An anonymous author left more than his words and images when he visited Anderson’s Bookshops this spring. The kind of person who puts his money where his mouth is, the generous author…after learning about Anderson’s Bookshops’ upcoming summer literary camps…made a grand gesture. He personally donated $17,000.
Back in 2012, when Anderson’s Bookshop hosted the author of When You Wish Upon a Star, PN captured this moment when Becky Anderson had opened to the page that says, “Anything your heart desires will come to you.”
He contributed $1000 to purchase books for each of the elementary schools in Naperville Community Unit School District 203: all 14 of them. Next he gave $1000 for books for two other area schools he visited on his local tour.
But no, there’s more! After hearing about Anderson’s Bookshops’ Camp Divergent summer camp, he offered even more funds. Anderson’s Bookshops’ literary weeklong camps aim to keep readers actively involved with books throughout the summer. It’s a message that clearly resonated with this kind author too. His additional gift will send four participants to the weeklong program. And this gift was in memory of Marcus Nestor, one of the young camp counselors at last year’s debut Camp Divergent. Tragically, Nestor- only 21 years old- died last August, just prior to starting his student teaching assignment as a senior education major at Elmhurst College. An enlarged heart was to blame.
“I am unable to thank him publicly, but that is because he is so quiet and modest about his great generosity,” noted Becky Anderson, co-owner of Anderson’s Bookshops. “But he clearly wants to support independent bookstores, like Anderson’s, school libraries and children reading books. I don’t even have words to describe this generosity. He’s an author who has done well and does well for others.”
Anderson noted that she’s never seen this kind of unsolicited, unexpected giving. She added, “At a time when school districts are cutting back budgets where often the first thing to go is libraries, and bookstores and libraries are facing challenges with new ways of shopping and reading, this thoughtful donation is enormously appreciated.”
About Anderson’s Bookshops: Anderson’s Bookshops, a business specializing in book sales, author events, book signings, and building a sense of community, learning and fun. The business has been helping Naperville readers for six generations. Based in downtown Naperville, the bookstore celebrated 50 years in 2014. A second location is also open in downtown Downers Grove, at 5112 Main Street, 630-963-2665.
In 2009, Anderson’s expanded again with the opening of a gift shop, Two Doors East, located at 111 W. Jefferson Ave. in Naperville. A new bookshop location will open this summer in La Grange.
For more information,
call Anderson’s Bookshop at 630- 355-2665 or visit online, www.andersonsbookshop.com.
Submitted by Candy Purdom, Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter
