Congratulations to Anderson's Bookshops, Naperville and Downers Grove, Ill., which celebrated their 150th anniversary this past weekend. Anderson's offered a 25% discount for members and a gift with purchase from last Thursday through yesterday. And they hosted open houses yesterday at both stores, offering raffle prizes and more. (Anderson's also has a toy shop in Naperville.)
Anderson's Bookshops first opened in 1875 as a small drugstore. Located on Jefferson Avenue in Naperville, W.W. Wickel, Druggist and Bookseller, sold popular books while also providing books to local schools. The drugstore, now Oswald's Pharmacy, expanded and moved to a new location in Naperville. But the bookselling business became Anderson's Bookshops, family-owned since 1875. The current Anderson's owner, Becky Anderson, is the fifth generation of her family to run the company. Over the years, Anderson's expanded to include the Downers Grove store, the toyshop, and a book fair company.
The family and staff have long supported the community. Through programs like Book Angels, Naperville READS, and Books for Troops, Anderson's has donated tens of thousands of books to Naperville students, hosted author events with complimentary books for Naperville schools, and sent thousands of books to service members. Each year, through the Anderson's Bookfair program, Anderson's gives back more than $700,000 to partner schools. Beyond that, the business donates to community group fundraisers and local charity groups, hosts local performing arts groups in their stores, and supports local authors.
"This is the power of truly local, independent business, which is exactly what we celebrate all year long," Becky Anderson said. "Standing still and letting challenges beat us is not in our DNA. Now, more than ever, we are immensely grateful for our community's years of support."