The best book, hobby & craft shops in St. Paul

“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

“Whether your happy place is haunted houses, far-off galaxies, or quests with suspiciously talkative swords, Other Skies Weird Fiction curates horror, science fiction, and fantasy that actually surprises.”

From the Maplewood newsletter, September 11, 2026

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

“If you need a thoughtful sacramental gift or something uplifting for your own shelf, Divine Inspirations Books and Gifts has you covered with devotional aids, children's books, teaching supplies, and more.”

From the Richfield newsletter, September 2, 2026

“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

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

“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.”

“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.”

“Whether your week needs a reset or a nudge forward, Unity North Spiritual Center, right here in Coon Rapids, brings a positive, practical, progressive approach to spirituality with welcoming Sunday services, a prayer team ready to hold your requests, youth and family programs, an active book study, and a bookstore for…”

From the Coon Rapids newsletter, August 28, 2026

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

“Wild Rumpus Books blends beloved staff picks and new arrivals with Wild Happenings like book clubs and weekly storytime, so every age finds something to love. fm, and educators can plug into their Book Fairs and school author visits.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, August 27, 2026

“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

“Moon Palace Books is the indie shop that keeps Minneapolis reading, with shelves that jump from buzzy new releases to small-press surprises and staff picks you actually want to follow. Swing by this week, let your TBR balloon a little, then claim you planned it all along.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, September 17, 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, August 23, 2026

“Tucked near Cottage Grove, Comma, a Bookshop is that cozy, clean spot with inviting shelves curated with old favorites, crisp new releases, and all-time classics. The vibe is slow-browse and neighborly, perfect for when your TBR pile needs a refresh and a little serendipity.”

From the Edina newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Big Sky Hobby is the spot for RC flyers and drivers, stocking trainer planes, brushless trucks, plenty of parts, and even CAD/3D printing services when you need that just-right bracket or fix. Pop in this week and get your next backyard shakedown or Nokomis speed run dialed.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

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

“Eclipse Music packs a huge stompbox selection from classics to boutique oddities, plus G&L guitars, amps, and pedalboard essentials like cables, power, and MIDI. A low-key spot for Woodbury players chasing new tones this week, and the kind of gear that keeps band practice interesting.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 19, 2026

“3 Kittens Needle Arts has what your next project needs, from needlepoint canvases and threads to self-finishing items, books, and notions, plus classes, trunk shows, and finishing help. Stop in this week, pick a canvas that sparks joy, then settle in for a cozy stitch session.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 12, 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, August 17, 2026

“Ready to shake up your routine? Modern Day Music is the nearby hub for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs in West St. Paul.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, August 13, 2026

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

“Chain music store offering a range of instruments, amplifiers, and other equipment, plus repairs and lessons.”