The best book, hobby & craft shops in Gary

Between weekly new-release Wednesdays, a steady stream of DC, Marvel and Indy pulls, and shelves of anime figures, games, and statues, Screaming Monkey Comics keeps collections growing.

From the Lake County newsletter, October 23, 2026

Creative Comics has been keeping the Region reading since 2003, with a friendly, homey vibe that makes browsing new releases actually relaxing. DC drops on Tuesdays, other publishers on Wednesdays, and they even run events and gaming, so it’s easy to find your people between panels.

From the Gary newsletter, October 11, 2026

Crown Point Toys and Collectibles is Northwest Indiana’s largest toy store, stacked with thousands of vintage and current toys, video games, and comic books, with new finds daily, aka a dangerous place for your nostalgia budget. Selling a collection?

From the Merrillville newsletter, September 11, 2026

Indiana University Northwest Bookstore is the go-to for textbooks, school supplies, and IU Northwest gear, plus quick gift finds when you forgot the birthday part of a birthday party. Handy for students and locals who want campus spirit without the online guesswork.

From the Gary newsletter, September 30, 2026

Part community hub, part treasure hunt, Heirloom Books is a cozy, eclectic used bookstore with two floors of books, periodicals, LPs, DVDs, CDs, artwork, plus signed and antique finds.

From the Chicago newsletter, September 22, 2026

Whether you’re chasing the latest #1 or hunting a long-lost run, Alternate Reality, Inc stacks the shelves with current and vintage comics, plus action figures and posters that hit every fandom. Perfect for a quick escape from chores... and an even quicker excuse to start a new collection.

From the Oak Lawn newsletter, August 20, 2026

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

The Book Cellar is the indie bookstore cafe that fuels your TBR and your caffeine habit, with lively book clubs, frequent author events, and a stellar signed selection including John Green. Drop by this week, grab a seat, discover something unexpected, and pretend you only came for one chapter.

From the Evanston newsletter, August 18, 2026

Quinlan & Fabish Music Company gets your player set this week with easy band and orchestra rentals, repair pros who even offer school pickup, and eco-friendly ultrasonic cleanings.

From the Porter County newsletter, October 17, 2026

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, October 8, 2026

Hand-poured in Albany Park, The Scent Queens Candle Company & Apothecary Shoppe turns soy and coconut wax into creative, clean-burning scents that actually smell like something you want in your home. Book The Secret Parlour candle making classes or snag giftable finds from local makers.

From the Chicago newsletter, September 30, 2026

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

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

Whether you're restocking charcoal, watercolor, or geeking out on screen printing, Jenny G’s Art Supply champions sustainable, non-toxic picks and even has a Terracycle drop for spent supplies.

From the Chicago newsletter, August 27, 2026

Midwest Buy & Sell keeps a deep bench of new, used, and vintage guitars plus amps and accessories, with a sweet spot in American pieces under $2,000. Need help dialing it in? Their crew handles setups, tune ups, and repairs, and they’ve been at it since 1991.

From the Park Ridge newsletter, October 2, 2026

Whether you're chasing the perfect fountain pen nib, brushes and watercolor that actually behave, or Japanese papers that make your notes feel special, Martha Mae Outpost curates the good stuff. Thoughtful tools, sketchbooks, brass desk gems, and occasional workshops to nudge your creative routine back to life.

From the Romeoville newsletter, September 13, 2026

Laid-back and very Chicago, Tommy's Guitars & Trading Post stacks new, used, and vintage guitars, amps, and pedals, plus legit repair work when your setup acts up. Lefty players will feel seen, and the authorized lineup from Ibanez, Orange, Yamaha, and Danelectro keeps things dialed.

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 8, 2026

Since 1991, Front Porch Music has been Valpo’s cozy hub for instruments and accessories, solid repairs, and lessons with patient, friendly teachers. Swing by for open stage nights or a show downstairs, then leave with fresh strings and fresh motivation.

From the Porter County newsletter, October 23, 2026

Folklore Crafts keeps Chicago winter interesting with cozy ponchos featuring bold, pop culture patterns and anime nods like an Akatsuki design. If your cold‑weather rotation needs something warm, comfy, and a little geeky, their catalog delivers pieces you can wear to brunch, the office, or a quick grocery dash.

From the Chicago newsletter, September 17, 2026

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

Whether you’re clearing out that closet of half-used yarn or hunting for inspiration that doesn’t wreck the budget, The WasteShed collects reusable art and school supplies and makes them available to teachers, artists, and everyday makers.

From the Berwyn newsletter, August 22, 2026

Rare Birds Music is a curated playground for Chicago players hunting vintage and pre-owned gems, from black panel Fender amps and Moog synths to vibe-heavy pedals. If your current rig feels meh, trade something in and end up with gear that actually sparks practice this week.

From the Chicago newsletter, October 15, 2026

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

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

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

If your living room jam needs a little oomph or you've been eyeing that first guitar, Ceasar's Music of Illinois keeps a solid spread of instruments and a friendly crew ready to steer you right. Pop in this week and walk out sounding a little more like the musician you want to be.

From the Cicero newsletter, August 17, 2026

From banjos and mandolins to acoustic and electric guitars, sheet music, harmonicas, and even rentals, Old Town School Music Store is Chicago's acoustic source. Non-profit since 1957, every purchase supports the Old Town School of Folk Music, so your next instrument also funds more music around here.

From the Chicago newsletter, October 22, 2026

Music store, specializing in guitars and basses.

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

Atlas Stationers is a veteran spot for fine writing, inks, and actually-good planners, with brands like Hobonichi and Kaweco plus Atlas exclusives and special editions. Stock up on notebooks, refills, and giftable gear, then peek at their events calendar for workshops and community hangs.

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 3, 2026

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