We recently went to a bookstore in downtown La Grange. In an era where
bookstores are dying because of Amazon and other online monoliths, this one
was thriving and had a great deal of energy.
The name of this particular bookstore is Anderson’s Bookshop.
This bookstore is on its 6th generation. The family first opened a drug store in
1875 where they sold books. The business survived many recessions and the
Great Depression. In 1964, the family decided to open a bookstore above their
drugstore. Then, they began selling toys at the bookstore.
Every member of the family has worked at the bookstore at one time or another
and you feel it. The store has a great vibe.
As soon as you walk through the door you are greeted warmly. As you walk
through the store you see written book recommendations from the employees
taped to various shelves.
There are also messages written in marker on the walls from their satisfied
customers. There was a table that included books of local authors, and there
was some La Grange-themed merchandise. Kids and their parents were sitting
in cozy corners looking at books or playing with toys.
Every week, the bookstore holds a book club and customers meet to discuss the
assigned book.
This bookstore has built a great community, and we loved stopping in there on
Independent Bookstore Day. Our son got a cool library card and some fun
freebies, in addition to the books and toys we purchased.
At Dente, we are trying to accomplish the same community feel. We strive to
know our patients by name and sincerely show an interest in their lives.
The most frequent compliment we receive is about the warmth that people feel
in the office.
This is the way I grew up. To this day, this is the way my family makes you
feel when you go to their home. Our house was always unlocked and everyone
in the neighborhood walked in as if it was their home.
That was intentional and that’s how my family wants to make you feel.
That’s how I want YOU to feel when you walk into Dente. I want you to feel as
if you were walking into your friend’s home.
And that’s how I felt when I walked into Anderson’s Bookshop.
If you want to go to a dental office where you don’t feel like just another
number, please call our office at 773-292- 1911 and ask to set up a consultation.
Floss like a madman!
Emilio “The Independent Bookstore is Giving Amazon a Fight” Couret