The Philly Bookstore Crawl returns for a third year on Saturday, Aug. 23, bringing book lovers a slew of deals, signings, and giveaways. This citywide special includes a handful of independent bookstores in the Northwest, and some cafes are even getting in on the action.
In Chestnut Hill, Baker Street Bread Co., Char & Stave, and Matines Cafe will offer a “Booklovers Breakfast Special” starting at 9 a.m. For example, Baker Street offers a special on any sandwich and coffee/tea for $10, while Matines will provide 20% off an order if customers spend $20 or more at Hilltop Books.
So, although there’s no specific route to follow among the crawl’s participating shops, it might be smart to start with some fuel in the northwest corner of the city.
Chestnut Hill
Early birds get the [book]worm at booked. (8511 Germantown Ave.), which will open at 9 a.m. with early bird discounts on the entire shop. There will also be special vendors offering unique “bookish” items throughout the day. With a wide range of titles, there is something at booked. for all ages.
50 Watts Books (15 W. Highland Ave.) is the newest addition to the literary hamlet of Chestnut Hill, where there are four bookstores in a one-mile radius. Although 50 Watts has operated online since 2021, co-owners Will Schofield and Ian Lay opened their first retail space in October 2024. Inside, bibliophiles will find a curated collection of visually striking and obscure books from around the globe.
“We were hoping to participate last year, but we weren’t able to get things set up in the store fast enough,” Lay said. “We kind of fly under the radar since we’re not on the main drag. So it’s a way to highlight us, get people in the door, and see that we have cool stuff for them.”
During the crawl, 50 Watts will offer discounts on the books it publishes as an independent press, such as volumes of the “Anthropomorphic Japan” series of vintage illustrations. Shoppers can also get free copies of the store’s in-house zine, which features 1960s science fiction book covers.
Hilltop Books (84 Bethlehem Pike) will set up tables of used books outdoors with prices discounted to just $2 for paperbacks and $4 for hardcovers. Proceeds benefit the Chestnut Hill Library, a local branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. There will also be an opportunity for guests to sign postcards that will be sent to city council members and library administrators to advocate for Saturday hours at the Chestnut Hill Library.
Hilltop will host an authors’ event on the day of the crawl from 9-10:15 a.m. Children’s book authors Sia Dempster Willie, Andrea Denish, and Anne Lambelet will read aloud from their work.
Amy Wilson, executive director of Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library, said Hilltop was “blown away” the first year of the crawl.
“We are so happy to be heading into the third year and we’ve been stocking up the shelves for the last several weeks,” Wilson said. “The last two years of the bookstore crawl were our highest sales days we’ve ever had.”
Further down the Hill, Multiverse (8026 Germantown Ave.) will offer dozens of science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels at 20-40% off. Fans of speculative fiction will enjoy the selection of comics and manga available as well.
“[The Philly Bookstore Crawl] is an incredible way to support independent bookstores and drive audiences there,” said Sara Zia Ebrahimi Hughes, co-owner of Multiverse. “We find that there’s people that wait all year and save up money to buy a lot of books that day to infuse the local economy of bookstores.”
Multiverse will also raffle off tickets to see “‘Evil Dead’ in Concert” at the Keswick Theatre on Sept. 29, where writer/director Sam Raimi’s beloved cult classic will be screened in a newly restored format and brought to life onstage, as a live ensemble performs the musical score.
If you are still itching for more book events after the crawl, make a dent in your TBR (to be read) list by attending the Chestnut Hill Community Association’s final Silent Book Club on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. in Pastorius Park.
Mt. Airy
Big Blue Marble Bookstore (551 Carpenter Lane) hosts several authors for a signing and book discussion from 2-4 p.m. Translator Emily Hunsberger will appear in conversation with Elle Charisse, host of the “Speaking Tongues” podcast. Hunsberger will discuss the release of “Wonderland: Crónicas of Belonging in América,” a project she worked on with author Melanie Márquez Adams. The book tells the story of Márquez Adams’ experience as an immigrant to the United States.
Local author Cordelia Jensen will also be on site to sign copies of her newest novel-in-verse, “Lilac and the Switchback.” The story follows Lilac, who learns her aunt is pregnant with twins, due soon after Lilac turns 13. As she struggles to process her feelings about two more children joining her crowded home, Lilac drifts apart from her best friend and is left feeling lonelier than ever.
Germantown
Uncle Bobbie’s (5445 Germantown Ave.) will serve its usual “Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee.” for the Philly Bookstore Crawl. According to Justin Moore, general manager at Uncle Bobbie’s, the team is still finalizing plans for the day of the event. However, book lovers can expect “a fun promotion and some giveaways.”
Manayunk
Cupid’s Bookshop (106 Grape St.) opened its doors in April as Philadelphia’s first brick-and-mortar romance bookstore. You can find everything from classic to contemporary romance books and romantic-themed merchandise such as stickers and mugs.
On Aug. 23, authors Betty Corrello, Laura Piper Lee, and Frankie Diane Mallis will drop by to sign books and hang out with fellow romance lovers. Plus, from 1-3 p.m., customers can meet John Ennis, the artist behind many iconic romance covers.
If shoppers spend $50 or more, they will get a free book (while supplies last). Members of Cupid’s Club, the store’s rewards program, will get double Cupid Points on all purchases during the event.
To see the full list of participating bookstores, visit phillybookstorecrawl.com.
Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.
