The best book, hobby & craft shops in Montgomery County

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

“Chain retailer providing an assortment of brand-name children's toys, games, electronics & gear.”

“eJannah curates Islamic reads that are actually useful day to day, from The Clear Quran Collection and story-based tafsir to kid-friendly titles, plus thoughtful extras like wall art, games, apparel, and simple jewelry. Handy for Dayton families building a home library or hunting for meaningful gifts.”

From the Kettering newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Manga Kingdom is the kind of bookstore you pop into for one volume and leave juggling a new series. Shelves built for manga lovers and plenty of reasons to keep reading make it an easy add to your Dayton rotation.”

From the Kettering newsletter, September 19, 2026

“The Cozy Book Nook keeps shelves fresh with indie author finds, new releases, monthly book boxes, used gems and audio books. Regular book clubs and author events make it easy to meet fellow readers, plus handy resources for writers mean that quick "just browsing" visit turns into a new favorite hangout.”

From the Dayton newsletter, September 29, 2026

“Whether you're repping on game day or refreshing your hoodie rotation this week, the University of Dayton Bookstore is the official campus source for Flyers apparel, textbooks, school supplies, dorm essentials, tailgating gear, and giftables from mugs to ornaments, including the Stealth Black collection if you like…”

From the Kettering newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Retailer buying, selling & trading CDs, books & video games, plus DVDs & vinyl records.”

“If your ride's feeling tired or you’re eyeing an upgrade, Mike's Cycle & Skate stocks Kona mountain bikes plus solid kids options from Batch, and they’re big on the "shop local, support the scene" energy. Consider this your polite shove to get rolling around Dayton this week. Check it out.”

From the Huber Heights newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Whether you're crate-digging for a used jazz gem, grabbing a new release on vinyl, CD, or cassette, or eyeing an indie exclusive to pre-order, Omega Music keeps Dayton's shelves fresh across every genre. Bring your old records too, they buy collections and the staff picks rarely miss.”

From the Dayton newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Chain of music stores buying, selling & trading instruments, sound equipment & accessories.”

“Swoon Books & Wine is a romantic bookstore and wine bar nestled in the shops of Oakwood, perfect for unwinding after work or meeting friends. Expect curated romance across genres, a CMS Certified Sommelier picking the pours, and memberships with monthly picks, credits, and cozy book-club vibes.”

From the Kettering newsletter, September 30, 2026

“If your hem, cosplay, or teen's curiosity needs a nudge, Needle, Ink And Thread - Sewing School in Kettering runs genuinely friendly classes for kids, teens, and adults, plus the Sew & Grow series for steady progress.”

From the Beavercreek newsletter, October 14, 2026

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

“Whether you're hunting that elusive envelope size or finally restocking your cardmaking stash, Marco's Paper & Crafts stacks the good stuff since 1971. Cardstock, envelopes, stamps, dies, and stencils galore, sold sheet-by-sheet or in bulk, so your next project actually makes it from idea to mailbox.”

From the Kettering newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Whether you're a Dayton lifer chasing pop classics, doom-laden metal, blissed-out ambient, or off-the-grid experimental noise, Skeleton Dust Records keeps the bins stacked with vinyl in every size, plus tapes, CDs, equipment, apparel, and books and zines.”

From the Dayton newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Family-owned since 1937, Hauer Music in nearby Centerville has pretty much everything musical in one spot, from rentals and repairs to lessons, sheet music, and a wall of guitars, brass, keys and more. This week, get your gear singing or finally book that lesson you keep postponing.”

From the Kettering newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Busy chain store featuring a large variety of instruments (electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and drums), plus pro sound equipment and rentals.”

“Whether your kid's band season is incoming or your guitar needs a little TLC, McCutcheon Music handles rentals, lessons, and careful repair and restoration, with teachers for everything from brass and woodwinds to guitar and percussion. They’ve been doing it for 35+ years, and were named Best in Dayton in 2024.”

From the Middletown newsletter, August 14, 2026

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