Michigan Book Hop Returns With 101 Stores

Independent Bookstore Day returns Saturday, April 25, kicking off a monthlong celebration of local bookstores across Michigan.

The Michigan Book Hop, now in its fourth year, will run from April 25 through May 25 and includes 101 participating bookstores statewide. With participating stores across Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula, the event invites readers to visit independent bookstores and take part in store visits and book-themed activities for a chance to win prizes.

Participants can pick up a bingo card and passport at any participating store and begin visiting bookstores across the state. Each store visit counts as an entry, with at least three stores required to be eligible for the tour prize and 10 or more needed for grand prize eligibility. Readers can also complete book-themed bingo actions for additional entries. A full card earns 12 grand prize entries, an exclusive enamel pin and a Libro.fm audiobook credit.

Laura Harvey, a Michigan Book Hop organizer and owner of Adventure, Ink in Milan, said part of the fun is helping readers discover bookstores they may not have realized were nearby.

“It’s funny because I’ll have occasionally people say, like, I don’t have any bookstores in my area,” Harvey said. “And I’m like, I bet you do.”

Local Stores Join the Celebration

Several bookstores across the Sun Times News coverage area are planning their own events for Independent Bookstore Day on April 25.

In Chelsea, Serendipity Books will celebrate with giveaways, prizes, store exclusives and cookies while also marking the first anniversary of its Main Street grand opening. The store plans a “Wheel of Wow” prize with each purchase and is also promoting a golden ticket hidden somewhere in the store, with the winner receiving 12 audiobook credits through Libro.fm.

In Saline, Fine Print Bookshop plans a full day of games and prizes and will offer Michigan Book Hop passport stamps for visitors. The store is also encouraging customers to arrive early for a chance to find a Libro.fm golden ticket.

In Dexter, Courageous Books, 8063 Main St., will host an all-day Independent Bookstore Day celebration with prizes, games, giveaways and special independent bookstore exclusives.

In Milan, Adventure, Ink is planning both a golden ticket contest and a local author showcase. Three authors, V.L. Barycz, J.P. McAndrew and Kody Webb, are scheduled to meet readers and sign books from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25.

A Growing Community

The Michigan Book Hop began in 2023. Harvey said one of her favorite parts of the event has been the sense of connection it has created among bookstores and readers.

“It’s created a network of not just bookstore owners, but book people who are finding community by visiting all of these bookstores and discovering all of these bookstores,” Harvey said.

Readers can find more information, including a full list of participating stores and printable bingo cards, at mibookhop.com.

Featured photo: Michelle Tuplin, owner of Serendipity Books in Chelsea, stands inside her bookstore, which is taking part in this year’s Michigan Book Hop.