The best book, hobby & craft shops in Salem

“Bulk Bookstore makes it painless for Tigard teachers, librarians, and team leads to order 25+ copies of the same book from a 3-million-title catalog, with real book specialists on standby. Classroom sets, book clubs, trainings... consider your next big read handled.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Books with Pictures is the cheerful, aggressively inclusive, woman-owned comics and graphic-novel shop Portland deserves, with kid-friendly vibes and shelves that spotlight creators across the spectrum.”

From the Portland newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Whether you're chasing a vintage Fender, a quirky offset, or a sleeper amp or pedal, Thunder Road Guitars PDX stocks premium new, used, and rare instruments with a genuinely friendly, gear-savvy vibe. Swing in, plug in, and maybe sell that closet queen for something that actually sparks songs.”

From the Beaverton newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Independent and delightfully nerdy, Old Town Music is the Southeast Portland guitar shop where friendly, gear-savvy humans help you chase tones, from a huge wall of effects pedals to a rotating mix of used, new, and vintage guitars. Swing by this week to trade or consign your rig, or get thoughtful estate help.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Willamette Valley Music Company keeps Salem players covered with instrument rentals, a repair shop, and private lessons, plus buying guides and a violin sizing cheat sheet. Browse Bach trumpets, Kala ukuleles, and Yamaha THR amps, then actually practice... the student accessory portal keeps you stocked.”

From the Salem newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Acorns & Threads is the Portland-area counted cross stitch HQ with walls of fabrics, threads, charts and kits, plus classes, stitch groups and special events to keep your stitch mojo lively. Check their Exclusives for patterns you can only snag here... perfect for leveling up your next project.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Whether you're after indie exclusives, fresh new releases, or that reissue you swore you’d stop hunting for, Music Millennium delivers across rock, hip hop, jazz, and more. Keep an eye on their listening parties and in-store performances, then stroll out with something your turntable will thank you for.”

From the Vancouver newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Founded by music educators in Salem, Peripole Music is the local go-to for real-deal classroom gear, from Peripole Halo recorders and Bergerault Orff setups to ukes, drums, and smart teaching tools. Great for lesson plans, music therapy, and anyone whose living room doubles as a rehearsal space.”

From the Keizer newsletter, September 3, 2026

“From pro grade paints and sketchbooks to clay, printmaking gear, and bookbinding bits, Artist & Craftsman Supply Portland SE is the spot you pop in for a brush and leave with origami paper and a whole weekend plan. Think Golden paints, Canson pads, Princeton brushes.”

“From pro-grade paints and brushes to canvases, sketchbooks, printmaking gear, and bookmaking essentials, Artist & Craftsman Supply Portland N is the spot when your project pile needs fresh fuel this week. Nab Golden, Sakura, and Princeton favorites, then turn that rainy-evening itch into something frame-worthy.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Everyday Music is a Portland standby worth the short hop from McMinnville. They pay cash for used CDs, DVDs and vinyl, keep new releases flowing, host the occasional listening party, and surface out-of-print and collectible LPs and CDs on Discogs, so your shelves, speakers and trade pile all leave a little happier.”

From the Portland newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Whether your kid needs a first clarinet, your pedalboard craves one more gizmo, or your faithful axe needs a little TLC, Uptown Music has you covered with instruments, repairs, lessons and rentals... all run by actual musicians who speak fluent Willamette Valley.”

From the Keizer newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Wild Knits is Salem’s cozy spot for yarn in every weight from lace to super bulky, plus needles, notions, and finishing tools. Come for classes and events, browse knit and crochet kits, and yes, there’s tea and teaware while you debate which Cascade skeins need to come home.”

“Whether you're finally graduating from app piano to the real thing or replacing that wobbly keyboard stand, Music, Music! stocks keyboards, pianos, accessories, and lesson books. Swing by this week and find a setup that makes practice feel less like homework, more like a vibe.”

From the Salem newsletter, August 26, 2026

“RiverCity Rock Star Academy is the rare combo of legit gear shop and community hub, with guitars, basses, amps, ukuleles, drums, and all the fiddly bits, plus private lessons and band programs for every age, repairs, and rentals. Swing by this week, get inspired, maybe even join a fall class.”

From the Salem newsletter, August 12, 2026

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

“Drum Bug Music - Records + Drums mashes two Salem obsessions, flipping through new and used vinyl across all eras and genres while geeking out on vintage drum sets, cymbals, hardware and accessories. New arrivals pop in daily, and they'll help you track down that dream kit or the LP you can't stop chasing.”

From the Salem newsletter, September 17, 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.”

“Trade Up Music is the Portland spot to buy, sell, or trade gear, plus repairs that keep your favorites gig ready. With a selection that changes, you never know when a hidden gem will land... a great excuse to pop in, pick up, and maybe trade that pedal you keep side-eyeing.”

“Guitar Castle specializes in pre-owned and vintage gear with real character, offering sales, buys, trades, and solid repairs and setups. If they don’t have the guitar or amp you’re hunting for, they can help you track it down, right over in downtown Salem.”

From the Keizer newsletter, September 5, 2026

“This week, check out Rhythm Traders, a locally owned full-line drum shop founded in 1992, stocked with drum sets, cymbals, djembes, congas, marching gear and electronic kits. They teach lessons, handle repairs and rentals, and even have a kids' drum section... basically, The Drummer's Toy Store disguised as a shop.”

From the Oregon City newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Large store selling instruments, accessories and equipment such as guitars, keyboards and drums.”

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

“Jackpot Records is that reliable spot for new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and oddball collectibles, with in-store performances that feel like a hang with fellow music nerds. Their in-house label curates sharp AAA reissues and cult favorites, so even seasoned diggers find surprises.”

From the Portland newsletter, September 11, 2026

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