Posted on November 2, 2020 at 10:51 AM by Denise Cartina
"
Becky Anderson is recognized worldwide as a leading independent book retailer who tirelessly promotes the importance of reading and value of book publishing. As an owner of Anderson’s BookShops in Naperville and Downers Grove, Becky built the company’s reputation to such stature that it attracts prestigious author visits. Yet she remains just as committed to community programming and partnering with local schools to support reading and literacy with programs like Naperville READS. She also boosted the cause of independent retailing and helped form what became IndieBound (now known as IndieBusiness) which promotes both independent booksellers and a broader “shopping local” philosophy for all types of local businesses.
Among her many honors, Becky won a Hall of Fame Award from the Illinois Reading Council. In 2011, Anderson’s BookShops was named Publisher's Weekly Bookstore of the Year, one of the highest accolades a book retailer can receive. Also, in 2011, Becky served as president of the American Booksellers Association and personally delivered books to the White House Library where she met former President Barack Obama. The company and Becky’s leadership have been recognized numerous times on a state and local level as well.
As the recipient of North Central College's Outstanding Alumni Award in 2014, Becky has enriched the campus culture through a partnership to bring visiting authors, including notables like Caroline Kennedy, Madeleine Albright and Garrison Keillor, to campus for author talks and book-signings. She also served a key role as an alumni representative on the Presidential Search Committee in 2012."
Nominated by Deborah Venezia