Chicago area bookstores are set to host their biggest celebration yet for Independent Bookstore Day

Despite pressure from competitors like Barnes & Noble and Amazon, Chicago’s indie bookstores are preparing for the biggest Indie Bookstore Day yet.

Book lovers will have the chance to explore local shops across the Chicago area during Saturday's annual Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl, which will be held alongside the national Independent Bookstore Day.

All 84 participating stores offer their own specialties and curate selections that reflect the interests of their neighborhoods, said Ryvre Hardrick, organizer of the crawl and owner of Goblin Market in Lake View.

The number of participating shops nearly doubled from last year, a shift Hardrick said reflects owners’ desire to keep building connections with their neighbors as well as growing interest in “analog hobbies.”

“We focus on being a true third space for our neighbors and communities, and making sure that the books we're selecting really represent what our communities are looking for and the very diverse views of our community,” Hardrick said.

Bookstore owners said their mission has always been to create spaces where their communities can gather, and as larger retailers move into their neighborhoods, they are doubling down on those efforts.

Hardrick said people were “hungry” for screen-free, offline activities — something physical books naturally provide.

“It’s a really good time for reading, a really good time for books,” Hardrick said.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Meanwhile, large retailers like Barnes & Noble are continuing to expand in the Chicago area following what they’ve described as “successful” store openings. The company was also expected to open its largest location to date in the Loop in June.

But small business owners said those retailers can’t “replicate” what independent bookstores offer, because they do more than “just sell books.”

“We are passionate about what we sell in our stores and we care about our community,” said Hardrick, whose store specializes in manga and comic books.

About 3,000 people participated in the crawl last year. Owners are expecting an even larger crowd this time around.

Courtney Bledsoe, owner of Call and Response Books in Hyde Park, said they saw about 700 people stop by the store during last year’s crawl. Participating once again was a no-brainer, she said.

“We're just excited for it because it's a great way to raise visibility about independent bookstores and the importance of them in our communities,” said Bledsoe, who opened her store in 2024.

Call and Response is one of few Black-owned bookstores in Chicago that focuses on stocking books by authors of color.

Like other bookstores, Bledsoe said what has kept her business going is giving the neighborhood a place to gather. She said the store hosts book clubs, trivia nights and concerts.

Blendsoe said the bookstore crawl would give participants an opportunity to learn more about what businesses like her have to offer.

Shoppers who stop by more than 10 stores during the crawl will receive 10% off purchases on all participating bookstores valid until next year’s bookstore crawl. Those who visit more than 15 stores, will receive 15% off their purchases.

Participants can pick up a “passport” at the first store and get it stamped at every store during the crawl.

Bookstores also will have planned activities during the crawl including raffles and live music and will even offer some discounts.

Hardrick said they hoped the crawl would give community members a chance not only to get to know one another, but also to inspire them to continue supporting small businesses.

“We’re committed to giving our neighbors a place where they can be themselves,” Hardrick said.