The best book, hobby & craft shops in Thousand Oaks

“Strategy and Soul Bookstore pairs reading with movement building, stocking publications rooted in working class communities of color across Los Angeles.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Classic One Books & Herbs is that neighborhood spot where your reading list levels up, with shelves centering Black storytelling, independent voices, and real-life inspiration. Grab a book for your mind and a few herbs for your routine, then leave feeling like you actually might start that project this week.”

From the Inglewood newsletter, September 21, 2026

“If you want weekly new issues without the hunt, The Comic Den LLC keeps fresh Batman and Catwoman on the racks alongside indie gems from Image, plus a friendly, Black-owned vibe thanks to owner Joe. Set up a pull list, sell your comics, then stay to geek out.”

From the Inglewood newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Kinokuniya Bookstore - Los Angeles (Little Tokyo) is the kind of place you pop in for one volume and leave with an art book, a Genki textbook, and ridiculously cute stationery. Japanese and English titles, Kinokuniya exclusive editions, collaborations, plus events and interviews keep it lively.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Heartbound Book Shop, Orange County’s first romance-exclusive bookstore, is an AANHPI, women, and family-owned spot curating the good stuff across contemporary, dark, fantasy, LGBTQIA+, sports, Western romance, and YA.”

From the Fullerton newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Larry Edmunds Bookshop is the long-standing treasure trove for movie and theater obsessives, packed with film books, classic posters, lobby cards, and photos that feel like time travel. Make a little Glendale detour this week, thumb through history, maybe find your next conversation piece.”

From the Hollywood newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Funko Hollywood feels like a pop-culture museum, with larger-than-life photo ops and character-themed rooms that make your camera roll giddy. Go for in-store exclusives, try POP! Yourself to become a vinyl mini-you, and enjoy 40,000 square feet of pure fandom without the convention lines.”

From the Fountain Valley newsletter, September 10, 2026

“CSULB Bookstore keeps students stocked with textbooks, art supplies, tech at the Campus Tech Store, plus all the Long Beach State apparel and gifts.”

From the Montebello newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Cozy bookshop showcasing African-American authors and artists via books and vinyl records, plus events.”

“Malik Books spotlights the African diaspora, stacking shelves with Black authors and culturally diverse reads, plus gifts that actually mean something. Cerritos readers, drop in this week for community-forward vibes, a smart September author lineup, and stories that linger longer than your latest streaming binge.”

From the Newport Beach newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Been meaning to reboot your quiet time? Sa-Rang Book Store keeps it simple to connect with God through reading, with easy on-site or online ordering straight from the church bookstore. Put it on your week’s to-do list and let a good book do some gentle soul maintenance.”

From the Fullerton newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Page Against The Machine is a compact, fiercely curated spot for new and used reads, with shelves leaning into activism, politics, local authors, and zines. It’s the kind of neighborhood book hive where the curation actually hits, special orders are easy, and you leave feeling a little more fired up.”

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Other Books, Comics, and Zines is the spot for smart, beautifully oddball shelves, from translated lit and art books to underground comics, zines, and political theory. With new arrivals and community events, readings, and screenings, it is a reliable place to stumble into something you actually want to talk about.”

“When your brain wants a new or used read and your body wants caffeine plus something tasty, Stories nails both with a cozy shop, a legit cafe, and a leafy patio that hosts readings and creative hangouts. Slide by this week, linger, and let your TBR happily multiply.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 27, 2026

“From textbooks through the Course Materials Concierge and course finder to the Apparel & Spirit Shop, tech essentials, notebooks, and diploma frames, Viking Bookstore has your semester handled. This week, grab fiction, gifts, vinyl, and snacks too, then get back to conquering that to-do list.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Unique bookshop offering children's literature in Spanish imported from Latin America & Spain.”

“Counterpoint Records & Books has been selling vintage vinyl and collectible books since 1979, with shelves that swing from rare LPs to used reads and the occasional first edition find. A low-key gem when you need a satisfying crate dig and a book you’ll actually keep.”

