Over 50 independent bookstores will participate in the fourth annual Philly Bookstore Crawl this Saturday, Aug. 22. Shops across Philadelphia, surrounding suburbs, South Jersey, and Wilmington have signed up to participate in this event. Folks who want to enjoy the Philly Bookstore Crawl can use the PhillyBookstoreCrawl.com interactive map and read the list of bookstores that are open for the crawl. There’s no starting point; just pick where you want to go and enjoy the day browsing for books.
Each shop will run its own special events and deals. Some bookstores will have author signings; others will have tarot readings, raffles, discounts, live music, and discounts on select merchandise, according to The Philly Voice.
A Novel Idea on East Passyunk Avenue plans author signings, tarot readings, and free giveaways. Molly’s Books & Records in the Italian Market will host a small-press and poetry fair, while Giovanni’s Room in Center City brings in guest vendors and musicians.
Partners and Son will slash prices by 50% and hand out comic book grab bags. Binding Agents has cookbook giveaways, a raffle, and a spinning prize wheel. Bindlestiff Books will mark down children’s picture and chapter books and welcome author Warren Basla for a signing.
Families can enjoy storytimes and meet children’s authors at multiple locations. Bookish Notions in Media will hold a morning storytime and an afternoon signing with young adult author Lindsey Olsson.
Celia Bookshop in Swarthmore has planned a storytime, face painting, and author visits. Children’s Book World in Haverford will bring in several visiting authors.
The Philly Bookstore Crawl stretches from Fishtown, Germantown, and West Philadelphia out to Phoenixville, Doylestown, Haddonfield, Collingswood, and Wilmington. Pick a route and create your own bookstore-hopping adventure.