Charlie Sheen was at Anderson's last night for a 400 person Meet & Greet. Did it run perfectly and on time? No. Could it have? Absolutely Not. Did everyone including Mr. Sheen work on heir hearts out to make this happen? They certainly did. It was run and managed as effectively as it could have been. It was fun and I'm impressed. Giordano's should have been out there selling us slices - waiting is long hungry work. Then again the books would have gotten greasy... read more

This bookshop is just okay. I think it does good in some stuff. One of those things being service. The staff have been consistently kind and even though I have been here countless times they have never failed to be nice to me even if I don't buy anything. I also think it has pretty good value. They don't overprice books but it's pretty comparable to bookstores near by. For all I have said this bookstore sounds great but I think they have a big problem. Selection. I mean it's ok but I buy Y/A books and they do not have much. It seems as if they just bought the books that were on clearance because tons of the books just aren't interesting. I'm not very sure what to rate this because this is a close gap between a 3 and a 4. It's just good but not great. read more

Anderson's Bookshop - Books I have bought from andersons - Bookstores Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

They could improve customer service...I purchased 10 books at a book sale sponsored by Anderson's at a local school. All were to be Christmas gifts for grandchildren. One book needed to be returned because that grandchild already had it. Such a big deal was made! I was going to purchase another book...because one book came from their school division my book had to be returned to them not to Anderson's store...they made it so complicated I finally said Forget it! Unfortunately it left me with a bad taste for Anderson's. So in the future I will not support them at schools sales or their store! So much for supporting small business ! read more

Went here for the Joe Maddon book signing event. It was very well organized. Got my book signed and a photo with him was taken by a professional photographer so the line moved super quickly. The store is stocked full for the upcoming holiday season with not only books but puzzles, games, toys, craft kits and calendars. The staff is super friendly so support local and enjoy shopping here and not on the A word. read more

Anderson's Bookshop - In line for Joe Maddon book signing - Bookstores Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

See all

This was my first time at this location and it won't be my last! Went for the Joe Maddon book signing and it was extremely well organized and the line moved very fast. We zig zagged thru the store and noticed all the various items they sell..calendars...toys..craft kits and of course lots of books all organized in categories. Too bad the store was closed for this event so I definitely have to go back. read more

See all

The aesthetic is not what you'd expect for a high quality bookstore. In addition, the staff was not just unhelpful but seemed to be downright rude. This store used to be amazing, so I'm not sure what happened. Maybe it has new owners in the last year or several years? Also, the selection of books was very limited and seemed very myopic in terms of subject matter. I was hoping for a more diverse selection of books. Time to find a new, cozy, caring bookshop! read more

Great selection and service - lots of gift ideas alongside a lovely selection of books.

Great bookstore. I stopped in for a quick browse when I was in Downer's Grove. I found the staff helpful with recommendations. Great selection with friendly and knowledgeable staff. read more

Anderson's is my go-to local bookshop. Their team is so informative and welcoming to all. Their events at the store help build a great community of book lovers and have expanded the types of books I read. Customer for life! read more

This bookstore is the warm, comforting hug a bookworm needs from the world right now. The inventory is robust and plentiful, the atmosphere is exactly what you'd desire from a bookstore, including authentic 1940s music, and the staff is engaging and knowledgeable. We bought books, a candle and some other fun items. Will be back VERY soon! read more

Anderson's Bookshop - Contact-free Overviews! - Bookstores Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

See all

I'd heard wonderful things about Anderson's Bookstore but, being an urban denizen of Chicago's North Side and not possessing an automobile, I figured the odds of me visiting this store were remote. Thank goodness I spent a few weeks travelling to Downers Grove via Metra. I wandered downtown Downers Grove while waiting for the return train and happily discovered Anderson's. I was thrilled to find it, and even more excited when I explored the store. Fantastic selection of books, well-chosen, just itching to jump off the shelves and into my backpack (and a few did, believe you me). The selection is diverse and deep. Any bibliophile will find it easy to spend a pleasant hour wandering the stacks. But Anderson's has more. Jewelry, mugs, cards, scarves, some knick-knacks, and calendars. I bought a 2020 Rick Steves day-at-a-time calendar for a friend, and she loved it. I bought "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan, and I love that. Anderson's Bookshop is a treasure. It made all those long Metra rides to Downers Grove worthwhile -- well, almost. Not ALL those rides. But it sure was nice spending time looking at books, and buying a few more than I should have. read more

We love Anderson's! On our latest visit we enjoyed pursuing the baby board books with our kiddo in tow. We picked out a new book to add to her (gigantic) collection of books. read more

