Over the years, we've learned to expect a bit of celebrity here at Auntie's, and not just our own! Many community figures, actors, singers, artists and other performers are also avid readers. We don't stalk our visitors while they're here, but once in a while we feel comfortable requesting that we be allowed to take a photo. Here are a few of the visitors we've noted over the last few years (even back to 1992).

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith

Here to film a new movie - The Big Bang! - Mr. Banderas was able to spend a few minutes browsing for reading material. He was heard to comment: "This place is very charming." Thank you, sir, and thanks, too, for allowing us to take your picture.

A week later, Mr. Banderas returned with Melanie Griffith and shared a moment with our own Kenna. Wow, was she excited!

Johnny Depp

The release of Benny and Joon in 1993 was heralded with great joy in Spokane. The movie crew was out and about for many weeks while filming - in the park, in a couple of neighborhoods and downtown as well. Johnny was known to jam with local musicians at a rented house, and he made a lot of friends here. Although we didn't get a picture of him in the store (he was in a bit of a hurry at the time), we thought you'd enjoy this publicity photo from the time of the movie. Note the character's unusual hat!

Viggo Mortensen

Actor, poet, artist and photographer, Viggo Mortensen believes in independent endeavors. When he founded Perceval Press in 2002, he began offering not only his own books and CDs, but others by artists whose work impressed him.

Shown here in a recent publicity photo, we were pleased to learn that Viggo recognizes and appreciates the independent spirit of Auntie's Bookstore. Recently, when asked by Forward Magazine, to recommend his favorite hometown library and/or bookstore, he responded:

"Hard to pick just one of each, but can certainly recommend Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane, Washington, and the Flower Memorial Library in Watertown, New York for starters."

We can recommend Viggo's outstanding work, too!

Don't miss Viggo's recent film release - The Road - and be sure to read Cormac McCarthy's book upon which the movie based.