The best book, hobby & craft shops in State College

“Music Mart is the friendly, no-ego music store in State College, the kind where you can pop in, talk shop, and find legit gear without the big-box energy. Keep an eye on their Reverb listings too, because the good stuff shows up there when you least expect it.”

From the State College newsletter, September 13, 2026

“From textbooks and school supplies to White Out tees, YETI drinkware, tailgating gear, and diploma frames, Student Book Store is basically your Penn State command center. When you need a quick fix for class, game day, or grad season, they’ve got the blue and white ready.”

From the State College newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Skip doomscrolling and paint your own mug, bowl, or whatever calls to you at 2000 Degrees, the locally owned studio that guides you through glazes and techniques, then fires your piece to almost 2000 degrees so it comes out food-safe, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. BYOB if your muse prefers merlot.”

From the State College newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Uncle Eli's Artist Marketplace and Frame Shop is State College’s only locally owned art store since 1970, stocking legit supplies plus a gallery packed with knick knacks, cards, jewelry, and gifts.”

From the State College newsletter, September 15, 2026

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

“Whether you're hunting a first trumpet for the kiddo, a digital piano, or a stompbox for your pedalboard, Robert M. Sides Family Music Center has the gear, lessons, and repairs to keep State College sounding great. School band rentals, print music, and expert piano tuning mean you can stop scrolling and start playing.”

From the State College newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Scraps & Skeins is a creative reuse shop under Strawberry Fields, a nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, keeping perfectly good yarn, fabric, notions, and vintage finds in circulation, all donated by neighbors who get it.”

From the State College newsletter, September 2, 2026