Michelle Obama Politics & Prose Signing Brings Out Bangs, Book Lovers (PHOTOS)

WASHINGTON -- Ignoring a steady drizzle, the long line that stretched along Connecticut Avenue in upper Northwest Tuesday morning was a sign that it wasn't business as usual at popular D.C. bookstore Politics & Prose.

The cause of the commotion? First lady Michelle Obama, who stopped by the shop to sign copies of her book, American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America.

Obama touted her book as a great gift for Mother's Day, encouraging patrons to "buy away."

Politics & Prose announced the signing just a week beforehand and laid out strict rules:

One copy of American Grown may be signed per customer. No other books or memorabilia may be brought to the signing. A limited number of wristbands for entry to this event will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis with purchase of American Grown at this event location beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 2. Limit one wristband per customer. Customers must complete a security screening form in person. Customers may not provide security information for other participants.

Wristbands for entry were all doled out within two hours, but click through the slideshow to peek inside Politics & Prose during Michelle Obama's visit:

Politico captured this six-second snapshot of the scene:

Michelle Obama signs books at D.C.'s Politics & Prose vine.co/v/b2vQ5AVmDtn

— POLITICO Video (@POLITICOvideo) May 7, 2013