Third annual 'Indy Indie Book Crawl' aims to bring new readers into local bookstores

The third annual Indy Indie Book Crawl, an event showcasing local bookstores in Indianapolis, happened this weekend.

Thirty-six bookstores participated across the city. Visitors got a special bookmark stamped by each store, which served as entries into a grand prize drawing. There was also a scavenger hunt with its own prizes.

Bre'Anna Lander owns The Garden of Readin' on the city's far east side. She said this is the first year they've participated, and her goal was to encourage people to read new things.

"[Because] some people will come in here and only go straight to their favorite genre, and won't explore out," Lander said. "So I think this year, I want people to explore, because I have already started. So I would like to push that towards other people. We're gonna step out our comfort zone in the year 2026."

Local resident Aubree Massie was visiting The Garden of Readin' Thursday. She says her mother has brought her out for the event over the last few years.

"Over time I've liked it, and I just like seeing, for example, this is my first time at this store, and it's really beautiful, and I just like experiencing new bookstores and new people. I've made some friends along the way," Massie said.
 

Terrel Toles manages Ujamaa Community Bookstore on the city's west side. He says the Indy Indie Book Crawl has broadened the store's audience.

"Sometimes we get people from out of state, because they know what's going on, and so they not only want to see the other bookstores, but they'll make it a mission to come see us, 'cause they've already heard about us," Toles said.

Local resident Jamaal Shabazz was visiting Ujamaa. He said supporting local bookstores is important for bettering the community.

"It won't make you just begin to think better, and mend misconceptions about yourselves and our people, and our history and contributions," Shabazz said. "But also will allow you to do better, and not just want better, but get better for yourself, your people, and we can improve the overall quality of life, circumstances, and predicament of humanity."

Prize winners will be announced later this week.

Contact WFYI reporting intern Dierre Hartman at dhartman@wfyi.org