The best book, hobby & craft shops in New Castle

Store offering books by African diaspora authors, plus events, and free-to-use gaming computers.

, 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, October 13, 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 Marion County newsletter, October 14, 2026

Irvington Vinyl & Books is your low-key haven for new and secondhand finds from smaller publishers, plus vinyl curated by Ground Level. Expect zines, cassettes, VHS, and a beefed-up horror shelf, along with community vibes from a queer book club, a Writer's Workshop, and a Tarot Club.

From the Indianapolis newsletter, October 3, 2026

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, October 28, 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 Indianapolis newsletter, October 18, 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 Indianapolis newsletter, October 28, 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 Marion County newsletter, October 21, 2026

The Whispering Shelf is that cozy, locally focused bookshop with new releases, well-loved used finds, and staff picks that feel like a friend texting you a recommendation. org and local pickup.

From the Indianapolis newsletter, October 9, 2026

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, October 11, 2026

Whether your kid's starting clarinet or you're eyeing a pro-level upgrade, Quinlan and Fabish Music Co. makes it easy with school-ready rentals, director-curated supply lists on QPage, and legit repair services using eco-friendly ultrasonic cleaning. Need a fix fast, they'll even pick up repairs from school.

From the Muncie newsletter, October 14, 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

If your week needs a soundtrack, Sight and Sound Music Center has over 1,000 guitars ready to try, plus lessons, rentals, and pro repairs. It’s a quick hop to Muncie, and they can even handle your event production with sound, lighting, and LED video walls, so your next show actually looks legit.

From the Muncie newsletter, October 28, 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

Elusive Disc, Inc. has been Anderson’s cheat code for great sound since 1989, stocking 180g and 200g pressings from Blue Note, Analogue Productions, Mobile Fidelity and more, plus turntables, cartridges and cleaning rigs from Clearaudio, VPI, Pro-Ject, Ortofon and beyond.

From the Anderson newsletter, October 14, 2026

Square Cat Vinyl nails that hip, industrial-chic vibe while stocking everything from fresh new releases to well-loved used finds, plus staff picks and rare gems. Swing by for live shows, sip coffee, wine, or beer, and leave with a record you didn't know you needed.

From the Indianapolis newsletter, October 5, 2026

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

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

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).

World Music Supply is Muncie’s one-stop for serious tone, with guitars from Gibson, Ibanez, PRS, Fender and Martin, plus basses, pedals, keyboards, electronic drums and cymbals.

From the Muncie newsletter, October 21, 2026

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 Frankfort newsletter, October 14, 2026

Whether you're sketching, teaching, or finally labeling the mystery leftovers in tasteful script, Art Mart keeps Muncie makers stocked. A wide range of art supplies including calligraphy materials, friendly guidance, and a loyalty program make it an easy go-to when inspiration hits.

From the Muncie newsletter, October 11, 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 Indianapolis newsletter, October 13, 2026

Since 1994, Luna Music has been the spot for tens of thousands of new and pre-loved vinyl across all genres, plus CDs, tapes, turntables, and superfly tees and swag. Check staff picks, jazz and dub curations, and in-shop performances... then brag about your find.

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 30, 2026

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