Next chapter uncertain for Anderson's Bookshop

DOWNERS GROVE – In the heart of downtown Downers Grove sits Anderson's Bookshop.

Located on Main Street, it's almost kitty-corner from the Downers Grove Public Library; a side entrance of the longtime local store doubles like a secret passage, pulling in avid readers who aren't quite finished with their literary quests.

Oftentimes, touring authors, writers, poets and performers hop from the library to the shop or vice versa, stretching out sets to include meet-and-greets, intimate story times, live talks or Q & As. For years, the family-owned Anderson's Bookshop, which also has locations in La Grange and Naperville, has become a beloved hub, a vital resource for people of all ages.

Like many small businesses, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus has threatened the area bookstore, which boasts a 145-year-old legacy.

"We've been through lots of things before, obviously, because we were around during the Depression and other pandemic situations," said Candy Purdom, a publicity and events coordinator at Anderson's. "We're still trying to figure out this 'new normal' like everyone else. Our business is so down, obviously, because we don't have the foot traffic that we normally do."

While Anderson's has transitioned its services into curbside pick-ups and limited deliveries, the move hasn't been enough to help sustain the business, Purdom said. And, that's just one of the financial issues the bookshop franchise faces.

Purdom said that Anderson's hosts more than 400 events per year. From best-selling authors to politicians turned writers, the Anderson's Bookshops have transformed into a platform for these unique occasions.

"Spring is one of our busiest seasons," she said. "That's been wiped out this year. We can't really do them. We have several of them planned that we've had to cancel."

And, with the abrupt economic downturn, it's been tough to manage all of the Anderson's Bookshop locations, Purdom said. She went on to say that the store has a branch in Aurora called the Anderson’s Bookfair Company, or ABCFairs. In previous years, Anderson's has partnered with dozens of local schools to hold those book fairs.

But, "schools are closed," Purdom said. "Those are just big chunks of how we carry on with the business. It's just devastating. It's well over 50 percent that we're down [in sales]. It's very frightening."

Earlier this month, Purdom and her colleagues from the historic bookstore turned to their communities and asked for help. They launched a fundraising campaign via Go Fund Me and looked to raise $100,000, which would be used to keep staff employed, pay rent and offset other costs. As of May 5, Anderson's Bookshop has collected approximately $83,120.

"It's hard," Purdom said, as she spoke more about the pandemic's uncertainty. "We have no idea how long this is going to go on."

Aside from the online fundraiser, Purdom said that she, along with other staff members, has sought financial relief from the federal government. "I don't know what the status is," she admitted.

As Purdom continued to talk about the Anderson's Bookshop and its long history as a brick-and-mortar, she paused, before offering a glimpse of what the store has meant to her.

"I miss our customers so much and being with my Anderson family," she said, adding that the simple mission behind the bookstore has been to create a safe place, a positive learning environment.

"We're able to provide those really special opportunities, and the things that happen at the event." Purdom continued. "When you see it, you see the real connection between readers and authors. It's just very heartwarming."

Curbside services for Anderson's Bookshop are held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday at Downers Grove location, 5112 Main St., and in Naperville, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. For information about the bookstore, visit www.andersonsbookshop.com. To make a donation, find the Anderson's Bookshop on GoFundMe.com.