Several celebrity authors will be mingling with fans this fall courtesy of Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville.

Fall is the biggest time of year for author visits as publishers anticipate the holiday season, and Anderson’s Bookshops has a robust calendar for book-lovers of all ages to meet their favorite authors, get their books signed and even snap a photo or two.

“This year does seem to be special,” said Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter, director of events and marketing for Anderson’s Bookshop. Events will be held in Naperville and Downers Grove.

On Sept. 15, fans can meet Tony Award-winning actress Idina Menzel, the voice of Elsa in Disney’s animated movie “Frozen,” and listen to her and her sister Cara Mentzel talk about their new children’s book, “Proud Mouse.”

On Sept. 28, cooks and “Saved by the Bell” fans can visit with actress and author Tiffani Thiessen, who will be promoting the release of her book, “Here We Go Again: Recipes and Inspiration to Level Up Your Leftovers.”

Author, singer and songwriter Geri Halliwell-Horner, a member of the 1990s girl group the Spice Girls, will give a presentation and sign copies of her latest book, “Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen,” on Oct. 5.

Naperville native and Emmy award-winning comedian/actor Bob Odenkirk, who is also a best-selling author, will return home Oct. 13 to celebrate the release of his new book, “Zilot and Other Important Rhymes.” He will be joined by his daughter, Erin, who illustrated the book.

Best known as the Fonz in the TV show “Happy Days,” actor Henry Winkler will give a presentation and sign copies of his book, “Being Henry: The Fonz … and Beyond,” on Nov. 3 at North Central College.

Some lucky fans were able to secure tickets for two September events that are already sold out.

A book signing and photo line is set for Sept. 17 with “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown and an appearance by Cody Rigsby, Peloton star, fitness instructor and second runner-up on TV’s “Dancing with the Stars,” will be held Sept. 21.

Those two author visits sold out within hours, and the November presentation with Winkler is nearly sold out, Wehrli-Hemmeter said.

To ensure tickets are available and learn about the newly scheduled visits, Wehrli-Hemmeter recommends following Anderson’s social media pages or signing up for their mailing list.

“We have authors here because we believe in their books,” she said. “They are nationally beloved authors that appeal to all ages, all interests and all topics. People come from all over the place, which is very fun.”

Wehrli-Hemmeter said Anderson’s Bookshop has worked with its publishing partners for decades to become a destination stop when authors are promoting new books.

The family-owned business dates back to 1875 when Naperville was a small farming town and they began selling books, gifts and toys at the W.W. Wickel Pharmacy. The first official bookstore opened in 1964, and the Downers Grove location opened in 1980. Six generations have worked at Anderson’s Bookshop.

Wehrli-Hemmeter said the store is fortunate to have the public’s support.

“We are grateful for the community around us,” she said. “The community’s support is vital to our success. Their presence is so important. Whether it’s coming in to pick up a gift or a gift card, all purchases allow us to do these events.”

It’s always fun to see book-lovers interact with their favorite authors, whether it’s a celebrity who made a name for themselves in another line of work or an author who lets their readers escape into another world, she said.

“It’s heartwarming to watch,” she said.

To purchase tickets to book events and for a complete calendar, go to www.andersonsbookshop.com.

These are the details of the “celebrity” events scheduled:

• Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel, authors of “Proud Mouse,” will be taking audience questions and giving a short performance at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove.
• Millie Bobby Brown will be signing copies of her book, “Nineteen Steps,” and taking photos with fans at noon Sept. 17 at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. The event is sold out, and no more tickets will be added.
• Cody Rigsby will be taking photos with fans to celebrate the release of his book, “XOXO, Cody: An Opinionated Homosexual’s Guide to Self-Love, Relationships and Tactful Pettiness,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville. The event is sold out.
• Tiffani Thiessen will be signing copies of her book, “Here We Go Again: Recipes and Inspiration to Level Up Your Leftovers,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Anderson’s Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove.
• Geri Halliwell-Horner will be signing copies of her book, “Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen,” and one piece of memorabilia as well as taking photos with fans at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Tivoli Theatre, Downers Grove.
• Bob Odenkirk, his daughter Erin Odenkirk and bestselling author Jon Scieszka will talk about, answer questions and sign copies of the book, “Zilot and Other Important Rhymes,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville.
• Henry Winkler will be signing copies of his book, “Being Henry: The Fonz … and Beyond,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.

Originally Published: Sep 07, 2023 at 2:34 pm