The best book, hobby & craft shops in Queens

“Recirculation, a project of Word Up keeps books and records moving through the neighborhood with pay-what-you-can finds, a kids’ corner mural by MC Maniphes, and a steady stream of community events like collage nights, clothing repair circles, readings, and jams, ideal for Mount Vernon folks craving low-key browsing.”

From the Mount Vernon newsletter, September 6, 2026

“The Fountain Bookshop has staff picks that actually read like a friend’s recs, shelves packed with local authors, and lively book clubs on August 26 and 27, plus StoryTime on August 28. Grab a buzzy new release or queue up an audiobook or ebook, then feel gloriously local.”

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, August 30, 2026

“The World's Borough Bookshop keeps it cozy and community-first, with shelves spotlighting BIPOC and Latino authors, plus stickers, art, jewelry and handmade gifts by local makers. Expect lively readings, book clubs and park storytimes, and plenty of kids picks to keep both your TBR and gift drawer happy.”

From the Queens newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Since 1978, The Corner Bookstore has been handpicking the best of the best across fiction, nonfiction, history, biography, travel, cookbooks, poetry, mysteries, and art, and they host frequent author events. It’s the kind of Carnegie Hill staple where staff recommendations actually hit.”

From the The Bronx newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Source for new and used books in English and Spanish, plus cultural activities.”

“Radical indie bookstore with a selection of global books & DVDs, as well as regular events.”

“Need a little inspiration between subway stops this week? Sister's Uptown Bookstore is Harlem’s longest continually operating Black-owned bookstore, with a curated selection, local author love, and community vibes from open mics to workshops... the kind of spot where your TBR grows and your spirit does too.”

From the Manhattan newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Volunteer-run and wonderfully bilingual, Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria stocks general-interest reads in many languages, then turns around and throws community events that actually feel like community, from Uptown Kid Lit to neighborhood programs like Recirculation and The People’s Fridge.”

From the Poughkeepsie newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Storied bookstore in a townhouse specializing in illustrated tomes, literature & European magazines.”

“Skip the algorithm this week and let Book Culture do the curating. Between staff picks that actually hit, new academic titles, best sellers, and those dangerous window displays, you’ll find something to sink into... maybe even a book club pick that becomes your next personality.”

From the North Bergen newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Astoria Bookshop is a queer woman owned, general-interest indie with staff picks that actually help, signed copies, and frequent author events and storytimes. When your reading rut hits, their curation across fiction, nonfiction, and kids’ lit makes choosing easy... and fun to browse.”

From the Staten Island newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Need a smart reset between emails, swing by McNally Jackson Books Rockefeller Center for staff picks that actually hit, new and noteworthy shelves, signed copies if you’re quick, and a lively slate of events and book clubs that keep your TBR deliciously unruly.”

From the Manhattan newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Gotham Thrift Shop is that family-run spot where the vintage rotates daily, so the hand curated clothing, jewelry, furniture and bric-a-brac vanish fast. You’ll also find fixtures, electronics and oddball collectibles, plus they buy estate contents if you’re finally tackling that storage unit.”

From the Brooklyn newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Books of Wonder is the kind of children's bookstore that makes you accidentally leave with three extra picture books. Semiweekly storytime, signed editions, a stash of old and rare titles, and a whole Oz universe make it a dependable go-to for Staten Island parents hunting gifts and rainy-day inspiration.”

From the Freeport newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing your next page-turner or plotting your own, The Luxe Library blends a neighborhood bookshop feel with full service publishing support and events. It’s the kind of spot Queens folks pop into for inspiration, conversation, and a fresh stack that somehow reads itself.”

From the Queens newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Book Culture mixes new and gently used gems with a deep bench of arts and humanities titles, plus in-store events and readings that actually feel like conversations, making it a smart nearby stop for Mount Vernon readers who pop in for one book and somehow leave with three.”

From the Mount Vernon newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Three Lives & Company is that snug, meticulously curated bookshop you wish every corner had, quietly matching Manhattan moods since 1968. Preorder signed and inscribed copies of Hernan Diaz’s Ply and Susan Kaufman’s Walk With Me New York: Holiday, then linger for staff picks that actually surprise.”

“Adanne Bookshop is the cozy spot to browse thoughtful picks, then level up your shelf cred with tees repping James Baldwin, Bell Hooks, and Octavia Butler. Plus a craft studio and workshops turn browsing into community time, so Queens folks, it’s worth the quick hop.”

From the Queens newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Kew & Willow Books is the kind of Queens shop where you pop in for one paperback and end up staying by the fireplace, then signing up for a book club. Shelves for all ages, frequent author talks, poetry open mics, and the occasional game night keep it lively.”

From the Queens newsletter, September 9, 2026

“From pristine, stage-ready guitars to vintage finds with stories baked in, Southside Guitars is where Bayonne players and collectors score the good stuff and keep it humming. Swing by this week for a professional setup or repair, then fall down the rabbit hole of gear you didn’t know you needed.”

From the Brooklyn newsletter, September 16, 2026

“New York Card Marketplace is curating premium Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z, and NFL memorabilia for collectors who care about authenticity, rarity, and real value. Swing by their new Brookhaven spot this week, Islip friends, and chase that next grail without the guesswork.”

From the Brookhaven newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Whether you're carving stone, pouring molds, dabbling in special effects, or fixing a statue your cat decapitated, The Compleat Sculptor has materials from around the world, from Italian agate alabaster and Smooth-On silicones to patinas, tools, and body casting gear.”

From the New York City newsletter, August 14, 2026

“If your shelves crave something with history, check out B & B Rare Books, Ltd this week for 19th and 20th century English and American literature, modern firsts, signed and inscribed copies, plus children's lit and poetry. They also buy, appraise, and restore, so you can level up a collection or rescue a favorite.”

From the The Bronx newsletter, August 19, 2026

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

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

“Whether your Strat needs a proper setup or you just want to audition some tasty pedals, Brothers Guitar Shop brings a curated mix of new and used gear plus pro repairs and lessons. From Fender and Martin to PRS, they’ll get your tone sorted this week, no drama.”

From the North Bergen newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Retail outlet selling a huge array of electric, acoustic and bass guitars, keyboards and drums.”

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

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

“Whether you’re patching a jacket, stamping a belt, or finally making that wallet, Tandy Leather Queens - 187 has the good stuff, from hides to tools, dyes, patterns, books, and beginner-friendly kits. The staff actually knows their craft, so ask questions and skip the guesswork.”

“Musical instrument store offering guitars, keyboards, drums, and recording equipment, plus lessons.”

“Musical-instrument retailer offering guitars, amps and drums.”

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

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

“Chain retailer with a large array of brand-name electronics, computers, appliances & more.”

“Chain retailer with a large array of brand-name electronics, computers, appliances & more.”

“Chain retailer with a large array of brand-name electronics, computers, appliances & more.”