What a great bookshop. My friend and I stopped in while on the way home from lunch in Downtown Downer's Grove. The main entrance appears to be off of an inconspicuous parking lot, and ironically, next door to the city library. I really can't explain it, but the selection of fiction titles available were beautifully arranged and superbly enticing. I wanted to buy everything. I also adore when staff members select picks and write a little blurb on a hanging card on the shelf. The art of human connection and books is so lost anymore; it makes me happy to see a handwritten note that helps a title come to life. Fabulous selection of fiction, children's books and speciality books. Best of all, they even have a poetry section! Its small, but trust, its near impossible to find poetry sections in any bookstore these days. They also had a colorful, interesting selection of journals, moleskin notebooks, and handmade cards. I've developed a little habit of picking up local handmade cards of every bookstore I visit, and the ones at Anderson's did not disappoint. The ones I purchased here were elegant watercolor cards of geishas. Very cool. This is a great place to wander around and pick up a new fiction title. Its not hard here. read more

See all

Anderson's is truly a gem and a integral part of the fabric that makes up downtown Downers Grove. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. When they didn't have the book I was looking for, they were able to get it transferred over from one of their other locations by the next day. I've started also buying my greeting cards there as they have some beautiful and unique offerings in this area. This location offers a cozy, welcoming environment and I always feel a little happier when I leave. read more

Really neat book shop. There's a variety of genres to choose from. We got a bday present for a friend and decided to get 2 of the game of thrones books. I've heard good things about the books so I want to give them a shot before I start watching the show. Staff is friendly and nice. The shop is really welcoming and clean. I will stop by as many times as I can when I'm around the area to get the remaining GOT books. read more

Small local bookshop. Cool stuff. Yes, I probably paid a couple dollars more to buy The Lorax book as a gift, but I had my Amex Small Business Saturday gift card to help me out. Buying local means money stays within the community. What a good idea. The staff is helpful, friendly and into books. This is a smaller store than Naperville, but nice nonetheless. Street parking. read more

Spotted an Anderson's on-line "Special Event" ad for a signed copy of Samantha Ponder's new memoir. I thought my daughter would like for Valentine's Day. Stopped in to pick it up, and was told they'd not yet arrived. Okay, no sweat. Went back 3 days later; the books were in. I walk outta the store, and check to see where Mrs. Ponder signed the book. She hadn't! Instead, she'd signed a peel & stick "label," and the label was slapped into the book! WTH? I won't be back. read more

A few weeks back, I was shopping for a particular book (Albert Camus' _The Fall_, if you must know) to send to two dear friends. While I love my Color NOOK something fierce and don't mind a B&N stop when I'm out and about, my phone call to Barnes went something like this: Me: Hi. I had a question about whether you had a particular book in stock. Already Slightly Disgruntled Employee: Oh, okay. A book. Right. Ummm... ... ... ...yeah, so...what title was that you said? Me: I didn't, but the title of the book is _The Fall_, and the author's last name is Camus. Slightly Disgruntled Employee: Let me check. _Fall_ by Key-moo. Me: (knowing damn well where this is going) Just to clarify, the author's name is Camus. C-A-M-U-S. And the book title is _The Fall_. More-than-slightly-disgruntled employee: (rising hysterics) We don't have that here! We don't carry Key-moo! I can't find her in the "K" section! Is she new?! Is this one of Oprah's books or what?! Me: .... Employee Reaching the Epitome of Disgruntled: (pause, then light bulb flashes) Oh, well...wait! Did you say Kee-moo as in C-A-M-U-S? You know...Key-moo. Me: (meekly) Yes. Employee Reaching a Mildly Euphoric State Believing the Call of Duty is Almost Over: We have _The Stranger_. Do you want that instead? Me: Um, no thanks. But thanks for your help. Employee Encased in a State of Relief: Oh, no prob-o. That's my job! Have a good one! - - - - - - - - - - Deep.cleansing.breaths. - - - - - - - - - - My next phone call to Anderson's: Me: Hi. I had a question about whether you had a particular book in stock. Employee: Oh, sure thing. What are you looking for? Me: Do you happen to have a copy of Albert Camus' _The Fall_? Employee: Let me check our stock for you. Could you please hold for a second? Me: Sure, thanks. (15 seconds later) Employee: Sorry for the wait and thank you for holding. We have one copy on the shelf. Would you like me to hold it for you? Me: Oh, yes! That would be great! Thanks much for your help! - - - - - - - - - - And this...this is one of the many reasons I *heart* Anderson's. It combines authentic service with the cozy, neighborhood feel, and doesn't charge you an arm, a leg, and part of a torso. I always vote independent over chain any day of the week and twice on Sundays, and Anderson's is no exception. Keep an eye on their website if you don't stop in all that often; they usually have a plethora of in-store events under way at virtually all times. Even if my husband didn't work in DG, I'd still happily make the trek to Anderson's to fulfill my hard copy literary lustings. read more

