The best book, hobby & craft shops in Olympia

“Collins Books is the local rabbit hole for out-of-print, scholarly finds across anthropology, archaeology, ethnomusicology, and all those gloriously niche sciences you forgot you loved.”

From the Renton newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Fantagraphics Bookstore And Gallery is the spot for graphic novels that actually surprise you, from current releases to out-of-print treasures, plus a legit art gallery and event space.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Third Place Books is the rare spot where browsing new and used shelves actually feels relaxing... then you look up and there’s an author event and on-site dining right there. Perfect for spontaneous hangs, low-key dates, or refueling your TBR without trekking far from home.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Paper Boat Booksellers is that cozy indie spot where staff tuck honest "what we're reading" notes between shelves, so you discover new releases alongside trusty classics. They build sections based on what readers ask for, host community events, and generally make book browsing feel like catching up with good neighbors.”

From the Kent newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Olympic Cards & Comics is more than a shop, it’s Lacey’s fandom hangout. Drop in for staff-picked graphic novels, their August spotlight on immigrant and refugee stories, and community gaming that even extends to their Discord if you’re hunting for a group.”

From the Lacey newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Olyphant Art Supply stocks spray paint, pens, and the kind of solid art basics that keep ideas moving this week, whether you're touching up a backyard mural, sketching between meetings, or finally tackling that half-formed Olympia project living in your notes app.”

From the Olympia newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Whether you're wrangling new classes, reclaiming your desk, or just chasing that perfect pen, University Book Store has the goods.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Clearing out that extra gear or hunting for something with history, Re-Animated Music buys, sells, and trades new, used, and vintage musical equipment. Perfect for turning closet clutter into something you actually want or finally grabbing that piece your band needs. Worth the quick hop from Edmonds.”

From the Edmonds newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Friendly, laid-back shop featuring new and used guitars, plus instruction and repairs.”

“Ugly Baby turns bath time into art time with its original Shower Art, waterproof pieces that suction right onto your tile, plus a rainbow of DIY kits from cross-stitch to eco resin. Book a class or dream up a custom piece for that inside joke only your group chat understands.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Whether you're plotting a new bracelet or rescuing that necklace you swore you'd fix, Shipwreck Beads has aisles of seed beads, Czech glass, Miyuki, Preciosa crystals, findings, tools, and kits, plus classes and a 22,000 sq. ft. showroom that basically dares you to start something.”

From the Lacey newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Family-owned shop since 1931 offering instruments for sale or rent, plus music lessons, and repairs.”

“Whether your bandmate keeps hinting about intonation, Dusty Strings Music Store & School packs guitars, harps, mandolins, ukes, and hammered dulcimers, plus a repair shop, rentals, used and vintage finds, and in-person or online lessons. Make this the week you trade, tune, or learn something new.”

From the Port Angeles newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Crate-diggers, cassette diehards, and CD loyalists will feel right at home at Rainy Day Records, where you can buy, sell, and trade while browsing fresh New Arrivals and Local Arrivals. Bonus points for their Video Rental Club and a handy Wishlist that lets them hold finds for you.”

From the Olympia newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Whether you're plotting your next sweater or just need a sanity-saving stitch night, Our Local Yarn Shop keeps Olympia's fiber folks supplied with beautifully curated yarns, trusty needles and notions, plus classes and social groups that make projects finish themselves... or at least feel that way.”

“American Music has been Seattle’s music shop since 1973, with a curated spread of guitars, keyboards, synths, pro audio, amps and drum kits. Swing by for new or pre-owned gear, expert repairs, and clutch rentals when a last‑minute session or gig pops up.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Whether your craft stash needs a refresh or your kiddo needs a creative outlet, Seattle ReCreative is a nonprofit creative reuse store and art center with pre-loved supplies plus classes and camps that turn would-be waste into inspiration. Drop in, browse, and leave buzzing with project ideas.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“EGW Guitars® hand-builds electric guitars with a comfy Nova Carve neck that feels familiar fast, and they’ll tune up your current axe with pro setups, fretwork, electronics, even refinishing. Want the know-how too? Their one-on-one Workbench clinics give you the skills to keep your rig singing.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 27, 2026

“From first-chair dreams to first-scale squeaks, R L Ray Violin Shop LLC has been Olympia’s go-to since 1999, with makers, dealers, and restorers offering world-renowned insight, quality care, and rentals. Violins, violas, cellos, bows... they treat every player and instrument like the main act.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Need a nudge to finally fix that buzzing jack this week or try a new interface? Music 6000 has repairs, lessons, band and PA rentals, and a wall of tone, from ESP LTD and Martin guitars to a Scarlett Solo and the classic Cry Baby.”

From the Olympia newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Relaxed studio for painting pottery (various pieces available), plus snacks and drinks offered.”

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

“Thunder Road Guitars is the Pacific Northwest source for premium new, vintage, used, and rare instruments, plus a wall of amps and effects that make weeknight jams more interesting. Swing by the Seattle showroom this week to trade in the closet queen or test-drive something inspiring... real people, real service.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 12, 2026

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

“Family owned since 1996 in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, Emerald City Guitars specializes in used and vintage guitars and amps, plus effects, repairs, appraisals, guitar identification, and options to sell your instrument when you’re ready to shuffle the lineup.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 4, 2026