Independent booksellers across the United States are struggling, but many have found ways to diversify and get more people inside the store, be it specialty coffees, boutique items, local baked goods, music, or whatever it takes. Rainey Huckfeldt, business manager at The Wanderer on Gilchrist in Wheatland, came up with a new idea to entice tourists to visit independent bookstores across the state.

“My family travels around the state for car shows, and in the quiet moments I try to sneak away to whatever bookstore I can find.” And thus, the Wyoming Book Crawl was born, with the enthusiastic approval of bookstore owner Tara Westerman and the rest of the Wanderer staff. The concept is easy.

You buy a “Passport” for $4.99 at any participating bookstore and as you travel throughout the state this summer you can get your passport stamped at participating stores. For those with a competitive streak, you can take a picture and post it on social media for a chance to win great prizes. Rainey said, “Our goal was to get a dozen bookstores, and we ended up with 19. I was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm from the participating bookstore owners.” When asked how she will know if it is successful, she said, “With so many bookstores jumping on board, it already is.”

“There is no better time to support independent bookstores, and local businesses in general, than now,” said Huckfeldt. “Many are the backbone of our communities, and participating in the Crawl is a small way to show your support for these businesses.”

Make sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram @wyomingbookcrawl and pick up your passport at any of the following locations.
• Afton Dog-Eared Books
Casper Bookin’ It; The Dreadful Bookshop, Wind City Books
Cheyenne Bonsai Books
Douglas Jen’s Books
Dubois Waterwheel Books
Jackson Jackson Hole Book Trader, Valley Bookstore
Laramie Blue Mt. Bookstore, Night Heron Books, The Annex, Second Story
Pinedale Woodland Book Nook
Sheridan Sheridan Stationery and Books
Thermopolis Storyteller and Jackrabbit Java
Wheatland The Wanderer on Gilchrist and The Wandering Hermit Used Bookstore
Wilson Wilson Book Gallery