The best book, hobby & craft shops in Selma

“Golden Fig Books is the kind of shop that actually helps you find something good, with dialed-in Staff Picks, a Pick of the Month, and a deep used selection you can browse online. They also offer audiobooks and Kobo E-Books, plus gift cards for the friend who claims they’ve read everything.”

From the Wilson newsletter, September 2, 2026

“When you need a quick creativity fix this week, Love Of Paper Crafts has DIY card kits, pre-made cards, matted images, sentiments, and die cuts covering birthdays, holidays, sympathy, and more, so you can crank out something heartfelt or hilariously cheeky without drowning in glitter cleanup.”

From the Johnston County newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Whether you're building your first rig or fine-tuning a speed demon, Smithfield's R/C Hobby Nook hooks you up with premium RC cars, parts galore, and genuinely helpful guidance. Swing by for Mini-Z racing, HO slot car Fridays, crawling comps, and Sunday drifting, then hang with a community that actually shares tips.”

From the Johnston County newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Whether your living room needs a hand-painted doormat or your shelf wants a mini terrarium, Crafts & Drafts NC lets you pick a self-guided kit, grab a beer or wine, and make it happen using shared tools that keep things sustainable. Low-stress, high-satisfaction creative time for grown-ups.”

From the Durham newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Pelletier Craft Studio is a paper-crafting playground for locals, stocked with scrapbook essentials, gorgeous papers, tools, and dies, plus hands-on cardmaking classes and relaxed Craft and Crop sessions where you bring a project and hang out. Consider it the nudge to finally tackle those photos this week.”

From the Rocky Mount newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Thinking about finally getting that living room to sound less like a toy keyboard and more like a concert hall this week? Hopper Piano & Organ Co has a relaxed, no pressure showroom loaded with Steinway & Sons, Boston, Essex, Roland digitals and Allen organs, plus thoughtfully vetted pre-owned gems.”

From the Raleigh newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing a dream tone or just need a reliable snare, Sound Pure LLC nails the balance of deep expertise and relaxed vibes. Try before you buy, trade in that pedal you’re over, plus expert advice while you get hands-on with pro mics, guitars, drums, and vintage finds this week.”

From the Cary newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Acoustic, electric and classical guitars, amplifiers, recording gear, keyboards and more from Fender, Gibson and Rogue.”

“Based in Raleigh, Flying Squirrel Music is the local go-to for woodwind repairs on flutes, saxophones, clarinets, and piccolos, keeping pros, amateurs, and students sounding their best since 2014. Bring your instrument in this week and let those squeaks become someone else’s problem.”

From the Garner newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Into slow stitching?”

From the Holly Springs newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Raleigh’s Nice Price Books & Records keeps the stacks fresh with staff picks, deep genre bins, and a dedicated NC Artists section. Head up when you need that just-right LP, a new-to-you read, or an excuse to chat tunes with people who clearly live for it.”

From the Goldsboro newsletter, August 26, 2026

“High Strung Violins & Guitars is Durham’s community music store with a school vibe, stocking ukuleles, violins, violas, cellos, bows and guitars, plus fretted repairs that keep your instruments singing. They teach Suzuki and more, host jams, and are a NAMM Top 100 Dealer... go make some noise.”

From the Durham newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Source for household items, toys, beauty products, and seasonal goods at discount prices.”

“Falls River Music is where Wake Forest folks level up musically, with private lessons for guitar, drums, piano, voice, brass and strings, plus a rock band program and summer camps. Flexible in-studio, in-home or online options and school band rentals mean fewer excuses to not finally start that song.”

From the Wake Forest newsletter, August 22, 2026

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

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“This week, refill notebook stashes, snag cards that say exactly what you mean, and browse art supplies you’ll actually use at Parker Paper Company. Plus, there are giftable finds and you can grab a Parker & Otis to-go sandwich, or even a craft beer or wine, while you decide which pen sparks joy.”

From the Durham newsletter, August 24, 2026

“If you're chasing a guitar with real personality, not factory vibes, Danser Guitar Works is a Durham luthier where E. Andrew Danser crafts instruments tuned for tone and feel, built one at a time. Perfect for players who want their sound, not the showroom.”

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Feeling the itch to make something instead of doomscrolling? Craft Habit has yarn, fabric, beads, and all the bits plus approachable classes from crochet and knitting to metalsmithing and sewing, with how-to videos and kits so you can pick a project and treat your brain to hands-on joy.”

From the Raleigh newsletter, August 18, 2026

“If your coffee mug and water bottle could use personality, Chuleria Craft cranks out playful mugs, tumblers, keychains, resin pieces, and stickers, with lots of bilingual flair and trending designs that actually slap. Perfect for that quick gift or a little treat-yourself upgrade this week.”

From the Wake Forest newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Harry's Guitar Shop has been Raleigh's guitar hangout since 1985, stocking everything from workhorse Martin and PRS to funky Tagima semi-hollows, plus amps, pedals and folk favorites like mandolins and ukes. This week, whether you need a setup, repair or lessons, their on-site pros get you playing better fast.”

From the Apex newsletter, August 13, 2026

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

“2112 Percussion is North Carolina's largest drum specialty shop with wall-to-wall new and pre-owned snares, kits, cymbals, hardware, sticks, heads and electronic kits.”

From the Wake Forest newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Whether you’re hunting a rare pressing, swapping a stack you’re over, or finally admitting your setup needs better sound, Sound Off Records & Hi-Fi has been keeping it all analog in Raleigh since 2016. They buy, sell, and trade, plus offer record cleaning so your favorite LPs play like butter.”

From the Raleigh newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Store offering free admission, art supplies, classes and art studios, plus gift options and seeds.”

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

“Freeman's Creative is Durham’s go-to for fabric, yarn, and all the bits that turn “someday” projects into brag-worthy makes, with classes and workshops for every skill level. Pop in when your stash needs a partner in crime, stay for the friendly advice and creative community.”

From the Durham newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Teen-oriented chain known for rock/pop-culture-inspired T-shirts, plus accessories & body jewelry.”

“Anthem Music And Vintage blends a music-store heartbeat with a vintage soul in nearby Durham, the kind of spot locals adopt as their go-to. Website coming soon, and there’s a mailing list if you like first-to-know bragging rights.”

From the Sanford newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Thinking about dusting off that orchestra dream? Indie Strings in Durham makes it easy with rent-to-own violins, violas, cellos, and basses, plus fun adult group classes, setups and small repairs.”

From the Durham newsletter, August 27, 2026