The best book, hobby & craft shops in Lowell

“Indie bookstore & cafe with a big all-day breakfast menu, veggie options & a relaxed vibe.”

“Campus bookstore chain offering new, used & digital textbooks, plus school-branded merchandise.”

“Quick-visit book shop where visitors also can enjoy coffee, quiche, and afternoon tea, or watch toy trains run around.”

“Bright independent bookshop featuring a cafe that serves tea and coffee. Staffed by friendly helpful people.”

“Enduring shop with 3 stories of used books & magazines, including rare 1st editions.”

“Popular bookshop featuring Italian books, as well as souvenir items.”

“Charming store offering books for adults and kids (including classics), plus toys, cards, games, and stationery.”

“Whether your desk needs a glow-up or you’re hunting gifts with actual personality, Designs By Zari Craft turns blooms, glitter, and geode vibes into real flower resin phone stands, marble-look trays with handles, heart-shaped jewelry boxes, and nature-inspired pendants.”

From the Lowell newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Virtuosity Musical Instruments is New England's premier wind and brass pro shop, with new and used saxes, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, flutes, and more plus a legit repair shop. Stock up on reeds, mouthpieces, mutes, and cleaning supplies this week, then pretend your tone was always this dialed.”

From the Boston newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Textbooks, study supplies, and full-on UMass Lowell spirit live at River Hawk Shop. Grab course materials, a comfy hoodie for hockey season, or a smart gift for grads and alumni, then get back to being the most prepared person in your group chat.”

From the Waltham newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Electric, acoustic and bass guitars, plus drums, amps and keyboards, along with lessons, sheet music and rentals.”

“Music store offering a selection of guitars, keyboards, and other instruments, plus lessons and repairs.”

“Music store providing instruments and accessories, as well as repair services and lessons.”

“Friendly bookstore focused on books, stickers, cards and other literary merchandise.”

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

“Shop offering a large and organized selection of CDs and records, as well as helpful staff.”

“Instrumental outfit specializing in rentals, sales and repairs of used and new instruments.”

“Huge selection of beads for jewelry making and embellishment, plus crystals and gems.”

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

“Violin, cello, banjo, lute and oud repair shop focusing on string adjustments and maintenance.”