In our annual Read Local Challenge, we strive to promote a love of literacy and a strong sense of community, as we encourage readers to read books by and connect to local authors, and to find those books at their local independent bookstores. In this, our 5th Annual Read Local Challenge, we are excited to unveil some exciting opportunities for cross-promotion between KidLit creators and the bookstores we love. In this time of social distancing and virtual reality, we're looking beyond book signings to find ways for real connection in a mostly-digital world. We invite you to partner with us in this outreach, and we welcome your ideas! From social media campaigns to digital events and virtual booksignings, we're busy brainstorming new ways to connect. If you would like to "Pass the Book" with us, please click the button below to upload your information.
If you have already signed up to be a Read Local Challenge Partner Bookstore, please check out the map here and the listings below (click on your store logo) to make sure we have accurate information for you. If you are just joining us now, or if you would like to update your information for this challenge year, please click the "Read Local with Us!" button below to let us know that you would like to join us!
Although our focus for this Read Local Challenge is on connecting KidLit Creators and readers from Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Delaware, and West Virginia, we do have readers from across the United States joining us each year. We invite you to join us as (official or unofficial) bookstore partners, even if you aren't located in our "local" region! If you have any of our fabulous Read Local Challenge books in stock, we would love to add you to our map, so that our readers across the country know where they can go to find their favorite books! -- And don't forget to visit our other SCBWI regions to find local authors in your own state!
Collect stamps or signatures from authors, booksellers, librarians, teachers, or parents as you complete the tasks.
* Each participating bookstore sets a prize for their own store. Prizes could include free ARCs, discounts on future book purchases, discounts from in-store coffee shops, or any other promotional giveaway.
Please make sure your information is up-to-date. Don't see your bookstore listed? We invite you to fill out this form and join the fun!
We encourage schools and libraries to partner with local bookstores for book sales at all author events, whether in-person or virtual. Please make sure we have a link to your online catalog or bookshop.org page!
These bookstores have joined our Read Local Challenge. Click the logo of your favorite bookstore to learn more. If this is your store, please check the information to make sure it is still accurate for this year. If you haven't yet joined us, please fill out this form!
Roundtable: Working with Children's Authors and Illustrators (Veronica Bartles - SCBWI)
Tue Sep 22nd 10:00am - 12:00pm