The best book, hobby & craft shops in Akron

“Loganberry Books is the rare kind of indie shop where you can wander from crisp new releases to dog-eared oddities and true collectibles, sift through well over 100,000 volumes, then stick around for smart author readings and spoken-word nights that make you remember why bookstores matter.”

From the Lorain newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Board and Bevy is a family-owned tabletop pub and game store in Kent with a 300-game library, from casual party picks to crunchy strategy beasts. Expect craft sodas, specialty cocktails, mocktails, kombucha and mead, a helpful game guru named Coty, plus weekly Magic, Pokémon and miniature-painting events.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 12, 2026

“If your inner kid still wants the good stuff, Star Pop Vintage is packed with old-school toys, retro video games, pop-culture collectibles, and wearable finds that actually fit your life now. Trade a scroll session for treasure hunting, then brag about the score you dug up.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Mythical Bookworm piles up gently used reads across sci-fi, manga, cookbooks, and kid lit, plus curveballs like Warhammer minis, paints, and game-night vibes. Swing by this week to browse, trade recommendations, maybe learn Magic: The Gathering, and leave with a story you didn’t know you needed.”

From the Akron newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Part small, used indie shop and part community living room in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, Shelf Life curates only clean, well-kept reads, offers low-cost and no-cost options, and champions anti-censorship, childhood literacy and analog reconnection. org support them.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, September 3, 2026

“When you want something beyond the usual capes, JC Comics and Anime keeps shelves stacked with creator-owned gems and the big names, plus plenty of collectibles to tempt your inner kid. It’s the kind of local shop where browsing turns into discovering your new favorite series.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Hudson Booksellers makes building your Parma reading list painless with fresh releases, staff picks, audiobooks, and preorders all in one spot. Start with their Fresh Ink section, then claim a porch or couch corner and let dinner be whatever you can eat with one hand.”

From the Parma newsletter, August 20, 2026

“The Reading Room CLE is a nonprofit bookstore that resells donated books to fund literary and literacy programs for our city, with events for writers and readers, recommendations that actually hit, and shelves mixing new, collectible, and pre-loved finds. Also coffee and feminist candles, because vibes matter...”

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing a first guitar, a reliable stage piano, drum gear, or that odd cable that vanished again, A Max Music Ltd pairs old-fashioned service with a deep selection across guitars, pianos, drums, sound and lighting, and school band and orchestra. Need something weird? They’ll track it down.”

From the Akron newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Guitar Riot is where Cleveland pickers chase the buzz, with Fender and Gibson Custom Shop stunners, trusty Martins and Reverend models, plus pedals and amps from Magnatone, Vox, and more. Browse used finds, get repairs handled, and let the riffs work themselves out.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 17, 2026

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

“For over 60 years, Lay's Guitar Shop has handled everything from neck resets and refrets to world-class restorations and custom builds, with Fender, Gibson, and Martin recommending their work. Local bonus, Jimmy Page’s Les Paul #1 had its neck shaved here... so your Tele will be just fine.”

From the Akron newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Dreaming Out Loud Studios turns sturdy materials into handmade pieces with precision, from custom boxes to wooden jewelry and bold art. When your home or gift list needs something with personality, this Cleveland craft spot is a quick, satisfying pickup for Parma folks this week... because beige shelves deserve better.”

From the Parma newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Street Craftery is Akron’s go-to for custom candle pouring, guided painting, and even stitching classes when your hands need something fun to do. Book a group hang, make it a date, or swing by for hand-poured soy candles that actually smell like their names... cozy, bright, and very giftable.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 18, 2026

“From new and used guitars to amps, drums, effects and audio gear, Staff Music Akron has the good stuff plus solid repairs from a father and son team doing this since 1964. If your rig needs love this week, pop in and come out riff ready.”

From the Akron newsletter, August 12, 2026

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

“Depot Train & Hobby is the place for model trains in N, HO, Lionel, and G scales, plus plastic model kits, paints, tools, rockets, and even dollhouse minis. Wander the aisles, chat projects, leave with parts that make your next build actually happen.”

From the Parma newsletter, August 25, 2026

“The Guitar Department is that cozy spot for fair-priced new and used guitars, amps, pedals, and surprise finds, plus buy-sell-trade help and private lessons, and they’re first on the delivery list from Akron neighbors EarthQuaker Devices and SIT Strings.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Huge selection of new and used gear, including DJ equipment, plus guitars from various brands, as well as a repair shop.”

“Upcycle Parts Shop is a nonprofit, nontraditional art supply store where Clevelanders donate and score secondhand creative materials, plus jump into workshops that turn neighbors into collaborators. Restock your stash this week and feel smugly sustainable because they’ve diverted over 52 tons from landfills since 2014.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 11, 2026