The best book, hobby & craft shops in North Shore

“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.”

“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

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

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

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

“Violin store with antique, modern & student instruments, plus lessons, sheet music & gear.”