Tom Hanks Supports Ailing Book Store

During dreary sales and even worse weather, actor Tom Hanks gave a Pacific Palisades independent book store a little boost and locals a little excitement last week.

Village Books, suffering from economic crisis, received a surprise offer from Hanks – an evening of book and DVD signing.

Thrilled about the opportunity to meet the actor, Palisadian-Post reported that a long line of patrons streamed through the store purchasing DVDs of movies that the star has played in or produced and books of his movies. Then Hanks chatted and joked with customers as he signed the purchases, adding that special something to the gifts and a fun memory for the givers. Upping the ante, Hanks offered to sign any books purchased, whether they were his stories or not.

Aware of the value of independent shops, Hanks was happy to help. “This is the neighborhood book store,” he told the Post. “I’ve been buying my books here for years.”