Suburbs a rich source of independent bookstores
Independent bookstores in the suburbs have survived challenges from corporate conglomerates, online sellers, the economic downturn and e-books with two simple ingredients: knowledge of their communities and strong customer service.
“We sell books the old-fashioned way - we read them!” said Becky Anderson, owner of Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. “We've been here for a very long time. We know what people in our area love to read.”
In a way, the history of Anderson's store dates back to her great-great grandfather's pharmacy. It was in 1964 that her grandfather opened the family's first true bookstore above the pharmacy.
Today, Anderson's has locations at 123 W. Jefferson in Naperville, 5112 Main St. in Downers Grove, 520 Exchange Court in Aurora and a new site at 26 S. LaGrange Road in LaGrange. The Naperville store has played host to dozens of book signings by national politicians, celebrities and other authors, and draws customers from around Illinois and even from across state lines.
Alli Mengarelli said her store, The Book Bin at 1151 Church St. in Northbrook, attracts readers from a 20-mile radius - including many from Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect - with its addictive customer service.
“We are here to really share the love of reading,” she said. “Just the wonderful conversations you can get into with people who are passionate about books.”
Mengarelli bought the store a few months ago after working there for decades. Although it has a fantastic selection, she said the store also places special orders every day for customers. A book lover will wait the day or two it takes for such orders to arrive, she said.
And just to set it apart further from most places to buy books, the store features a model train that travels along the top of its stacks.
Jane Stroh, owner of The Bookstore at 475 N. Main St. #100 in Glen Ellyn, said it's no surprise customers have stayed loyal to independent bookstores rather than the large chains that make their inventory selections a thousand miles from the communities they try to serve.
“We've been here a long time - 55 years - and we have really deep roots in the community,” Stroh said. “It's that focus on knowing local tastes and trends. You have to be a very astute business person as well as someone who loves books.”
Other popular and distinctive independent bookstores include Town House Books & Cafe at 105 N. 2nd Ave. in St. Charles and Prairie Path Books housed within Toms-Price Home Furnishings at 303 E. Front St. in Wheaton.