From the Costa Mesa newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Bel Canto Books at KUBO LB is a proudly woman- and BIPOC-owned indie that champions diverse storytelling, with curated shelves, signed picks, author events, and book clubs. Swing by this week to discover new AAPI voices, support a local lit hub, and leave with a book you actually can't wait to read.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 20, 2026

“All Power Books is a community-driven shop for movement literature, art prints, and smart merch, with a Book + Print Monthly Subscription that keeps fresh ideas landing at your door. Check their calendar, grab a title like The Wretched of the Earth, then go argue beautifully with your group chat.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Easy Does It Books & Gifts is your local plug for 12‑step life, stocking AA, NA and Al‑Anon literature, daily meditation books, meeting chips and medallions through 50 years, plus jewelry, hoodies and laugh‑with‑you greeting cards. Milestone coming up... the elevator is broken, use the steps.”

From the Rialto newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Bel Canto Books Retro Row is a proudly woman- and BIPOC-owned indie that champions diverse storytelling, with curated shelves, signed picks, and lively book clubs and author events that actually make you want to leave the group chat. Swing by Retro Row this week and let their recs reboot your TBR.”

From the Long Beach newsletter, August 28, 2026

“If you’re refreshing fan gear this week, USC Bookstores has official USC apparel from Nike and lululemon, textbooks, school supplies, tech, and collabs with Disney, Star Wars, Hello Kitty, and Snoopy. They also carry NIL player styles so you can support your favorites on game day.”

From the San Bernardino newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Long-running newsstand featuring periodicals, books, cards & gifts, plus coffee.”

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“LBCC PCC Book Store keeps Vikings stocked with the right textbooks, rentals, digital options, and all the pens, notebooks and LBCC gear you’ll actually use. It’s the easy, on-campus fix for midweek supply runs and graduation season when caps, tassels and a diploma frame suddenly jump to the top of the list.”

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 8, 2026

“North Figueroa Bookshop keeps it tight and thoughtful, with a small but mighty selection that skews delightfully indie, plus signed copies and a calendar of events when you need some literary vibes IRL. Trade in or donate books, snag something from Graywolf or Weird Punk, then brag at your next coffee run.”

From the Pasadena newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Now Serving is that rare combo shop where you can snag new and signed cookbooks from all over, flip through indie mags, and pick up kitchen tools and spice upgrades. Keep an eye on their events and NS Cookbook Club when you want fresh ideas and a nerdy food crowd.”

From the Moreno Valley newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Whether your TBR needs a spark or your kid wants a new favorite, Casita Bookstore curates bilingual shelves in English and Spanish plus a thoughtful Beyond the Margins book club that spotlights marginalized voices. Warm, community-first vibe, plenty of local picks, and the kind of recs that actually land.”

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Garden Grove folks, if your TBR stack needs more soul and less same-old, The Untold Story Bookstore curates powerful reads from underrepresented authors and fosters a welcoming space for women, people of color, LGBTQIA and allies. Open mic on August 28 or a book signing August 29, then leave genuinely inspired.”

From the Garden Grove newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Artbook @ Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is the rare bookstore that turns browsing into an exhibition, with rotating deep-dive displays spanning contemporary and 20th-century art, photography, design and more.”

From the Adelanto newsletter, September 10, 2026

“From accordions and orchestral strings to pro audio, DJ lighting, drums, brass, and all the cables, reeds, and little lifesavers in between, International House of Music is basically a playground for anyone who plays.”

From the Pasadena newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Since 1928, Candelas Guitars has been handcrafting classical, flamenco, mariachi and bajo sexto instruments that actually make you want to practice. Check out pre-owned finds and their own strings, then let that new tone guilt you into finishing the riff you’ve been avoiding.”

From the Lake Elsinore newsletter, September 21, 2026

“If your weekend practice session needs fresh mojo, Lovies Guitars has a rotating stash of vintage and collectible beauties from Gibson, Fender, PRS, Taylor, Collings, and Rickenbacker, all carefully curated and ready to sing.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Musical equipment store specializing in turntables, speakers, lights, mixers & other DJing needs.”

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

“Marty’s Hobbies is the local go-to for a seriously deep selection of hobby supplies, with aisles of remote-controlled cars, airplanes, and model trains ready to fuel your next project. Skip the online guessing, swing by and actually compare parts, kits, and upgrades in person.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Creative Memories stocks albums, page protectors, cardstock, stickers, punches, trimmers and simple kits that make wrangling your ever-growing photo stash feel oddly satisfying. Themes cover baby, travel, sports and pets, and you can browse ideas or link up with an Advisor and events when you want extra inspiration.”

From the Fullerton newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Esp Guitar Co is basically Burbank’s unofficial tone lab, with ESP USA guitars handcrafted in Southern California, pro-level E-II models from Japan, the LTD lineup for everyday budgets, and a deep roster of artist signatures. Find something that sparks practice-time again.”

