Attention bookworms: It’s time to show local bookstores some love.
Independent Bookstore Day is Saturday, April 26, and to celebrate, five local shops are hosting the third annual Rock Cities Book Crawl.
What is a book crawl? It’s similar to a bar crawl, but instead of drinks, you hop from store to store to grab books. The goal is to visit all local indie bookstores before the end of the day while enjoying special events and perks along the way. A prize basket drawing with book-related gifts from local businesses and makers awaits those who make it to every location and get their book crawl passport stamped.
“As independent booksellers, we aren’t in competition with each other,” Beautywood Books said in an Instagram post about the 2024 crawl, “but are colleagues in the work of bringing together our respective communities to share in and celebrate the love of stories.”
The book crawl takes place all day on April 26. It will be great for book lovers and readers of all ages, so be sure to get the kiddos involved. Plus, you’ll get the best book recommendations from a variety of genres. Pick up a passport at any of the participating locations and get to reading.
Here are the participating bookstores:
Beautywood Books // The NLR bookstore is bringing the book crawl back after another successful year. The store will host a special storytime for guests, plus there will be vendors you can shop from. Last year, the shop underwent renovations, including new paint, a fresh rearrange and upgraded decorations and shelves. See it for yourself on April 26.
1701 N. Main St., North Little Rock | 501.487.4323 | Instagram | Facebook
Paper Hearts Bookstore // Paper Hearts will have plenty of activities during the book crawl that will be announced at a later date. The store has expanded next door with the Paper Hearts reading room, which serves as a reading nook, book club meeting room, art gallery and pop-up space. Paper Hearts also announced it’s hoping to expand the store in the upcoming winter months, so follow along below for important updates.
420 E. 21st St. | Website | Instagram | Facebook
WordsWorth Books // The Heights’ favorite cozy bookstore is also participating in this year’s book crawl. Stop in and peruse the shelves from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on April 26. WordsWorth hosts many author conversations throughout the year, so be on the lookout for upcoming events.
5920 R St. | 501.663.9198 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing // Find all genres from classics to new releases at this Dunbar Neighborhood store. The shop has a large selection of books by Black authors and cultural gifts, and it’s definitely a book crawl can’t-miss. Plus, peruse Hearne Fine Art’s latest installation while you shop.
1001 Wright Ave. | 501.372.5824 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Book Store // The Book Store in North Little Rock has served the community since 1976 with a wide range of books and wonderful customer service. The indie shop is having a large sale in tandem with the book crawl, so pack a bag or box and be prepared to stock up.
3832 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock | 501.753.1879 | Website | Facebook
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