The best book, hobby & craft shops in Evanston

“Comic book store stocking current and vintage issues, action figures and posters.”

“Sandwiches, soups, salads & coffee served in a comfy eatery, part of an independent bookstore.”

“The WasteShed is a nonprofit creative reuse center with shops in Chicago and Evanston, collecting perfectly good art and school materials that would otherwise be trashed and making them available to teachers, artists, and anyone who loves a project. Clean out that supply drawer, then build something awesome.”

From the Schaumburg newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Bookends & Beginnings is the indie haven with Staff Picks that actually hit, book subscriptions for ongoing surprises, and events from author talks to Bookends University. Swing by this week for a smart rec, plus audiobooks and merch when you need words without another TBR stack.”

From the North Shore newsletter, August 4, 2026

“From chamber scores and opera vocal selections to method books, manuscript paper, tuners, and gems like the Music by Black Composers series, Performers Music keeps Chicago players stocked with the good stuff.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Friendly candle store featuring housemade creations in creative scents alongside gift items.”

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

“Well-stocked store specializing in new, used & vintage guitars, plus amps & accessories.”

“Curated shop for pens and paintbrushes plus notebooks.”

“Laid-back shop for new, used & vintage guitars, amps, effect pedals & more, plus repairs.”

“Rare Birds Music is a curated playground for Chicago players hunting vintage and pre-owned gems, from black panel Fender amps and Moog synths to vibe-heavy pedals. If your current rig feels meh, trade something in and end up with gear that actually sparks practice this week.”

“Community cafe where kids and adults play board games over a latte or a soda.”

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

“Clean store stocking toys, snacks, decor and beauty supplies.”

“Established shop for guitars, basses, banjos & ukeleles, plus equipment, lessons, rentals & repairs.”

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

“Snug new & used musical instrument store with rentals, accessories, sheet music, repairs & lessons.”

“Resource for musical instruments with repair services available.”

“From banjos and mandolins to acoustic and electric guitars, sheet music, harmonicas, and even rentals, Old Town School Music Store is Chicago's acoustic source. Non-profit since 1957, every purchase supports the Old Town School of Folk Music, so your next instrument also funds more music around here.”

“Music store, specializing in guitars and basses.”

“From fine antiques to modern builds and standout student instruments, Chicago Strings in Evanston gets you fitted right, handles expert repairs and restorations, and does bow rehairs that bring back sparkle.”

“Veteran retailer stocking basic office supplies plus custom stationery, technology & furniture.”

“Vintage, new & used guitars plus other instruments & gear in a polished space with an acoustic room.”