From the Burbank newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Since 1987, Top's Art Supplies has been that family-run spot Glendale creatives swear by for actual help, not blank stares. Think fashion supplies galore, Japanese brushes, handmade papers, and sewing notions under one roof, plus personalized guidance that saves time and fixes projects before they go sideways.”

From the Glendale newsletter, September 3, 2026

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

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Small store featuring albums and other merchandise, like keychains and pins.”

“Whether you're hunting ribbon by the spool, bolts of fabric, lace, tulle, rhinestones, beads, floral bits, miniatures or even custom stickers and DIY kits, Fabric Barn Inc. is that massive local stash where inspiration multiplies and projects actually get finished.”

From the Long Beach newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Whether it’s a signed jersey, your kid’s masterpiece, or that poster you swear you’ll finally hang, FrameStore - Custom Framing Thousand Oaks nails the museum-quality look with over 1,500 mats and moldings. Family owned for 40+ years, they turn everyday walls into personal galleries.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 19, 2026

“From beginner ukulele to pro guitars, rentals, repairs, and those hard-to-find accessories, Wally World Music is the Conejo/Simi standby with private lessons for almost everything and the largest sheet-music selection in Ventura and Los Angeles County. When you need it now, ask Wally and get playing.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Whether your axe needs a precision setup, clean electronics, or a rescued headstock, Nomadic Guitar Repairs And Lessons brings player-first fixes from a Fender-authorized tech plus solid lessons to level you up.”

From the Santa Monica newsletter, August 15, 2026

“If your kid just sized up, your quartet needs a fresh set of strings, or your own fiddle could use some expert TLC, Los Angeles Violin Shop has rentals that grow with you, high-quality violins, violas, cellos, plus award-winning repairs and restorations from seriously skilled luthiers.”

From the Glendale newsletter, August 21, 2026

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

“Vintage guitars, basses, keyboards, amps, effects, even hi‑fi and pro audio pack Caveman Vintage Music, and their repairs keep beloved gear humming. Flip through records, hunt for parts, and give your setup a proper upgrade this week.”

From the Beverly Hills newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Need last-minute canvas or pro prints for that piece you swear you'll finish this week? Graphaids Art Supplies has custom canvas stretching, in-house fine art giclee printing, picture framing, plus the good stuff from Copic, Posca, Golden, and Daniel Smith, all in next-door Agoura Hills.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, August 25, 2026

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

“Vast chain selling electric, acoustic and bass guitars, plus keyboards, drums and amps.”

“If your sewing pile needs a spark, M&L Fabrics Discount Store is a cavernous, family-owned spot loaded with bolts of name-brand cottons, flannel, upholstery and vinyl, plus buttons, zippers, patterns and thread, all at wallet-friendly prices. Great for quick yardage runs or inspiration laps between projects.”

From the Cypress newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Looking to swap doomscrolling for something shiny, sticky, and actually satisfying? The Makery lines up resin pours, glass fusing, and take-and-make craft kits, plus a subscription box for fresh projects. Rally a friend this week, pick a kit, then claim those bragging rights when it turns out… surprisingly awesome.”

From the Camarillo newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Whether you play weekend gigs or just your living room, Instrumental Music is the Thousand Oaks spot run by musicians since 1979 to match you with the right stuff. Guitars by Fender and Gibson, tasty amps, keyboards, effects pedals, even lessons and expert repairs... consider this your shortcut to better tone.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Eva's Needlework has been quietly fueling Thousand Oaks projects since 1987, with Finnish-born owner Eva sharing a deep love of needle arts.”

From the Thousand Oaks newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Airy book & record store offering new & used items in a multilevel space adorned with local art.”

“From busted Mac to missing XLR, Mikey's Hook Up - Silver Lake keeps locals rolling with Apple repairs, data recovery, and a deep bench of pro audio, video, and computer supplies, plus rentals when your rig is short. Bonus points for vintage hi‑fi finds that spark joy.”

From the Camarillo newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Long-running retailer for guitars and other musical instruments with repair services.”

“Ready to dust off your chops this week? Adam's Music is the friendly neighborhood spot for instruments you can buy or rent by the day, week, or month, private lessons with patient teachers, reliable repairs, sheet music, and even musical prop rentals, plus those hard-to-find band instruments.”

From the Santa Monica newsletter, August 19, 2026