The best book, hobby & craft shops in Mercer County

Labyrinth Books is Princeton’s go-to for deeply browsable stacks, from African American Studies and philosophy to kids’ picks and graphic novels. The events calendar keeps the community talking, and the used and rare section is a rabbit hole you’ll gladly tumble into.

From the Princeton newsletter, September 29, 2026

The Cloak & Dagger is a Princeton indie bookshop devoted to all things mystery, from new releases to classic whodunits, with an English-library vibe. Pop in for gifts and puzzles, a kids corner for budding sleuths, and an online shop when the case calls for pajamas.

From the Princeton newsletter, October 21, 2026

Whether you're hunting first editions, crisp university press titles, or a stack of rainy-weekend reads you won't feel guilty dog-earing, Bryn Mawr Wellesley Book Sale is the local book bonanza. Most hardbacks are $4, and every purchase helps fund area students heading to Bryn Mawr and Wellesley.

From the Princeton newsletter, October 14, 2026

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

jaZams is the Princeton standby when you need a perfect present, fast. Think smart toys, gorgeous picture books, puzzles galore, Jellycat plush, LEGO, and science kits... with personal shopping, gift wrapping, party favor bags, corporate gifts, and a registry that keeps birthdays and baby showers blissfully organized.

From the Princeton newsletter, October 7, 2026

From squeaky clarinets to battered violins, Cordas Music Instrument Repairs & Rentals brings five decades of Juilliard-trained know-how to get your gear singing again. Plus, tons of instruments, accessories, sheet music, and rentals when a new season or sudden gig pops up.

From the Trenton newsletter, October 14, 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).

Russo Music Hamilton is the local hang for guitars, pedals, synths, drums, and recording gear, with brands like Fender, Gibson, Moog, and Teenage Engineering. Swing by this week for a pro guitar setup on new purchases, real humans who know signal flow, school band rentals, lessons, and repairs that keep you playing.

From the Trenton newsletter, September 30, 2026

Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.

From routine maintenance to replacements, upgrades, electronic repairs/mods, major repairs and custom builds, The Guitar Rescue gives stringed instruments the careful attention they deserve. Get your tone back this week before your next jam, Trenton, so you can stop fighting your gear.

From the Trenton newsletter, September 26, 2026

Whether your combo is crackling, your head lost its mojo, or you want boutique bite, The Amp Shop is the Trenton go-to for amp repair, vintage restorations, and serious mods. Home to EVO Amplification and Jaded Faith Mods, they service over 600 amps a year and have worked with George Lynch and Dean DeLeo.

From the Trenton newsletter, October 6, 2026

If your hem's hanging on by a prayer or you’ve been meaning to finally learn the machine, make it the week you try Dreammaker Design Studio for sewing classes for ages 8 and up, drop-in repair sessions, and party-worthy craft workshops.

From the Trenton newsletter, October 10, 2026