The much-anticipated third annual Philly Bookstore Crawl is set to take place next Saturday, August 23rd, and this year boasts an even larger lineup of participating stores.
This self-guided tour will feature over 40 bookstores across the Philadelphia area, offering engaging author events, special activities, and discounted prices throughout the day.
Eric Smith, the event’s organizer, expressed his excitement about the ongoing success of the crawl.
“This event is truly making Philadelphia a fun, bookish destination,” Smith remarked, highlighting the vibrant community around local bookstores.
Smith’s inspiration for the event came from his experiences in Richmond, Virginia, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, where large and celebrated book crawls were common.
Upon returning to Philly just before the pandemic, he recognized a pressing need to support local bookstores struggling during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“It was the perfect time to remind everyone that indie bookstores are vital community spaces and need our support,” he noted.
Following two successful years, Smith is particularly thrilled about this year’s highlights.
One major feature will be author M.L. Rio, known for her bestselling works including *If We Were Villains* and *Graveyard Shift*, who will be previewing her upcoming book at The Head and The Hand.
Additional attractions include a local authors expo hosted by The Doylestown Bookshop, a collaboration called The Book Lovers Breakfast where Chestnut Hill bookstores will partner with local cafes for special dining offers, and a book signing and performance by acclaimed author and guitarist Elijah Wald at Molly’s Books and Records.
More than just a local affair, the event will also include transportation for attendees from nearby cities such as Wayne and Lancaster, organized by community groups like Philadelphia Stories.
Below is a comprehensive list of participating bookstores and their unique offerings for the day,
**50 Watts Books**
– Highlights: Indie bookstore and press with discounts on some of their titles, including the well-liked *Anthropomorphic Japan* series and a giveaway for their zine.
– Address: 15 W. Highland Ave. F, Philadelphia PA 19118
**A NOVEL IDEA***
– Highlights: Book-signing event featuring four local authors alongside a giveaway of temporary tattoos.
– Accessibility note: Accessible entry at the front with two steps at the back.
– Address: 1726 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia PA 19148
**American Grammar**
– Highlights: Coffee offerings and giveaways.
– Address: 2046 N. Front St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
**Another Corner**
– Highlights: Discounted books and magazines, along with a Tang’s Bakery pop-up and a raffle for a book and collectible Coca-Cola set.
– Address: 612 S. 6th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
**Big Blue Marble**
– Highlights: A signing event featuring local authors along with a discussion.
– Address: 551 Carpenter Ln., Philadelphia, PA 19119
**Binding Agents**
– Highlights: Prizes, giveaways, cookbook sales, and baked treats.
– Address: 908 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
**BINDLESTIFF**
– Highlights: Giveaways throughout the day from noon until 7 p.m.
– Address: 4530 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143
**BOOKED***
– Highlights: Special discounts and participation in the Book Lover’s Breakfast.
– Address: 8511 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
**BOOKISH NOTIONS**
– Highlights: Discounts, an open-mic night, and a children’s book reading.
– Address: 11 E. State St., Media, PA 19063
**BRAVE NEW WORLDS***
– Address: 55 N 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
**THE BROKEN SPINE**
– Highlights: A book signing event with author Christy Schillig, alongside totebag and book giveaways.
– Address: 915 N 28th St., Suite 1C Philadelphia, PA 19130
**BRISTOL BOOKS + BINDERY***
– Accessibility note: Featuring tighter spaces typical of an older building.
– Address: 129 Mill St., Bristol, PA 19007
**CAPRICORN BOOKS**
– Highlights: A full schedule of author meet-and-greet opportunities throughout the day.
– Address: 605 West Ave., Jenkintown, PA 19046
**CHILDREN’S BOOK WORLD***
– Highlights: Book giveaways and a fun carnival with free food and games.
– Address: 17 Haverford Station Rd., Haverford, PA 19041
**CUPID’S BOOKShop**
– Highlights: Free totebags and romance novels while supplies last.
– Address: 106 Grape St., Philadelphia, PA 19127
**Doylestown Bookshop**
– Highlights: Local author expo and a gathering for writers.
– Address: 16 S. Main St., Doylestown, PA 18901
**Du Bois-Robeson People’s Center**
– Highlights: A community center offering book browsing and shopping, focused on social justice themes.
– Address: 4515 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143
**Garland of Letters**
– Address: 527 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
**Philly Aids Thrift at Giovanni’s Room**
– Highlights: Participating in the South Street Art Mall with table displays and offering discounts at Last Drop Coffeehouse for customers.
– Address: 345 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
**Harriett’s Bookshop**
– Address: 258 E. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
**HEALING WHILE BLACK***
– Address: 4111 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104
**H&H BOOKS***
– Highlights: Four featured authors, including M.L. Rio and Tre Johnson, will make appearances throughout the day.
– Address: 2230 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
**HEADHOUSE BOOKS***
– Address: 619 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
**HILLTOP BOOKS**
– Highlights: Sidewalk sales with discounts and participating in the Book Lover’s Breakfast at nearby cafes.
– Address: 84 Bethlehem Pike, Philadelphia PA 19118
**House of Our Own Books**
– Address: 3920 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
**Huxley And Hiro**
– Highlights: A spinning wheel will offer prizes, including discounts and free grab bags containing books and related items.
– Address: 419 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801
**IFFY BOOKS**
– Highlights: Featuring an event centered on tiny zines and small tools.
– Address: 404 S. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
**INKWOOD BOOKS***
– Address: 106 Kings Hwy E., Haddonfield, NJ 08033
**THE LAST WORD BOOKSHOP***
– Address: 220 S. 40th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
**Julia de Burgos**
– Highlights: Offering free books and advanced copies while supplies last.
– Address: 2600 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19133
**MAIN POINT BOOKS***
– Highlights: Afterparty to celebrate the day’s events, including the launch of Jeff Bogle’s newest book.
– Accessibility note: The main floor is fully ADA accessible, while the lower level is accessible with assistance.
– Address: 116 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087
**Making Worlds Cooperative Bookstore & Social Center***
– Address: 210 S. 45th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
**Mavey Books**
– Highlights: Exciting giveaways and scavenger hunts throughout the day.
– Address: 8 Cricket Ave., Ardmore, PA 19003
**Minnow Lane**
– Highlights: Special reading of *The Philly ABCs* by author Christopher Wink.
– Address: 2029 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
**Miscellanea Libri**
– Address: 454 E. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
**Mollys Books & Records**
– Highlights: Tables filled with book bargains along with a musical set and discussion by Elijah Wald
– Address: 1010 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
**Mostly Books**
– Address: 529 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
**Multiverse**
– Highlights: Offering 20-40% off on all books and a special $10 breakfast sandwich deal at a nearby café.
– Address: 8026 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
**Narberth Bookshop**
– Address: 221 Haverford Ave., Narberth, PA 19072
**Neighborhood Books**
– Address: 1906 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19146
**Open Book Bookstore**
– Address: 7900 High School Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027
**Partners & Son**
– Highlights: Offering discounted selections of books.
– Address: 618 S. 6th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
**Professor Readzalot’s Used Books**
– Address: 2637 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19133
**Reads and Company**
– Highlights: An engaging plinko game with prizes.
– Address: 234 Bridge St., Phoenixville, PA 19460
**Recycle Read Repeat**
– Highlights: Featuring refreshments, a photobooth, sales, and an artist providing 10-minute portraits.
– Address: 208 Cherry St., Norristown, PA 19401
**Uncle Bobbies***
– Address: 5445 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
**Wooden Shoe Books**
– Highlights: Giveaways including buttons, posters, and adult coloring books.
image source from：billypenn
