What is a Book Crawl?

Independent bookstores around San Diego have teamed up to encourage readers to visit as many participating bookstores as possible in one weekend! 

You can visit one or all thirteen, but the more bookstores you visit, the more prizes you can earn! The San Diego Book Crawl is an opportunity for readers to explore the diversity of San Diego's indie bookstores, shop local, and most of all have fun! Hopefully while discovering a new favorite read along the way!

Follow us on Instagram (@sdbookcrawl) for updates, tips, and more!

2024 Participating Stores

Book Crawl FAQ

This sounds amazing! How do I start?

The 2024 Book Crawl starts Saturday April 27th and runs through Monday, April 29th. 

To participate, all you need to do is visit one of the participating bookstores anytime within those dates and make your first purchase of at least $10. From there, you will be given your Book Crawl Passport and first stamp in the passport!

Once I have my passport, how do I get it stamped at each location?

Once you have your Book Crawl Passport, simply visit the next bookstore (no particular order necessary) and make a purchase of $10 or more at each stop. Every purchase will get you a stamp in your Book Crawl Passport! 

The more stamps you earn, the more prizes you’ll get!

What are the prizes this year? 

2024 Prizes will be revealed throughout the month of April on our Instagram (@sdbookcrawl) page! Each bookstore will hand you your prize when you earn the qualifying stamp. 

NOTE: prizes are only while supplies last and are not guaranteed. Prizes are not for sale and may not be purchased. 

Do I have to visit the stores in a particular order?

Not at all! You can visit them in any order that works best for you! Be sure to look for each bookstore's hours for the Book Crawl, as some bookstores open earlier and/or close earlier than others! 

How do I get to the different bookstores? Will there be a map?

Yes! Our passport will have a map locating all 13 bookstores, as well as each bookstore’s individual address, hours of operation, and website where you can find out more about them.

Can I bring my kids to the Book Crawl?

Yes! The Crawl is for everyone and kids are most welcome! Each bookstore has a variety of kids books and one participating bookstore, Joyride Bookshop is an entire bookstore devoted to kids books!

Can we participate online?

The San Diego Book Crawl passport and prizes are in-person only and no prizes are available for online purchases/ But you can still support independent bookstores from afar!  (see next question!)

I’m out of town or don’t live locally. How can I still support the Crawl? 

While the Book Crawl passport and prizes are in-person only and no prizes are available for online purchases, you can still support independent bookstores from afar! 

You can show your love and support for San Diego Bookstores by:

• Share social media post from @sdbookcrawl and participating bookstores

• Make an online purchase or pre order (not eligible for any prizes)

• Purchasing gift cards next time you visit one of the bookstores! 

• Plan a visit to a bookstore or two with one of your friends at a later date!

• Browse upcoming events at each bookstore and find one you’d like to attend!

• Talk to your friends and family about supporting indie bookstores whenever possible! 

Have a question we didn't cover here? 

Email us at SDBookCrawl@gmail.com 

Want to get more involved?

Are you a bookstore looking to join the crawl? Click on the link below to apply to participate in 2025! 

If you are a local business or artist interested in contributing to the crawl email us at SDBookCrawl@gmail.com!

SDBookCrawl@gmail.com