A Literary First Friday
Organizer Eric Smith, a literary agent and author, describes the event as a "gigantic First Friday" for book lovers. There's no set route, and each bookstore offers a unique experience. Visitors can wander through neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill and Fishtown, where multiple bookstores are within walking distance, or explore Center City's diverse literary landscape.
Newcomers and Old Favorites
This year's crawl features over 10 new participants, including the recently opened Multiverse comic book store and the upcoming cookbook shop Binding Agents, which will offer a sneak peek with an on-site pop-up. The diverse range of bookstores ensures there's something for every reader, from comic book enthusiasts to cookbook collectors.
Inspired by Other Cities
Smith's inspiration for the crawl came from living in Richmond, Virginia, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, both cities with thriving independent bookstore scenes and similar events. Upon returning to Philly in 2019, he and his wife decided to bring the concept to their hometown.
Supporting Local Businesses
The pandemic delayed the initial crawl, but when businesses began to reopen, Smith saw an opportunity to remind people of the importance of supporting local bookstores. "It felt like a good time to remind people these bookstores are here, and if we want to keep them here, let’s make sure we’re visiting," he said.
A Community Effort
Organizing the crawl has been a collaborative effort, with Smith reaching out to bookstore owners, publishers, and fellow authors. Philly-based author Jiordan Castle, who will be participating in a writer’s talk at H&H Books in Fishtown, even helped Smith deliver free books to participating stores.
An Author's Perspective
Smith, the author of 11 books, will also be part of the crawl, hosting a Q&A session at Kensington's American Grammar cafe. He'll share insights into the publishing industry, including how to get an agent, pitch a book, and navigate the current literary market.
A Celebration of Philly's Literary Scene
The Philly Bookstore Crawl celebrates the city's rich literary culture. With a wide variety of participating stores and events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So grab a book, explore new neighborhoods, and support your local bookstores this Saturday!
For more information on participating stores and their offerings, visit phillybookstorecrawl.com.
