Chicagoland Indie Bookstore Day 2025: How to Join the 50+ Store Challenge

   • STORIES FROM THE 78  

   / @storiesfromthe78  

🎉 Are you ready for a Chicago-style treasure hunt—book lover edition? The 2025 Chicagoland Indie Bookstore Day Challenge is back on Saturday, April 26, 2025, and it's the perfect way to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day across the greater Chicago area!

📚 More than 50 independent bookstores—from Lake Forest to Beverly and Libertyville to the Loop—are joining together for the annual Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl. This exciting one-day challenge invites readers of all ages to explore Chicago’s vibrant indie bookstore scene and discover hidden gems across the city and suburbs.

🔖 Here’s how the challenge works:

Start your adventure at any participating bookstore and pick up your passport and first stamp.

Use the official map to plan your route to other independent bookstores in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Every new store you visit earns you a stamp—no purchase required (but supporting local is always appreciated!).

🏆 The Rewards:

Visit 10 bookstores in one day and get 10% off at all participating indie bookstores for a full year.

Visit 15 bookstores in one day and get 15% off for an entire year!

Complete the challenge and score a limited-edition sticker at your final stop.

📸 Don’t forget to document your day! Post your bookstore haul and crawl photos using #TEAMINDIE and #ChiLoveBooks on social media to join the celebration and share your love of indie bookstores.

🗺️ Whether you're a longtime local or visiting Chicago, this is one of the most fun and meaningful things to do in Chicago in April—perfect for book lovers, families, and anyone looking to support local bookstores in Chicago.

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