The best book, hobby & craft shops in Reading

“Skip the same-old six string and wander Todaro's Music for world instruments you don’t see every day, plus sheet music and method books to actually learn them. They import gear from all over, answer questions by text, and are now in Shillington… go poke around.”

From the Reading newsletter, August 4, 2026

“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

“Russo Music Philadelphia is where pedal curiosity meets real deal guidance, with walls of guitars, amps, drums, synths, and recording gear plus techs who’ll help you slot that new pedal into your signal flow. Stop in, try everything, and leave sounding suspiciously professional.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 18, 2026

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

“Whether you're crate-digging for vinyl, tracking down CDs you loved in '03, or grabbing a used instrument or accessory you swear you'll practice with, Rustic Music keeps it real with a rotating secondhand stash, plus they buy and trade. A quick Philly run that pays off for Bethlehem collectors.”

From the Bethlehem newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Dave Lewis Guitars handcrafts the Lewis Instruments USA line of electric guitars and basses, including the Pipeline, Starray, and Sunray Bass series, and runs a full service repair center for all stringed instruments.”

From the Reading newsletter, September 5, 2026

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

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

“DiPinto Guitars is the Philly go-to for distinctive electrics and basses, from Galaxie and Mach IV to the Safari and Custom Safari Line. They also stock new and used gear and handle repairs, so your next riff or resurrected favorite is basically one visit away.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Guitar and flute shop also offering lessons, repair service and other instruments.”

“Dutch Label Shop helps Philly makers level up with custom woven, printed, or iron-on labels, plus patches, hang tags, and care labels. Orders ship from New Jersey with fast delivery, low minimums, expert-reviewed proofs, and a money back guarantee, so your gear looks retail-ready without the headache.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room is the country’s oldest running queer and feminist bookstore, celebrating 50 years, with shelves packed with new and used reads and staff-curated finds like queer horror. Pop in this week, scoop a tote, and support those living with HIV/AIDS, or join the Philly Queer Book Club.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 26, 2026

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

“Penn Avenue Music is back under new owners and still Berks County’s home for music, with instrument sales, pro repairs, and lessons that actually get you playing. Whether your guitar needs TLC or you finally want to nail that drum fill, consider this your no-excuses nudge for the week.”

From the Reading newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Got a fussy seam, a bow that needs rehairing, or just want a properly set up rental this week, Fegley Instruments and Bows is the local luthier shop that sweats the details. They also restore and build violins, violas, and cellos, led by a maker trained at the North Bennet Street School.”

From the Reading newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Iron Horse Hobby House is the local go-to for RC fun and model railroading, with shelves of RC drift and grip setups, HO passenger sets, and plastic model kits for every obsession. Pop in, grab that kit you’ve been eyeing, then spend the weekend geeking out at your workbench.”

From the Reading newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Bluebond Guitars is the neighborhood spot for vintage and used finds, pro repairs from an in-house luthier, and lessons on guitar, bass, drums, keys, and voice. Feeling brave? Their Adult Band Program rehearses you with a coach then puts you onstage at their own venue.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 10, 2026