Above / Becky Anderson is pictured with Tom Lichtenheld’s original work of art, received as the 2015 Pannell Award prize.
Kudos to our Stanley Cup-winning Blackhawks. And to Becky Anderson, Anderson’s Bookshop co-owner, who recently accepted her company’s 2015 Pannell Award in New York City. It was the second Pannell Award Anderson’s has earned, after winning as well in 2002. Given by the Woman’s National Book Association, the 2015 Pannell Award recognizes independent bookstores that enhance their communities by bringing exceptional creativity to foster a love of reading in their young patrons. The honor recognizes bookstores across the nation with the best children’s section and programming.
The five jury members were very impressed by Anderson’s “focus on building and nurturing a book-loving community not only through selling books, but through partnerships with school districts, non-profits, and charities.” Anderson’s is a full service general bookstore.
The award itself, an original piece of art from acclaimed children’s illustrator Tom Lichtenheld, and a $1000 check, were presented at Book Expo America late last month in New York, the book industry’s annual national convention.
Anderson’s Bookshop co-owner Becky Anderson, a former American Booksellers Association president and a newly elected member of the Naperville City Council, said, “We are absolutely beyond thrilled to win the Pannell Award. Our entire staff is so excited. We were in incredibly good company with the other award nominees.”
Anderson’s Bookshops received another major honor in 2011 as national Bookstore of the Year from Publisher’s Weekly. And has also earned local honors, when the company won the Naperville Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and Retail Business of the Year.
Anderson’s Bookshops specialize in book sales, author events, book signings, and building a sense of community, learning and fun. Anderson’s Bookshops location include Naperville, Downers Grove and an upcoming grand opening later this summer in La Grange. Anderson’s also runs a gift shop, Two Doors East, in Naperville and a school and warehouse division in Aurora. Keep updated on current literary events by visitingwww.andersonsbookshop.com.
Submitted by Candy Purdom and Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter of Anderson’s Bookshop
