantastic/helpful staff!! I will go back soon.

A wonderful, calm, and peaceful oasis of books! Treat yourself and step in to browse and buy a book or more. I support independent book stores and Anderson's is probably one of the oldest and consistently reliable providers of books quality toys, cards, and gifts. I am a member as well and enjoy sales and special events. Immerse yourself in the joy of reading, you deserve it

This long term fixture in Downtown Naperville is an amazing walk through heaven for reading purists. They are always hosting an incredible array of book signings and have a large amount of signed first editions in stock. The team there really knows their stuff, if you want you will get a very educated answer to any request. Tables, end caps and displays are curated with a great eye for detail. Anderson's is a perfect example of what is right with four wall retail!

I just moved here and I've stopped at this Naperville location twice already. I love the store itself. But each time I've visited, not one employee has said hello or asked if I needed help. The person at the front desk doesn't greet me. Today I stopped in and the employees talked to each other quite a bit but again didn't say a word to me. I expect better. I try to frequent independent stores, but I have a hunch if I entered the Barnes & Noble around the corner I'd be greeted by a friendly face. In fact, I'm going to test this out. It bums me out to write this.

I don't understand the hype. I feel wrong when I admit that I don't really care for Anderson's. It's almost sacrelidge to do so in these parts. Okay, it's a bookstore and that, in itself, makes it cool. But I can't give it a thumbs up for much else. Its retro 70's interior decorating isn't hip..it's just old and tired. LIkewise, the ladies working the counter also seem a bit...

If Yelp says you're open until 6:00, and you're not, it's something that needs to be addressed. Nice store, but they sure didn't help me today.

I tried to write this via email to the store but since that was not available on their site I am writing here. I came to a book signing here tonight and was incredibly disappointed with them on how it was run. We were rushed through to the author to take a professional pic (which they told us 3 hours prior was the case, no using your own phone), no ability to say more than hello to the author, no personalized signing, just a totally odd experience. Spent 3 seconds with the author. When I mentioned this to an employee on the way out I was told I should come to see smaller authors. I have seen much larger authors and celebrities and my experience has never been like that. No one spends their time and money to be herded like cattle, they want to say a few words to the author. Maybe next time limit the number of people if no more than 3 seconds is what you allot per person.

I really enjoyed my time browsing and purchase experience here. I was looking for a mystery series and the staff directed the "mystery lady" to me. She was very insightful and helpful, she spent a little extra time asking me about the authors I like and gave me a great recommendation. She is also well versed in Scandinavian authors and was a delight to speak with. While the store may not have the broad selection of a larger chain they did have a curated selection that I appreciated.

Neat bookshop in downtown Naperville! Great location. Although it is small, it manages to not be too cramped, and it is always clean and organized. Many authors come through each month for meet-and-greets, autographs, presentations, Q&A, et cetera. Lots of big names (including actors who have written biographies or other books) among the local and smaller names. Prices are the same as Barnes and Noble (which has a location nearby), and they offer editions that Barnes and Noble does not. They also have an impressive merchandise, gift, and stationery selection.

Books seem over priced at this bookstore. On numerous occasions the staff has not been friendly or helpful. You don't feel welcomed in the store. Too bad your local author section isn't bigger. For a small bookstore, it would be great to have more support for local self published authors. If I want big name authors I would go down the street to Barns and Nobel or Amazon where it's less expensive. The bookstore could really stand a remodel - outdated and cluttered.

I love both the Naperville and Downers Grove locations of Anderson's Bookshop. I don't spend a lot of time at the third, but when I've stopped by it's been a great experience. If you want to meet some great authors, get some great book recommendations or just shop for books and bookish things, this is the place to go. My favorite bookshop!

What a great bookstore! There is a marvelous collection of books here that is super well organized with really friendly and helpful staff eager to help you. A friend and I stopped in and had a great time perusing books. I ended up buying some clearance Christmas merchandise, several simply marvelous greeting cards and a great book. I love bookstores in general and this one in particular. I love to read and yes, I own a Kindle, but there is nothing like a bookstore. It's my position that I want to live in a world that still has cool bookstores like this so I make a point of shopping at them. I don't care if you can get a book cheaper here or there. You can't get the bookstore experience online or at Costco. Come on, visit this bookstore or any bookstore. Buy a book! Buy one for a child in your life. Open it up and touch the pages. Spend a bit of money to maintain this experience for the future. Pardon me but I have to go read now.