The best book, hobby & craft shops in Allentown

12 book, hobby & craft shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 12 places · showing the latest additions first

Centro Musical

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Whether you're chasing a boutique guitar tone, leveling up your home studio, or hunting that serendipitous vintage find, Centro Musical…

464 W Lehigh Ave (Philadelphia)

“Whether you're chasing a boutique guitar tone, leveling up your home studio, or hunting that serendipitous vintage find, Centro Musical pairs premium instruments with pro audio know how and real talk.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Montero Violins

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Montero Violins keeps Lehigh Valley players sounding sharp with quality violins, violas, cellos and basses to buy or lease, expert repairs…

902 Chestnut St (Emmaus)

“Montero Violins keeps Lehigh Valley players sounding sharp with quality violins, violas, cellos and basses to buy or lease, expert repairs and restorations, and private lessons. They also stock sheet music, instructional methods, and the reeds, oils and other essentials your woodwind and brass friends always forget.”

From the Allentown newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Russo Music Philadelphia

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Guitar shop selling electric, acoustic and steel guitars as well as amps, pedals and drums.

1004 Spring Garden St (Philadelphia)

“Guitar shop selling electric, acoustic and steel guitars as well as amps, pedals and drums.”

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Rustic Music

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Secondhand music store offering a selection of CDs, records & musical instruments.

259 S 10th St (Philadelphia)

“Secondhand music store offering a selection of CDs, records & musical instruments.”

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Barnes & Noble

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.

1708 Chestnut St (Philadelphia)

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

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Dutch Label Shop

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Craft shop specializing in custom woven, iron-on, and printed labels for clothing and other items.

2929 Arch St #1700 (Philadelphia)

“Craft shop specializing in custom woven, iron-on, and printed labels for clothing and other items.”

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Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Long-running, LGBT-focused bookstore in 2 buildings with a large inventory of new & used books.

345 S 12th St (Philadelphia)

“Long-running, LGBT-focused bookstore in 2 buildings with a large inventory of new & used books.”

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Michaels

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

600 Lehigh Valley Mall (Whitehall Township)

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

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Michaels

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

Columbus Crossing Shopping Center, 1851 S Christopher Columbus Blvd F (Philadelphia)

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

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Conversational Threads Fiber Arts Studio

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Vibrant yarn shop that also offers knitting and crochet classes, plus needles.

337 Chestnut St (Emmaus)

“Vibrant yarn shop that also offers knitting and crochet classes, plus needles.”

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Bluebond Guitars

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Small store offering new and used guitars and basses, as well as lessons and repair services.

1524 Sansom St (Philadelphia)

“Small store offering new and used guitars and basses, as well as lessons and repair services.”

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Guitar Center

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Music store with guitars, keyboards, and amps, plus DJ and lighting equipment, and recording gear.

720 Lehigh Valley Mall (Whitehall Township)

“Music store with guitars, keyboards, and amps, plus DJ and lighting equipment, and recording gear.”

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