Hi neighbor!
I’ve never been a fan of bar crawls. I don’t have the stamina or tolerance, and the ratio of fun to recovery (i.e. hangover) makes it a hard pass.
But a BOOK crawl?!? Now that’s a different story (see what I did there?) Omg where to begin…stacks of books begging to be browsed, the swishy-swish of pages turning, those creaky wooden floors and that sweet, slightly musty bookstore smell I want to bottle up and take home (IYKYK). I’ll take it all over a draft beer any day (ha!). Last year, local author and literary agent Eric Smith created the Philly Bookstore Crawl to highlight the city’s vibrant bookstore scene; it returns for a second year on Saturday, August 24 with even more stores, giveaways, author meet-and-greets, discounts and celebrations.
Smith knows readers hate to be rushed so while there’s a list of over 30 participating bookshops to peruse, there’s no route to follow or minimum number of stores to visit. Go at your own pace and let your inner bookworm be your guide.
The crawl appeals to readers of all ages and appetites. Highlights include:
• A sneak peak of Binding Agents, a food-focused bookshop opening this fall at 908 Christian Street.
• Pete the Cat and free ice cream at Children’s Book World in Haverford.
• “Ask Me Anything” panel session at american grammar featuring local editors and agents.
• Author appearances at A Novel Idea on Passyunk.
• Free book totes (while supplies last) at Giovanni’s Room.
• Up to 30% off science fiction, horror and fantasy novels at Multiverse in Chestnut Hill plus a “Booklovers Breakfast” special at Baker Street Bread and Café across the street.
Head to Main Point Books in Wayne at 7:00 PM for the final chapter—a festive afterparty featuring food and refreshments, plus storytelling from acclaimed authors like Anne Liontas, Katherine Vaz, Elise Juska and Emma Copley Eisenberg.
Happy crawling (and browsing),
Kate
