Check out our how-to guide of tips for developing bookstore crawls and passport programs! We will continue to add resources and tips for programs all year long:

  • Reach out to local bookstores to see who is interested.
    • If you are going to do a state passport, or a large area passport, three volunteers would be best. One to contact the bookstores, another to run the social media, and the last to create the passport/graphics.
    • Let the bookstores know it's easy to participate, and bookstores can donate to a grand prize if they'd like, this is all a no pressure situation. 
  • Determine deadlines to move forward on graphics and maps. How often will you meet? What are the next steps after each meeting?
    • For the person contacting the bookstores, send a generic email in November to gather interest, then another in January to secure participating stores. If stores don’t respond that you know would want to be involved, give them a call. If still no response, move on for now. Once the passport is released, if you hear from a bookstore that wants to be involved, kindly ask "What is the best email address?" Or, if you're able to go in-person, build that connection. The contact person and social media can go together since there’s an opportunity for social media content too!
  • Determine the budget and how much each store is contributing (ie. printing fees, prizes, ad placement, etc.) 
  • Prizes could include two $25 gift cards and one book of each store’s choice. 
  • The passport/graphic creator should make sure the passport looks good in black and white, in case a bookstore can't spare color ink, or needs to print in a cheaper option. The graphics for social media should include any rules/information people might need. At the bottom of the passport, give the Instagram handle or website with a "Visit here for all the information you should need!"
  • Develop crawl/passport name and logo.
    • What printed items do you need? Bookmarks, maps, flyers, t-shirts, tote bags? In-house printing or sending off to a printer?
  • Is there a separate crawl social media account or website? Who is creating and managing it before, during, and after the crawl?
  • After, have a recap meeting and decide on when planning for next year begins!