Wow! What an impressive selection of great books, fun gifts and great staff. I actually went in for First Communion gifts and let's just say my God Daughter has hit the jackpot with books, gifts, cute tote and more!!! read more

This bookstore has been here for as long as I can remember, and for the single reason that it's fantastic!!! I walked in trying to spend some time waiting for a girl friend and ended up picking up numerous books and reading them. The owner has separate sections of books devoted to fiction, non-fiction, classics and cooking! I found an awesome book all about making cocktails from beer. Check this place out if you get the chance or can't figure out what kind of present to get someone!! read more

Reserved the last copy they had of a new book without being a member. Good nice people & great customer service. Would definitely recommend Anderson's to anyone in the Downers Grove area read more

I've been to the Anderson's Bookshop in DT Naperville millions of times since I used to live out there. So I decided to head into this Anderson's to check it out. It is a little smaller but still has the same vibe as a local, small bookshop. I headed in just to browse and they have a good selection of popular books, games, and kids books. I made my way halfway in to the shop when I saw the greeting cards. I thought "Perfect! I have three family members' birthdays within the next week that I need cards for!". So I started browsing the cards trying to find the perfect card for each person. There isn't a huge selection of cards and they are mostly sweet/sort of funny cards. There weren't any that were super funny or had any dark jokes. So I bought three cards, even though they weren't what I would say were the "perfect" card for the personality types I was looking for. But who really cares that much to find the perfect card? A simple Happy Birthday to You will do just fine. The prices are comparable to Target and Hallmark but they didn't have any $0.99 or $1.99 cards. They mostly ranged from $2.99-$4.99. After the cards, I saw a little game section right near the kids book section. As a new mom, I find myself having to hold back buying things for the baby. But there was a toy that I had been eyeing at Toys R Us for a while. It was $26 and I couldn't bear to buy another toy for that price that she will only play with for a month or two. I found a cute version of the same toy here for $16.99! Well, I bought the toy and I will probably be back to peruse the toys again in the future. If they had a kid story hour I would love to bring my daughter here, but I'm not sure they do. As I went to check out there was a bright and bubbly young woman who was super nice. She also knew the area well and told me a shop I was looking for had closed recently. Overall a really nice, quaint bookshop. I will be back again soon! read more

We love this bookstore. It is so nice to shop in a small, personal bookstore. The staff are friendly and helpful and well informed. It is nice to have an independent bookstore in town. read more

I had heard a lot of this cute independent bookstore before actually venturing to it. I'm so glad I did. It was exactly what I was looking for: a little bookstore filled with not only books, but magazines,cards, gifts, and toys. The children's section was very large (almost half of the store)! The staff was very friendly and helpful. I ended up leaving with exactly what I was looking for AND more. I found two perfect birthday gifts for friends (a necklace and a bag). Anderson's also often has author visits (however more to the Naperville location than this one) and it's got a great reputation for a very good reason. If you're tired of the big chains like Borders and Barnes and Noble, take the time to check out this little bookstore. read more

I've now been to two separate Anderson's-sponsored Neil Gaiman events in the past four years, but had never set foot in the actual store till Saturday. The events were so well organized, though, that I expected it to be a nice bookshop. And it is. I do find myself wondering if the Naperville location is larger -- I expected the DG one to be a bit bigger. Still, in the modern world of Amazon and behemoth Borders/Barnes & Nobles, it's so nice to see an independent doing fairly well. The staff is helpful, the store is laid out very well, and they have a nice, fairly broad selection of books, plus toys, trinkets and gifts. And they bring a ton of authors to the suburbs who might not otherwise grace us with their presence. Great place that I will continue to patronize when possible, especially when they have Neil Gaiman readings :) read more

I love the personal attention I get at this bookstore. When I am in town visiting family, it is the perfect piece of solitude I need. The staff will give me great recommendations, they really know their stuff. I mention the authors I have been into and they suggest more to look into for the future! There is a small space that feels like an attic nook. Thank You for providing this great space to keep me sane! I know book stores/ record store are becoming a rarity = when I visit Anderson's I wonder how that could ever possibly be true. This (Anderson's) is necessary for community well being. read more

This is what a bookstore should be! Great selection, comfortable, non-pushy environment. Friendly staff that can order up anything you want. Forget the big box book stores with the big box coffee shops...support your local shops and enjoy a good book from Anderson's read more

Anderson's is a great family owned, independent bookstore that has continued to survive in the economy despite competing against other large bookstore chains like B&N or Borders, and Amazon.com. The store is packed full with books, cards, toys, games, and unique gifts. Anderson's seriously always has the best selection of cards and you can usually find a nice gift to go along with it as well. Since it is a smaller bookstore, they don't always have the largest selection of books but they are often able to special order books for customers free of charge. The staff is friendly and helpful and Anderson's is a notable part of the Downers Grove community. read more

Anderson's Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Great place! Love shopping local and supporting this family owned bookshop and toyshop. Their author signings are the best!

