Independent Bookstores Celebrate with Passport Program

Eighteen stores across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia offer prizes for visiting multiple locations.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:08pm

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A bold, graphic illustration of a repeating pattern of colorful book stacks, capturing the celebratory energy of independent bookstores coming together to promote their diverse offerings.Independent bookstores across the region celebrate their community with a collaborative Passport program, introducing readers to new literary destinations.Winchester Today

Independent bookstores in the Northern Virginia, Frederick, MD, and Wardensville, WV regions are partnering on a special Passport program to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day 2026 on Saturday, April 25th. Booklovers can visit participating stores, collect stamps in their Passport, and earn prizes for visiting multiple locations by May 31st.

Why it matters

Independent bookstores have faced challenges in recent years, but this collaborative Passport program aims to drive foot traffic and introduce readers to new local stores, helping to support the growing independent bookstore community in the region.

The details

The 2026 Passport program features 18 participating independent bookstores, with 3 new additions this year and 4 more already signed up for 2027. Customers who visit 4 stores can collect a book prize, 8 stores earn a tote bag, and those who visit at least 10 stores by May 31st can enter to win grand prizes.

  • The Passport program runs from April 25 to May 31, 2026.
  • Independent Bookstore Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April.

The players

Old Town Books

An independent bookstore located in Alexandria, Virginia.

One More Page Books

An independent bookstore located in Arlington, Virginia.

Winchester Book Gallery

An independent bookstore located in Winchester, Virginia.

WordPlay

An independent bookstore located in Wardensville, West Virginia.

American Booksellers Association

A national not-for-profit trade organization that works with booksellers and industry partners to support independently owned book retailers.

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What they’re saying

“Independent Bookstore Day is a great way to celebrate the value of local, independent bookstores and introduce readers to new stores in our region.”

— Unnamed, Spokesperson

What’s next

The Passport program will continue in 2027 with additional participating stores.

The takeaway

This collaborative Passport program demonstrates the resilience and community-driven spirit of independent bookstores, which are finding innovative ways to engage readers and support one another in the face of industry challenges.