The best book, hobby & craft shops in Bloomington

“, and more, plus an online storefront and occasional in-store events.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 12, 2026

“The Garden of Readin' Book Closet is a Black-owned, women-owned bookstore run by a mother-daughter duo, championing underrepresented voices with shelves spanning cherished classics, buzzy new releases, and preorders.”

From the Muncie newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Inner Path is a welcoming, all-faiths metaphysical bookstore where you can browse inspiring reads, crystals and artisan goods, then stick around for psychic readings, classes, Reiki and energy healing. If your week needs good vibes and a nudge toward clarity, this is the stop.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Indianapolis friends, let Loudmouth Books do the hunting for you. Their shelves are tightly curated with bold voices, fresh fiction, smart nonfiction, and the kind of staff picks that somehow read your mind, so you can wander in, discover something unexpected, and feel smugly well-read all week.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Traditional new & secondhand book & record store specializing in titles from smaller publishers.”

“If your shelves are begging for that one elusive figure or you just love digging through ever-changing treasures, The Toy Drop specializes in rare, vintage, and modern toys. They buy, sell, and trade daily, often entire collections, so fresh finds roll in constantly.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Whether your TBR stack is stale or thriving, Tomorrow Bookstore keeps it interesting with smart staff picks, buzzy bestsellers, and a rich shelf of works in translation. Hop into a book club this week or an event and suddenly weeknights feel a little more literary, a little more fun.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Stock up at the University of Indianapolis Bookstore, the One Stop Study Shop for Textbooks at UIndy, computers and printers, notebooks and writing gear, dorm favorites, fiction for brain breaks, and an Apparel & Spirit Shop when you want your hoodie to do the talking.”

From the Anderson newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Golden Hour Books nails the cozy indie vibe with sharply curated new reads, witty cards, and little literary treats perfect for gifting or just treating yourself. Pop in this week for one of their lively book clubs or author events, then leave with a story you can’t stop talking about.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Cozy, locally focused bookshop featuring new and used titles, as well as staff recommendations.”

“Ping's Music has been Indy’s independent repair go-to since 2015, tackling setups, pickup installs, custom wiring, and fretwork on guitars, mandolins, banjos, lap steels, violins, violas, ukuleles and more, with parts and accessories to match. Swing by this week and get your instrument singing again.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Morgenstern Books & Café is Bloomington's relaxed indie spot where shelves meet espresso, staff picks actually hit, and the gift nook solves last-minute birthdays. Check their busy events calendar for author talks and book clubs, then linger with a latte and a new favorite.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Landlocked Music is the well-stocked local spot for new and used vinyl, CDs, and even DVDs, with staff who actually love talking records. Expect fresh releases, thoughtful reissues, local gems, and the occasional listening party or in-store that turns browsing into a Bloomington hang.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Knitting Romance is that cozy Ellettsville spot where curated romance reads meet soft, swoon-worthy yarn, with knit-alongs, story times, classes, and author events that actually feel neighborly.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Bloomington Fine Art Supply is a woman-owned, artist-run hub stocked with professional-grade tools and materials for just about every visual medium. The real gem is their free, all-ages, all-levels Bloomington Art Club meetups where artists lead the fun and, yep, materials are provided, so all you bring is curiosity.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, September 10, 2026

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

“Rewind Records keeps the crates fresh this week with sealed reissues of the classics and legit new releases, plus 2026 Record Store Day titles still in stock. Think Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Kendrick, and a dedicated Beatles stash on CD and vinyl, then treat your living room to something that actually sounds alive.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Minnow Creek Ceramics turns out hand-thrown mugs, crystalline-glazed tumblers, and pieces that feel made for Bloomington mornings. If your cabinet needs something with personality, their hand-thrown designs and Andrea's hand-drawn art on mugs are the kind of little joy you’ll actually use every day.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Vintage Phoenix is Bloomington’s friendly neighborhood spot for new issues, vintage finds, graphic novels, and manga, with a staff that loves chasing down your weirdly specific superhero fixes. Set up a subscription, trade a stack, or just browse... you’ll probably leave with a new obsession.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, September 8, 2026

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

“Art Remains Creative ReUse takes donated materials from around town and redistributes them as low-cost art and craft supplies, so your next project doesn't have to raid the wallet. Great for teachers, makers, and anyone who loves turning would-be waste into surprisingly brilliant stuff.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Bloomington's community-led, volunteer-run Redbud Books mixes new and used fiction, poetry, and theory with themed reading groups, a speaker series, and international film screenings. Hunt for something beautifully risky, or special order that niche title you’ve been pretending not to obsess over.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Part record store, part vintage treasure trove, Gold Dust Vintage and Vinyl is a low-key Bloomington spot to flip through vinyl, poke around for quirky finds, and walk out with something you’ll swear you’ve been searching for. Ideal for a quick browse that happily derails your afternoon.”

From the Bloomington newsletter, August 31, 2026

“If your Pinterest dreams want a real-world upgrade, Pottery By You makes creativity easy with paint-your-own bisque and stoneware, fused glass, DIY wood signs, and pour-your-own soy candles. Walk in, pick a project, and they’ll guide you step by fun step... perfect for low-key classes or parties.”

From the West Lafayette newsletter, September 13, 2026

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

“Indy CD & Vinyl is the kind of long-running indie shop that actually knows its crates, with deep new-release pre-orders, well-curated used finds, and gear from turntables to cartridges and speakers.”

From the West Lafayette newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Hip, industrial-chic shop offering new & used records, plus live shows, coffee, wine & beer.”

“Good Job Creative Reuse is Irvington’s spot for secondhand, sustainable craft supplies, plus classes and community that prove art is for everyone. Clear out that closet by donating extras, then hunt for budget-friendly treasures and inspiration you’ll actually use.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Since 1948, Musicians' Repair & Sales keeps West Lafayette playing with legit instrument repairs, rentals and rent-to-own, plus school delivery that saves a frantic trip across town. The shop stocks solid picks like Bach trumpets, Buffet clarinets, Scherl & Roth cellos and Conn flugelhorns, and they even offer lessons.”

From the West Lafayette newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Crimson Tate is where modern quilters in central Indiana go when the stash needs fresh color, with contemporary lines like Cotton + Steel, Liberty of London, and Heather Ross plus notions, patterns, and project starters. m.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, August 31, 2026

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

“Palette & Paper brings big creative energy to a 1928 bungalow, with imaginative merchandise displays that spark ideas and a roomy studio/classroom for making them real. Greenwood makers, consider it your cozy local muse when inspiration stalls.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Store selling guitars and other musical instruments, such as drums, keyboards, and recording equipment.”

“AMACO’s hometown storefront, Brickyard Ceramics & Crafts is where Indy makers snag what they need when a project idea hits. Their new website’s still in the kiln, so if you need something specific, give them a buzz and they’ll point you to the good stuff.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Family-run in Fountain Square since 1952, Arthur's Music Store is where Indy players trade up, geek out over vintage finds, and actually learn stuff. Browse new Gretsch, Martin, and Epiphone gear, snag that lefty banjo you never see, or drop into their summer Bluegrass In The Garden jam.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Vinyl and CD store stocking new and used titles, along with cassettes, T-shirts, socks and stickers.”

“Semantics Paper Goods is Indy's independent stationery spot in the Old Northside, with notebooks, greeting cards, fountain pens, washi and stickers curated for anyone who gets giddy about good paper.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 21, 2026