The best book, hobby & craft shops in Albany

SeerNova Comics LLC is a punchy indie publisher serving up gritty vigilantes, space-heist cats, and creepy cult showdowns across superhero, sci-fi, and horror series like Knightwatch, INK: The Harvest, and Mittens: Space Pilot.

From the Amsterdam newsletter, October 30, 2026

Whether you need next term’s textbooks, a fresh Union hoodie, or a diploma frame that finally does your hard work justice, Union College Bookstore keeps the Union pride flowing with apparel, gifts, supplies, and even a Minerva flag or a Nott pennant that upgrades any Schenectady home office.

From the Amsterdam newsletter, November 7, 2026

Whether you're chasing a WAMC Book Pick, a staff-favorite novel, or a fun birthday toy, Open Door Bookstore nails that cozy, small-town browse. Shelves of new reads, local interest gems, and a curated gift gallery make quick errands turn into pleasantly long visits.

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 23, 2026

Paper Moon brings together rare books, underground zines, indie magazines, vintage comics, and plenty more that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s also a creative gathering space for poetry readings, jazz improv, and local art, making it a welcome spot for anyone who likes their reading material with a little personality.

From the Troy newsletter, October 27, 2026

Chasing this week’s new issues, digging for back issues, or eyeing a statue for the shelf, Cromulent Comics has you covered. Set up a subscription so your pulls never slip, check out their Tiny Onion picks from James Tynion IV, then hop on their Discord to nerd out with locals.

From the Troy newsletter, November 1, 2026

Aquilonia Comics and Cards has been fueling Troy readers since 1985 with a wall of comics and a serious lineup of trading cards. Swing by for Magic: The Gathering sessions, chat recommendations with folks who actually read this stuff, and maybe discover a new pull-list obsession.

From the Troy newsletter, November 4, 2026

Aftersun is a used bookstore and reading room built for unhurried browsing, cozy reads, and the quiet joy of discovering something you didn’t know you needed. They also buy books, so you can finally trade that overflowing shelf for fresh finds and a calmer brain.

From the Troy newsletter, November 7, 2026

Whether you need textbooks without a headache, school supplies that survive all-nighters, or RPI gear that actually fits, RPI Bookstore has you covered. You can shop by course or RIN, grab tech and gifts too, and every purchase sends money right back into the campus community.

From the Troy newsletter, August 30, 2026

Warm store boasting a wide array of titles and gifts, plus a kids' reading area.

Chasing that Yamaha touch, curious about Roland tech, or finally ready for a living room showstopper?

From the Albany newsletter, October 24, 2026

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

Chain music shop carrying guitars, amps, drums, and keyboards, plus repair services and lessons.

Up-Stitch is a nonprofit creative reuse fabric and yarn shop that turns donated textiles into affordable finds, keeping good material out of local landfills. Score unique yardage or drop off your extras, then plug into their workshops and outreach that support Capital District makers, schools, and good-cause stitchers.

From the Albany newsletter, October 18, 2026

Entertainment retail chain selling new & pre-owned music, movies & video games, plus T-shirts.

Arlene's Artist Materials is the Capital Region’s largest independently family owned art supply spot, with the kind of friendly, nerdy staff who can actually explain the difference between paints, markers, and brushes you’ll love.

From the Albany County newsletter, November 4, 2026

Three floors of old and new vinyl, CDs, and tapes spanning rock, blues, punk, country, R&B, gospel and more make Last Vestige Music Shop a reliable place to lose an afternoon, swap or sell a stack, and leave with rare finds plus sleeves, cartridges, cleaners, even a used turntable.

From the Albany newsletter, October 13, 2026

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

Whether your frets are scratchy, your intonation’s drifting, or your pickups need new life, Kokotele Guitar Works handles meticulous fret work, pro setups, repairs and mods on acoustics, electrics, and basses, bone nuts and saddles, plus electronics like custom wiring and pickup installs.

From the Albany County newsletter, October 29, 2026

John Keal Music Company has helped generations of local musicians get started, with band and orchestra rentals, rent-to-own options, step-up and pre-owned instruments, supplies, and repair services.

From the Albany County newsletter, November 7, 2026

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

Whether you’re chasing your first chord or polishing a solo, Hilton Music Center Inc. has you covered with private in store or virtual lessons, a serious selection of guitars, keyboards, drums and sheet music, legit repairs, plus those famous lifetime guitar service plans.

From the Albany newsletter, November 10, 2026