A bookstore crawl (or “book crawl”) is a fun way to explore all of your local independent bookstores within a limited time frame and connect with other local book lovers along the way!

To get started, download and print the book crawl passport, or pick one up at any participating store, and visit as many bookstores as you can during the weekend of April 24-26, 2026. The goal is to visit all 7 locations in 3 days!

Yes! In addition to earning bragging rights, participants who visit all 7 bookstores during the crawl will be entered to win our grand prize, and can return to each bookstore during the month of May for additional discounts. Learn more…

Independent Bookstore Day is the annual celebration of independent bookstores nationwide, and is traditionally held on the last Saturday in April.

This year, the thirteenth annual Independent Bookstore Day will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

In addition to the bookstore crawl, each participating bookstore will be celebrating Independent Bookstore Day with their own promotions and events, so be sure to check with each store you plan to visit.

You can also follow us on Instagram where we’ll be sharing additional info leading up to the event.

Independent (or “indie”) bookstores are locally-owned businesses that are not affiliated with a larger organization or commercial chain.

Independent bookstores connect local readers, promote literacy, provide important cultural hubs in the community, celebrate diverse voices, and keep your tax dollars in the local economy — and we think that's worth celebrating!

All of our participating bookstores are also proud members of the Hudson Valley Book Trail, which includes over 70 independent bookstores between Westchester and Albany, NY.

You can also look up independent bookstores by location at indiebound.org