Bob Odenkirk and Henry Winkler to sign books at Anderson’s in Naperville

Several prominent authors will be joining fans this fall, courtesy of Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville.

Fall is most of the year for author visiting as publishers look forward to the holiday season, and Anderson’s Bookshops has an extensive calendar for book lovers of all ages to meet their favorite authors, have their books autographed and even snap a photo or two can do.

“This year seems to be special,” said Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter, director of events and marketing at Anderson’s Bookshop. The events take place in Naperville and Downers Grove.

On September 15, fans can meet Tony Award-winning actress Idina Menzel, the voice of Elsa in Disney’s animated film Frozen, and hear her and sister Cara Mentzel discuss their new children’s book, Proud Mouse.

Tiffany Thiessen (Rebecca Sanabria)

On September 28, chefs and Saved by the Bell fans can join actress and author Tiffani Thiessen as she promotes the release of her book, Here We Go Again: Recipes and Inspiration to Level Up Your Leftovers.

Author, singer-songwriter Geri Halliwell-Horner, member of 1990s girl group The Spice Girls, will present and autograph copies of her latest book, Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen, on October 5.

Bob Odenkirk (Jordan Strauss/Invision)

Naperville native and Emmy-winning comedian/actor Bob Odenkirk, who is also a bestselling author, will return home on October 13 to celebrate the release of his new book, Zilot and Other Important Rhymes. He is accompanied by his daughter Erin, who illustrated the book.

Actor Henry Winkler, best known as “The Fonz” on the TV show “Happy Days,” will present and autograph copies of his book, “Being Henry: The Fonz… and Beyond,” at North Central College on November 3 .

A few lucky fans were able to secure tickets for two already sold out September events.

A book signing and photo session is scheduled for September 17 with Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown and there will be an appearance by Cody Rigsby, peloton star, fitness coach and runner-up on the TV series Dancing with the Stars 21st September.

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

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

“We have writers here because we believe in their books,” she said. “They are nationally popular authors who appeal to all ages, all interests and all subjects. People come from all over, which is a lot of fun.”

Wehrli-Hemmeter said Anderson’s Bookshop has worked with its publishing partners for decades to become a go-to place when authors promote new books.

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

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

“We’re grateful for the community around us,” she said. “Community support is critical to our success. Your presence is so important. Whether you’re stopping by to pick up a gift or gift card, all purchases allow us to run these events.”

It’s always fun to watch book lovers interact with their favorite authors, whether it’s a star who’s made a name for himself in another industry or an author who’s transporting his readers to another world, she said.

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

To purchase event booking tickets and for a complete calendar, go to www.andersonsbookshop.com.

These are the details of the planned “Celebrity” events:

• Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel, authors of “Proud Mouse,” will answer audience questions and give a short performance on September 15 at 7 p.m. at the Tivoli Theater, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove.
• Millie Bobby Brown will be signing copies of her book, Nineteen Steps, and taking photos with fans at noon on September 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 take photos with fans to celebrate the release of his book, XOXO, Cody: An Opinionated Homosexual’s Guide to Self-Love, Relationships and Tactful Pettiness, on September 21 at 7 p.m. at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville. The event is sold out.
• Tiffani Thiessen will be autographing copies of her book Here We Go Again: Recipes and Inspiration to Level Up Your Leftovers at Anderson’s Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove on September 28th at 7pm.
• Geri Halliwell-Horner will be signing copies of her book ‘Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen’ and a memorabilia and taking photos with fans at the Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove on October 5th at 7pm.
• Bob Odenkirk, his daughter Erin Odenkirk, and bestselling author Jon Scieszka will speak, answer questions, and sign copies of the book Zilot and Other Important Rhymes on October 13 at 7 p.m. at Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville.
• Henry Winkler will be signing copies of his book, Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond, on November 3 at 7 p.m. at Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.

Originally published: 07/09/2023 at 14:34