The best book, hobby & craft shops in Ventura

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

“Ventura’s vinyl mothership, Salzer's Records has fresh Indie Exclusive drops, preorders, and recent restocks lined up this week... think The Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues, The Beatles Rubber Soul Special Edition, and a Bob Marley live pressing.”

From the Ventura newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Music store selling guitars, drums, DJ equipment, and amps, as well as offering instrument repair services.”

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

“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

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

“From full drum kits to congas that spark the groove, Delilah's Music Store is where you find solid gear and friendly guidance to dial in your sound, then get back to playing with the band, like, this week.”

From the Oxnard newsletter, September 18, 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

“Whether you sew, knit, crochet, or finally want to learn, Fabric Town USA keeps the creativity flowing with stacks of fabric, yarn for every vibe, and upholstery options for real-life couches, plus classes on the calendar. Stop in this week to plot your next make or prep for the Central Coast Quilt Shop Tour 2026.”

From the Ventura newsletter, August 17, 2026

“If your guitar needs TLC, a last-minute gig crept up, or the kid just picked up clarinet, Hensons Music Center in Oxnard has instruments, accessories, repairs, and a sky-high wall of sheet music and method books, plus they will hunt down the obscure stuff you need.”

From the Ventura newsletter, August 22, 2026

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

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

“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).”

“Thinking about tightening up your pedalboard or waking up that bass, Dana B. Goods distributes LEHLE signal routing solutions made in Germany and Bartolini pickups with serious tone to music stores. Tell your favorite shop what you’re after and let these pros get it in...”

From the Oxnard newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Ventura Hobbies is the go to for model kits, trains, rockets, slot cars, airbrushes and all the fiddly bits that make a build sing. From Tamiya paints and Woodland Scenics to California Mission kits and pinewood derby gear, you’ll leave stocked, inspired, and ready to tinker.”

From the Oxnard newsletter, August 26, 2026

“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.”

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

“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