The best book, hobby & craft shops in Iowa City

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

Browse another shelf: all of Iowa City’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Entertainment · Nightlife · Shopping · Arts & Culture · Bakeries & Sweets · Home & Garden · Parks & Outdoors · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Iowa City today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Iowa City — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · 7 places · showing the latest additions first

Beadology Iowa

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Beadology Iowa is the local treasure chest for anyone who wants to turn ideas into wearable art, with wall-to-wall beads, findings, tools…

355 S Clinton St

“Beadology Iowa is the local treasure chest for anyone who wants to turn ideas into wearable art, with wall-to-wall beads, findings, tools you can use for free, and classes from beadwork to lampworking. Swing by this week to snag a kit or jump into their Swirl and Vortex Boro Marbles class today, August 2.”

From the Iowa City newsletter, August 6, 2026

Website ↗

West Music Coralville

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Retailer of new and used pianos, guitars and other instruments, with lessons and repairs.

1212 5th St (Coralville)

“Retailer of new and used pianos, guitars and other instruments, with lessons and repairs.”

Website ↗

Michaels

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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

Coral North Shopping Center, 2515 Corridor Way #4 (Coralville)

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

Website ↗

Home Ec Workshop

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Fabric and yarn store, offering classes and a creative workspace.

424 E Jefferson St

“Fabric and yarn store, offering classes and a creative workspace.”

Website ↗

Run a Iowa City business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

The Hobby Corner

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Hobby store at Iowa City Marketplace featuring puzzles, model trains, and games, plus a space for gaming.

1606 Sycamore St

“Hobby store at Iowa City Marketplace featuring puzzles, model trains, and games, plus a space for gaming.”

Website ↗

Prairie Lights Books and Cafe

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Long-running bookstore hosting literary events also features a cafe, wine, and a children's section.

15 S Dubuque St

“Long-running bookstore hosting literary events also features a cafe, wine, and a children's section.”

Website ↗

RSVP

Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

Quaint store offering cards for all occasions, journals, gifts (including some personalized ones) and stationery.

140 N Linn St

“Quaint store offering cards for all occasions, journals, gifts (including some personalized ones) and stationery.”

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →