The Zachary Branch Library proudly welcomed Smiley Anders, columnist with The Advocate, on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Anders was in town signing copies of his latest book "Smiley! A Laughing Matter" for fans.

Anders is a native of Natchez, Miss., who received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from LSU in 1959 and a masters in journalism from LSU in 1971.

He was oil and gas editor of The Shreveport Times from 1960-62; information director, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, 1962-66; and public relations director, Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, 1966-73.

In 1973, he joined The Morning Advocate as its first business reporter, a position he held until starting his column in 1979.

Anders' latest book not only contains funny stories from his columns published between 1991-2000 but also has accounts of his life from his early days as a spoiled brat in Natchez, his high school and college days in Baton Rouge and his journey in journalism that culminated in his award-winning column.

Anders read aloud from his new book for staff and fans at the Zachary Library and followed with a question and answer period.

Anders has several connections to Zachary. His daughter, Tammy Anders Smith, is married to Boyce Smith Jr., former fire chief and current Zachary school board member.

Anders' son, Pokey Anders, is married to a local hair salon owner, and he has two grandsons who are graduates of Zachary High School.

His granddaughter, Taylor, also lives in Zachary with her husband, Adam, a firefighter.

When asked about the future of newspapers, Anders said: "People will still be communicating. There is still a generation of people who want to read their community newspaper with a cup of coffee in the morning."

On the topic of writing, he said: "I can't imagine doing anything else."

Anders lives in Spanish Town with his wife.

Visit SmileyAnders.com for more about Smiley.