Book lovers are invited to explore some of the county’s independent bookstores during the inaugural Berks Book Crawl.

The owner of the Book Coven in Kutztown came up with the idea, hoping to bring the literary community together in a fun way that encourages people to discover new books and new spots to buy them.

“The goal is simply to encourage people to visit local bookstores, discover shops they may not have been to before and celebrate the independent book community here in Berks County,” Selene Millar said.

Five independent bookstores are participating in the event, which begins Sept. 26 and runs through Oct. 4.

Millar said she originally drew inspiration from the Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl, which just celebrated its fourth anniversary in August. The one-day event includes more than 50 stores and features author signings, sales, giveaways and other activities.

Similar to that event, the Berks version will feature a passport system so readers can travel from shop to shop collecting unique stickers offered at each location. Visitors who complete their passport will be entered into a drawing for a prize — a basket filled with bookmarks, stickers and a $25 gift card to each of the participating bookstores.

Millar said each shop will offer different activities to coincide with the event throughout the week. For instance, the Book Coven will encourage visitors to take part in a treasure hunt for objects hidden around the store.

“We are really hoping to highlight the variety of independent bookstores that exist right here in Berks County,” she said. “We have such a great selection of shops that have their own vibes, specialties and community of readers.”

Millar said rather than merely serving as an establishment where people are in and out the door, bookstores invite customers to stay and explore the shelves.

“There is something about that human connection that you get visiting a bookstore,” she said. “There is a sense of community that you feel when you walk into a shop.”

Here are the five bookstores participating in the Berks Book Crawl:

• Book Coven, 269 W. Main St., Kutztown.

• Firefly Bookstore, 271 W. Main St., Kutztown.

• Saucony Book Shop, 71 Mill Creek Road, Maxatawny Township.

• M&D Books, Berkshire Mall, Wyomissing.

• Velvet Spine, 508 Penn Ave., West Reading.