They pride themselves on being an independent bookstore. Aside from not being a Barnes & Noble, I'm not sure what exactly that means to the consumer. Their selection is tiny, and about half the time they do not have the book I want in stock. Their member club has been an ongoing source of irritation for me. However, they do have a great kid section (though, be prepared to pay top dollar). read more

Anderson's Bookstore was great to go in as a kid - and it's great to go in now. They might not have everything in stock you need, but they're happy to order it for you. And the staff knows what you're talking about. read more

This is my neighborhood bookstore. I've been in only a couple of times, but they have a great selection and reasonably priced. I bought my Dad Sodoku books from here as well as a birthday card from their cute selection. The people are helpful and I love that they have book readings for children. It's located right by the library which is convenient and are open hours I can actually shop. read more

What an awesome selection of books and greeting cards. I came here for Cardthartic cards and I will be back for all my books. Great customer service and fair prices. read more

Anderson's is a pleasant place to browse if you find yourself in downtown Downers Grove. It is a very small shop. Unless you are searching for something well-known, I wouldn't drive here for a specific item. The book selection is limited. The most sizable section is probably the fiction. You will likely find the classics and other popular books. In that sense, it's a decent bookshop. One standout feature is the children's department and games section. The back half of the store is all children's. There are plenty of titles for beginning readers and older children alike. Before you reach the children's department, you will pass the games. They have a good amount of board and trivia-type games. Overall, I think Anderson's is worth checking out with an open mind. read more

I want to like this store, but honestly it's just not worth the trip. A great indie bookstore has books stashed everywhere, almost to the point of it being a tripping hazard. This place is like what you'd get if you opened a book store in Union Station: A few rows of shelves with wide aisles between, and that's it. The entire religion section is five shelves (not shelving units... actual shelves), with more than half the books shelved sideways to fill the space. Every book is about Christianity, save for one about Judaism, one about Buddhism, and a book about the *history of* Roman paganism. The entire metaphysical section was ONE BOOK, about dreams. (I'm not much into the subject but come on! ONE book?!) Sorry, this is just too clean, too neat, too sparse, too safe in their selection. There is no heart or soul and I truly don't think you'll find anything here to take you out of the humdrum of a suburban life. read more

This bookstore has great author events. It's such a great community member. The staff is always knowledgeable and has great suggestions.

A lot of people are criticizing this store for being "too small" in their stock, which gets me very upset. Sure some sections have more books than others, but this isn't a book warehouse where the shelves go on for ever and ever: it's an independent and small bookstore. The atmosphere is incredibly calm and relaxing and the employees are super helpful and pleasant. Book selection may be on be small side, but that is no reason to take away a star. I recommend this place for anyone in the area who wants to see what a real bookstore (unlike the corporate monster Barnes & Noble) is like. read more

I simply love this store. You can find books, magazines, gifts, toys and a well educated, informed group of employees. They are helpful and knowledgable. Woohoo as good as it gets - just like it says Loyal patron, Sue Ray read more

Always a great stop. Kathleen is always super helpful. When they didn't have what I needed, was very simple to order. They also have a great selection of greeting cards, which I think is not well known. read more

I must admit to having been a Borders girl. Needless to say, when Borders went buh-bye, I had to find me a new book store. I have plenty of books, so I haven't really had the need to go to a book store, much less try to find one. But since I am going on vacation next week, I decided it was time to pick up some new books for the trip. I refuse to go to Barnes and Noble, so my boyfriend told me about this bookstore in the DG. It's a nice little place with a lot of books. And there were quite a number of people in there! They seem to arrange their books in alphabetical order by author (which is how my bookshelf at home is arranged) but this can be a problem if you can't remember who wrote the book you are looking for, as they don't have one of those computers to look it up. When we asked the woman at the cashier if they had the book I was looking for, she led us right to it. Very helpful. I must say I was a bit surprised to find the books I wanted, but I'm glad I did. I'll definitely make this my go-to bookstore now. Support local business! read more