How It Works

Select your first bookstore, pick up your bookstore tour guide/passport, and get your first stamp.

Now, check out the map, which lists all the participating stores, and plan out the rest of your route!

At each bookstore you visit, you'll get a stamp! No purchase required. But, of course, showing your independent bookstores some love today would be a very cool thing to do.

​Your goal?! Make it to 10 or 15 (or more) bookstores.

Visit TEN stores in one day and get 10% off at all participating bookstores for an ENTIRE YEAR!

Visit FIFTEEN stores in one day and get 15% off at all participating bookstores for an ENTIRE YEAR!

When you make it to your 10/15th bookstore, you'll receive your 10-store / 15-store champion card! A bookseller will take down your info for participation, and you'll officially have 2026 Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl Champion Bragging Rights (and discounts!).

Planning Your Crawl

The Map

Use our 2026 Indie Bookstore Map to  help you plan your route!

Getting Around

Places to Stay
Stroll, bike, carpool, or hop on the CTA. Want to join a community of crawlers? Check out these bus tours, trolley routes, and running groups.
Traveling from out of town to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day in the windy city? Check out our recommended hotels here.

Got a Question?

Check out this FAQ here for some advice, tricks, and tips for planning a successful bookstore crawl!