In 2014 Mario Lopez released a book about his life called Just Between Us. I have been a fan of Mario’s for a long time since I grew up watching him on Saved By The Bell. Luckily for me Mario continues to be an active part of my life since he is the evening host on a radio station in Southern California and he films Extra about five days a week in front of the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood. I follow Mario on twitter and got very excited when he started tweeting that he had a book coming out. I love finding out behind the scene info on my favorite shows and also wanted to know more about the man behind the adorable dimples.
One of my favorite things about living in Southern California is getting to meet so many people in the entertainment industry that I love through book signings. Once I found out about Mario’s book I made sure to keep an eye out for any information about book signings. I learned through twitter that Mario would be doing a book signing at a Barnes and Nobles at The Americana at Brand in Glendale. This was my first time to attend a Barnes and Nobles book signing so I made sure to do research before hand so that I did not end up ruining my chance to meet Mario. Almost all book signings are wrist banded events. While the book signings will take place in the evenings 99% of the time, with the exception of a few Saturday morning signings, wristbands are given out starting at 8:00am on a first come first serve basis. Your wristband will have a group letter on it and when you return for the signing you will line up according to your group letter. If you are a Barnes and Nobles member you get priority which is a great perk!
Depending on the popularity of the author the wristbands could be gone within an hour or they could still be an hour before the signing. If you cannot make it there in the morning to get a wristband call and find out whether or not they are still available. In order to get the wristband you need to purchase the book being signed by the Barnes and Nobles that is hosting the event. Typically each guest can purchase up to five books and receive a wristband for each book if you need it. For the Mario Lopez signing I purchased a book for myself and for a friend who would be joining me in the evening we each got a wristband and each receive a personalized autograph in our book as well as a picture. If you are going to get books signed for people who are not there please note that only one book can be personalized so if your friends want their book to be extra special then they at least need to show up for the signing if they cannot make it there in the morning. It is also important to note that the authors will only sign the book that they are promoting. They will not sign previous books or any other items due to time.
If you go alone do not fear because there should always be a Barnes and Nobles employee around to take a picture for you just make sure to have your camera ready. You do not need to worry about bringing a sharpie as there will be a good supply of those ready to avoid any problems. While you are waiting in your assigned groups for the signing to begin a pad of post it notes and a pen (bring one just in case) will be passed around for you to write the name you would like them to personalize your book with. They do this to help save time but also to make sure that your name is spelled correctly. Please make sure that you have written your name neatly enough that they will be able to read it. You will have a few moments while your book is being signed to talk to Mario or whoever it may be that you are meeting. I told Mario how nice it was to meet him since I grew up watching him on Saved By The Bell. It’s not a requirement to have something to say but it will be an awkward moment for both of you if you just stare silently at them.
If you have ever been to The Grove in Los Angeles you will find Americana at Brand very similar. There are other great shops and places to eat so I would encourage you to explore and enjoy the area while you are there. Oh and don’t forget to have Barnes and Nobles validate your parking. For more information on upcoming book signings be sure to check out the Barnes and Nobles link below.
Barnes and Nobles at The Americana at Brand: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2303
For more information on The Americana at Brand please visit: http://www.americanaatbrand.com
If you want me to purchase an autographed copy of a book for you from an upcoming LA book signing click here Books Autographed by Celebrities
