The best book, hobby & craft shops in Hampden County

9 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 Hampden County’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Nightlife · Health & Wellness · Arts & Culture · Bakeries & Sweets · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Cafes · Entertainment · Pets · Parks & Outdoors · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Hampden County today

This spot is open today.

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

Paid placements are always marked.

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Springfield College Bookstore

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Springfield College Bookstore has new, used, and digital textbooks, plus gear from Under Armour and Champion, lanyards, pennants,…

263 Alden St (Springfield)

“Springfield College Bookstore has new, used, and digital textbooks, plus gear from Under Armour and Champion, lanyards, pennants, drinkware, electronics, and study essentials. It’s the go-to when you need a notebook, an Apple charger, or a morale-boosting hoodie before the next game.”

From the Springfield newsletter, October 2, 2026

Website ↗

Rumspringa Books

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Rumspringa Books is the indie nook partnering with Nosh to pair page-turners with food and drinks, stocking current bestsellers, beloved…

1341 Main St (Springfield)

“Rumspringa Books is the indie nook partnering with Nosh to pair page-turners with food and drinks, stocking current bestsellers, beloved classics, and the booksellers’ personal obsessions. The selection shifts weekly and they’ll happily order what you want, so pop by Springfield and let your TBR pile bloom.”

From the Springfield newsletter, October 8, 2026

Website ↗

The Alchemist Society

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Lean into the beautiful dark this week. The Alchemist Society folds books, art, and ink into a moody little sanctuary where creativity runs…

497 Springfield St (Feeding Hills)

“Lean into the beautiful dark this week. The Alchemist Society folds books, art, and ink into a moody little sanctuary where creativity runs wild, with thoughtful recs, an art gallery, and members-only happenings if you join their Patreon. Perfect for locals craving depth over noise...”

From the Westfield newsletter, October 10, 2026

Website ↗

A New Chapter

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Over in West Springfield, A New Chapter is the kind of indie bookstore locals claim as their own, with shelves curated by founder Scott…

209 Elm St (West Springfield)

“Over in West Springfield, A New Chapter is the kind of indie bookstore locals claim as their own, with shelves curated by founder Scott Szaban, a cozy lounge, a kids’ nook, brisk special orders, and monthly clubs and author events that keep your TBR growing.”

From the Westfield newsletter, October 4, 2026

Website ↗

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

Elms College Bookstore

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Elms College Bookstore has the good stuff for week-one sanity checks, from Champion tees and cozy hoodies to pennants, notebooks,…

291 Springfield St (Chicopee)

“Elms College Bookstore has the good stuff for week-one sanity checks, from Champion tees and cozy hoodies to pennants, notebooks, mechanical pencils, and even Apple and Microsoft gear. Grab Elms-branded gifts for alumni, a new tumbler, or a diploma frame this week and thank yourself later.”

From the Chicopee newsletter, October 8, 2026

Website ↗

Falcetti Music

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Whether you’re eyeing a first guitar, leveling up your keys game, or finally joining that neighborhood band, Falcetti Music has the goods…

1755 Boston Rd (Springfield)

“Whether you’re eyeing a first guitar, leveling up your keys game, or finally joining that neighborhood band, Falcetti Music has the goods and the guidance.”

From the Palmer newsletter, October 10, 2026

Website ↗

Michaels

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

Riverdale Shops Plaza, 1081 Riverdale St (West Springfield)

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

Website ↗

Hobby Lobby

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

1655 Boston Rd (Springfield)

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

Website ↗

Hobby Lobby

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

50 Holyoke St (Holyoke)

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

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →