The Montana Bookstore Trail supports small businesses and the state’s literary culture

Billings, Montana – There are many trails in the Treasure State to enjoy in the summer, but one recently built route is really something special.

In an effort to support local businesses and advance Montana’s literary culture, 21 independently owned bookshops from throughout the state are taking part in the Montana Bookstore Trail for the first time ever.

This House of Books is one of the locations on the Bookstore Trail in Downtown Billings.

In any of Montana’s 21 bookshops, readers can pick up a Bookstore Trail Passport and collect stamps as they go.

You can even enter to win a reward at the end of the summer, according to Julie Shultz, the treasurer of This House of Books.

“Everyone who completes the passport or gets any number of stamps, you don’t have to complete the passport to be eligible for the prize just scan the QR code and there’s a little quiz that you take and there will be a prize drawing and we will be giving away 21 bags of books from our sponsors, our country press, southwest Montana, and arcadia publishing.” Said Julie

According to Shultz, the passport also comes with other benefits like special offers from nearby merchants.

“Here in billings as well we have gotten some other local businesses involved and if you bring in your passport with your this house of books stamp you get a coupon booklet and there are 15 businesses around town that are offering specials to people who bring their stamped passport in, so it really is…It’s all about community.” Said Shultz

Till the end of September, the Montana Bookstore Trail will remain in operation.

Pick up your official bookshop trail passport at any participating location and go on a summer of reading exploration.