The best book, hobby & craft shops in Lake County

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

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Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Barnes & Noble

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

901 N Milwaukee Ave Ste 500 (Vernon Hills)

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

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True Neutral

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

True Neutral is a family-run hub for comics, Warhammer, D&D, and all the tabletop chaos you secretly crave. Shelves of issues, minis, and…

1810 N Delany Rd (Gurnee)

“True Neutral is a family-run hub for comics, Warhammer, D&D, and all the tabletop chaos you secretly crave. Shelves of issues, minis, and hobby supplies plus custom 3D printing and laser engraving make it a go-to spot for Gurnee gamers who want community, not just a checkout.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 10, 2026

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College of Lake County Bookstore, Lakeshore Campus

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

For Lake County students who live on caffeine and due dates, College of Lake County Bookstore, Lakeshore Campus keeps life simple with…

33 N Genesee St (Waukegan)

“For Lake County students who live on caffeine and due dates, College of Lake County Bookstore, Lakeshore Campus keeps life simple with online textbook ordering, daily buyback for the community, and shelves of essentials like calculators, scrubs, art supplies, and CLC gear...”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 8, 2026

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2nd & Charles

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Retailer buying, selling & trading CDs, books & video games, plus DVDs & vinyl records.

6108 W Grand Ave (Gurnee)

“Retailer buying, selling & trading CDs, books & video games, plus DVDs & vinyl records.”

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

A-major Music, Inc.

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

From quick fixes to full-on instrument rentals and lessons, A-major Music, Inc. keeps your music life moving with repairs, sheet music and…

1003 North Ave (Waukegan)

“From quick fixes to full-on instrument rentals and lessons, A-major Music, Inc. keeps your music life moving with repairs, sheet music and special orders that actually show up. This week, get your axe singing again, grab the notes you need, then learn the riff you keep pretending you know.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 15, 2026

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