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The best book, hobby & craft shops in Crystal Lake

19 book, hobby & craft shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Crystal Lake’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Nightlife · Bakeries & Sweets · Shopping · Entertainment · Parks & Outdoors · Arts & Culture · Home & Garden · Health & Wellness · Cafes · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Crystal Lake today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Crystal Lake — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 19 places · showing the latest additions first

Alternate Reality, Inc

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Comic book store stocking current and vintage issues, action figures and posters.

3149 W 111th St (Chicago)

“Comic book store stocking current and vintage issues, action figures and posters.”

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The Book Cellar

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Sandwiches, soups, salads & coffee served in a comfy eatery, part of an independent bookstore.

4736 N Lincoln Ave (Chicago)

“Sandwiches, soups, salads & coffee served in a comfy eatery, part of an independent bookstore.”

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Pearl Street Music

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

This week, Pearl Street Music is the local fix for instruments, one-on-one lessons for all ages, quick repairs, and recording sessions. If…

3421 Pearl St (McHenry)

“This week, Pearl Street Music is the local fix for instruments, one-on-one lessons for all ages, quick repairs, and recording sessions.”

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The Instrument Barn

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Got a kid joining band this week or a guitar itch to scratch? The Instrument Barn has woodwinds, brass, ukes, guitars, and pre-owned…

11221 Dundee-Huntley Rd (Huntley)

“Got a kid joining band this week or a guitar itch to scratch? The Instrument Barn has woodwinds, brass, ukes, guitars, and pre-owned pianos, plus school rentals, lessons, clinics and instrument repair and piano services, so you can sound good without overthinking where to start.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Run a Crystal Lake business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Performers Music

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

From chamber scores and opera vocal selections to method books, manuscript paper, tuners, and gems like the Music by Black Composers…

410 S Michigan Ave #904 (Chicago)

“From chamber scores and opera vocal selections to method books, manuscript paper, tuners, and gems like the Music by Black Composers series, Performers Music keeps Chicago players stocked with the good stuff.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 5, 2026

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The Scent Queens Candle Company & Apothecary Shoppe

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Friendly candle store featuring housemade creations in creative scents alongside gift items.

3728 W Montrose Ave Ste 1 (Chicago)

“Friendly candle store featuring housemade creations in creative scents alongside gift items.”

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Michaels

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

Pulaski Promenade Shopping Mall, 4070 S Pulaski Rd (Chicago)

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

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Midwest Buy & Sell

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Well-stocked store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, plus amps & accessories.

6019 W Irving Park Rd (Chicago)

“Well-stocked store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, plus amps & accessories.”

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Martha Mae Outpost

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Curated shop for pens and paintbrushes plus notebooks.

1727 W Grand Ave (Chicago)

“Curated shop for pens and paintbrushes plus notebooks.”

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Tommy's Guitars & Trading Posts

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Laid-back shop for new, used & vintage guitars, amps, effect pedals & more, plus repairs.

2548 W Chicago Ave (Chicago)

“Laid-back shop for new, used & vintage guitars, amps, effect pedals & more, plus repairs.”

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Michaels

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

The Point at, 3131 N Clark St (Chicago)

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

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pOpshelf

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Clean store stocking toys, snacks, decor and beauty supplies.

2815 N Western Ave (Chicago)

“Clean store stocking toys, snacks, decor and beauty supplies.”

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Michaels

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

Midtown Plaza, 2490 N Elston Ave (Chicago)

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

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Ceasar's Music of Illinois

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Resource for musical instruments with repair services available.

3407 W 26th St (Chicago)

“Resource for musical instruments with repair services available.”

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Old Town School Music Store

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Music shop featuring classes, plus instruments & educational materials from around the globe.

4544 N Lincoln Ave (Chicago)

“Music shop featuring classes, plus instruments & educational materials from around the globe.”

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Guitar Center

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Music store, specializing in guitars and basses.

7250 S Cicero Ave C (Chicago)

“Music store, specializing in guitars and basses.”

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Atlas Stationers

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Veteran retailer stocking basic office supplies plus custom stationery, technology & furniture.

227 W Lake St (Chicago)

“Veteran retailer stocking basic office supplies plus custom stationery, technology & furniture.”

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Chicago Music Exchange

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Vintage, new & used guitars plus other instruments & gear in a polished space with an acoustic room.

3316 N Lincoln Ave (Chicago)

“Vintage, new & used guitars plus other instruments & gear in a polished space with an acoustic room.”

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