The best book, hobby & craft shops in Ramsey County

“From Qur'an and hadith to poetry, children's picks, and cookbooks, Rabata Cultural Center & Bookshop curates a wide range of Islamic titles, including Daybreak Press favorites and Ribaat textbooks. They also host classes and community events, so you can learn, connect, and leave with a book you actually finish.”

From the Roseville newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Compact and well loved, SubText Books packs a smart mix of adult and kids titles into a space that’s easy to browse, and the staff actually listens, then hands you the book you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for quick inspiration or a full-blown TBR refresh.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 2, 2026

“XIA Books & Café centers Asian American voices with a thoughtful selection that leans local, from beloved Hmong memoirs to fresh AAPI kids’ reads. Grab an iced Thai tea, split a banh mi, maybe a sushi roll, then discover your next neighbor-recommended page turner.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Story Line Books is the kind of indie spot that makes St. Paul feel like a small town again, with staff picks, book clubs, and author events that get you reading beyond your comfort zone. Bonus points for their delightfully deep trains section, from kids' titles to serious railroad history.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 23, 2026

“If your idea of a perfect evening is rolling dice, flipping through back issues, and arguing about which run is canon, Source Comics & Games delivers. Over 10,000 square feet, a giant game room, new arrivals daily, and a free pull service make it a reliable neighborhood hang.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, September 12, 2026

“From LEGO sets and Ravensburger puzzles to Squishmallows, Schleich creatures, and STEM toys, Legacy Toys nails that tricky mix of wow and actually-useful. It’s the move for last-minute birthday magic, boredom busters, or bribery-level gummy treats, all sorted by age, interest, and favorite fandoms.”

From the Roseville newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Ramsey County Library - Roseville is the spot when you want more than a good novel... think e-books and audiobooks, LinkedIn Learning, step-by-step craft videos, Consumer Reports, and 90+ languages with Transparent Language. Kids and teens score VOX Books, decodable reads, AniMondays, and virtual gaming, too.”

From the Shoreview newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Next Chapter Booksellers is St. Paul’s indie hub for staff-picked gems, author visits, and lively book clubs. This week, catch William Kent Krueger on 8/24 or drop into the Romance Book Club on 8/27, then leave with a book you swear you’ll start tonight.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Acorn Bookshop is St. Paul's newest woman-owned indie, rooted in women's voices, community and change, with shelves that feel curated by a friend who knows your taste. fm, or email for special orders when your TBR gets oddly specific.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, October 14, 2026

“Chain of music stores buying, selling & trading instruments, sound equipment & accessories.”

“Got a sticky horn, sulking violin, or a kid eyeing clarinet? Cadenza Music handles repairs for woodwinds, brass, orchestral strings, and fretted instruments, plus lessons, leasing, and Cadenza Kids classes, so you can get tuned up and back to making noise in St. Paul this week.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, October 8, 2026