If you’re tired of walking up and down Main Street to see notable people, meet a few and even get their autograph at Dolly’s Bookstore.
For the past several festivals, Dolly’s has been hosting book signings and special readings mostly by request, said store manager Sue Fassett.
People with books associated with films or the film industry, celebrities with books and other notable people ask if they can come in for 90 minutes or so during the 10 days of Sundance, she explained.
It has evolved into a festival of sorts with about a dozen authors coming this year.
“We try to accommodate,” Fassett said.
It’s a good way to sell books, but it’s also a fun way to just be involved with the festival, she added.
“We have a lot of people coming into the store anyway; it’s great to have an event,” she said.
This year Fassett is most excited about two books related to festival entries. Buck Brannaman, subject of the documentary “Buck” the horse whisperer will sign copies of his book, “The Faraway Horses” on Jan. 25 at 2:30 p.m.
“It’s sold out and very popular. I’ve read the book, it’s a great book and he’s an amazing person,” she said.
The documentary “Project Nim” was inspired by the book “Nim Chimpski: The chimp who would be human” by Elizabeth Hess. She will sign books Jan. 20 at 3 p.m.
An actor from a movie, Paul Baptiste in “Lord ron,” will perform a dramatic reading from the movie Jan. 26 at 3:30.
Wayne Rogers, best known for his stint on the television show “M*A*S*H,” has a business-advice book he’ll sign Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
The authors of books “When Hollywood Came to Town,” “ABA’s Legal Guide to Independent Filmmaking,” “Independent Film Producer’s Survival Guide” and “Filmmakers and Financing” all have blocks of time reserved at Dolly’s.
A few Salt Lake City authors have also been invited, Fassett said.
The store recently added Amy Goodman, principal host of “Democracy Now!” on Pacifica Radio, who will sign copies of her book, “Breaking the Sound Barrier” on Jan. 28 at 3 p.m.
Fassett encourages people to check the website Dollysbookstore.com frequently to see new additions and changes to the schedule.
If a session is anticipated to be popular, Fassett encourages people to buy the book beforehand so they can spend as much time as possible with the author. Other than that, she said book signings are very relaxed.
“It’s informal, it’s fun and authors really like to talk to people,” she said. “People shouldn’t be shy about asking questions.”
Dave Eggers, author of “Zeitoun,” “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,” “What is the What” and other works, will not be doing a signing as was originally scheduled, but the store will have signed copies for sale, she said.
Dolly’s Bookstore is located at 510 Main Street.
View Dolly’s Book Store in a larger map