Anderson's Book Shop: A Literary Icon Turns 65

It’s ironic that retail giant Borders is forced to file for bankruptcy a few months before little old celebrated its 65th anniversary.

The store, located on 96 Chatsworth Ave., is one of the few remaining independent bookstores still thriving in Westchester County after both economic downturn and technological advances conspired to make many shops relics of the past.

At a party held on Saturday, Andersons’ owner Tamara Greeman put out snacks, hired a couple of jazz musicians to play in front of the picture window and greeted several regular customers and elected officials, including Larchmont Mayor Joshua Mandell, Deputy Mayor Jaine Elkind Eney, New York State Assemblyman George Latimer, and State Senator Suzy Oppenhemier.

Founded by Charles Anderson—who retired in 1985—the store passed through several hands, including those of Jim Miller, who also made an appearance at the soiree.

Greeman’s husband, Peter, decided to buy the store in 2000, despite having no experience running a bookstore.

“Charles [Anderson] had written his college recommendation and shaped what he had read about and talked about,” said Greeman. “He considered him to have been a mentor and figured that he owed him something.”

For the affair, the bookstore put out an arts and crafts table in the children’s section. Dozens of kids stopped by and most of them made Mother’s Day cards. Josh Latzman’s twin daughters, Alexa and Brianna, had a blast playing with other children and making their own creations, imploring their father to stay just a few minutes longer.

“Most bookstores have had to expand the merchandise they offer,” said Greeman.  “They may come for something and then buy a book. We also provide free gift wrapping and that helps.”

In addition to readings and book signings, Greeman spiffed up the store with items such as stationery, picture frames, art supplies, puzzles, games, and jewelry.

Greeman recalls a time when farms lined Central Avenue and I-287 didn’t exist. People shopped local, but that began to change as suburban development picked up the pace after World War II.

“The personal touch keeps people coming back,” she said. Larchmont’s relative isolation from the main highways also kept the shop alive. “The great big stores set themselves up on Central Avenue, which is 35 minutes away, so you really have to be determined to want to save a few dollars on a book when we can get anything anyone wants.”

Greeman’s son, Tim, will likely take over when she retires. The family bought the building that houses the store around eight years ago to help supplement the outlet’s income.

“My husband’s father had long stated that anyone who goes into retail has to be stark-raving mad and it’s fortunate that I don’t need to rely on this to make a living,” said Greeman. “It’s occasions like this, when people tell us that they’re glad we’re still here, that make it very fulfilling.”