The best book, hobby & craft shops in North Shore

“Pastimes Comics & Games keeps North Shore decks stocked with Magic singles and sealed items, Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh sealed, Star Wars: Unlimited, RPGs, and all the sleeves and supplies. Swing by to snag that missing piece, then hop into an event and try it out with the locals.”

From the Des Plaines newsletter, August 24, 2026

“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 Park Ridge newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Evanston Games & Cafe is the neighborhood spot to play board games or sling spells in Magic, Pokémon, and One Piece while you sip a latte or a soda. Swing by this week for fresh arrivals, friendly tournaments and prereleases, and that low-key community vibe your group chat keeps promising.”

From the North Shore newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Need fresh inspiration or a fix, Guitar Works, Ltd. has a wall of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, ukes and banjos plus amps and effects. Think a Collings 290 in Pelham Blue, an 1885 Martin 0-28, even workshops, private lessons, rentals and pro repairs to keep your rig singing.”

From the Evanston newsletter, August 28, 2026

“If your kid’s clarinet squeaks or your own trumpet needs love, Evanston Band & Orchestra has you covered with easy rentals, a repair shop praised among the best in Chicagoland, solid accessory and sheet music picks, plus fine and even rare used finds, and a new string scholarship program.”

From the Evanston newsletter, September 6, 2026

“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.”

From the Evanston newsletter, September 17, 2026