“We had more than 3,000 bookshop passports handed out and over 6,000 stamps given,” said Theroux. “It was beyond anything we could have dreamed. The support for indie bookshops was incredible. Participants of the book tour discovered hidden gems — from cozy cafes to scenic parks — while supporting small businesses. It’s more than just a book tour. It’s an adventure which connects people to the heart of Iowa.”

With summer months approaching, Theroux and more than 40 other independent bookshop owners throughout the state have started planning for the 2025 Indie Bookshop Tour which will take readers all across Iowa.

“The rules for 2025 are the same,” added Theroux. “When you visit a bookstore and make a purchase, you get a stamp in your passport from that bookstore. Once you have collected all the stamps or as many as you want, you can turn it in for the prize drawings.”

According to Theroux, each stamp equals one drawing entry. At least two bookshops must be stamped to be eligible to turn in the passport for prizes.

“A big part of our event is supporting other local businesses,” said Theroux. “When people travel to our bookshops, they are also looking for places to eat, other fun events, and places to visit along the way. On our website, IowaIndieBookShopTour.com, each bookshop has given their recommendations for local places to visit when you are coming into their towns. This includes where the best cup of coffee is, their favorite pastry shops, local museums they love to visit, and parks to take a picnic to. A big thing we heard from our participants last year was how they used our tour to find out new things about their state.”

The 2025 tour stops are being updated on the Bookshop Tour’s website. Area shops participating this year include The Green Dragon Bookshop, Three Bells Books in Mason City, The Book Shoppe in Boone, Dog-Eared Books in Ames, Dungeon’s Gate in Ankeny, Wandering Raccoon Books in Grimes, and many more.