The best book, hobby & craft shops in Porterville

“If your strings are sleepy, your kid needs a rental for band, or you finally decided to learn that riff, Bakersfield Sound Co. has you covered with electric and acoustic guitars, basses, all-ages lessons, straightforward repairs, and instrument rentals. Real help, real gear, more music in your house.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Porterville College Bookstore / Gear Shop is your plug for official PC apparel, campus gear, and even graduation regalia, so you can rep school pride during classes, game nights, or coffee runs. Keep it local, look sharp, and treat yourself to something that makes Mondays sting less.”

From the Porterville newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Whether you're hunting first appearances, plugging series gaps, or prowling for con exclusives and vintage toys, Gibby's Comics keeps the Central Valley collecting scene lively and local. Comics, collectibles, and cards, with plenty of keys and oddities that make you say alright, that one’s coming home.”

From the Porterville newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Getting back into band or eyeing that living room piano dream, California Keyboards Music Center has you covered with school-approved rentals, music lessons, a deep lineup of pianos, guitars, brass, woodwinds, and percussion, plus instrument repair, piano tuning, and moving so you can focus on playing.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Skylight Guitars leans into our city’s musical roots with gearheads chasing authentic tones, uncompromised quality, and sweet vintage finds. Need fresh inspiration for band practice, pop in this week and talk shop with folks who get why that sixth pedal might be the one.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Going Underground Records keeps the bins loaded with new drops and deep cuts, from indie and punk to hip hop and jazz. They’ve got store-exclusive pressings, pre-orders you actually want, and they buy used vinyl and cassettes, so last year’s stack can fund this week’s favorite.”

From the Bakersfield newsletter, August 27, 2026

“World Records is where you dig into new CDs and LPs, plus a huge wall of already-cleaned used vinyl, then stick around for legit concerts in their in-store theater... seriously. It’s the spot to score that missing LP and catch Tab Benoit on August 29.”

From the Delano newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Entertainment retail chain selling new & pre-owned music, movies & video games, plus T-shirts.”

“Chain store selling guitars, drums, keyboards, amplifiers and other musical accessories.”