Oldest independent bookstore in Canada fights for its life – again

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s touted as the oldest independent bookstore in Canada – and it’s on the ropes, because of COVID-19.

But it’s not the first time People’s Co-op Bookstore has been in financial trouble.

And that’s why the people who run the bookstore on Commercial Drive have launched a fundraising drive – because their members have come through in the past.

Since the shop was closed due to the pandemic, it has had to lay off its sole staff member, the rent hasn’t been paid, and other bills are piling up.

Plus, next month it is supposed its 75th anniversary.

The shop’s board has established a lofty fundraising goal of $75,000.

“I think the co-op has a special place in Vancouver. We have deep roots in this community. We are mostly volunteer-run and we are owned by the membership. That’s really unique,” says board chair Laurel McBride.

Back in 2014, it was on the brink, looking for a $10,000 cash infusion. It managed to raise that money, but the financial situation has always been tenuous.

Its GoFundMe page outlines a number of issues that need to be addressed to keep the establishment afloat, including store improvements, expanding inventory and technological innovation to increase its online presence.

“We think the fundraiser will give us a lot more freedom to make changes to the organization to have that long-term stability and to continue to be an institution for Vancouverites,” says McBride.

In a way, the bookstore’s campaign comes at a good time – when libraries are closed and people are clamouring to fill their time with a good book. Consumers are also keen to keep their favourite places open after the pandemic is over.

“Everyone is very conscious of their libraries right now. They are looking to keep connected to the world and often that’s by reading. We want to be a place for all readers in this city,” notes McBride.

The store is run like a typical co-op, in that people take out memberships, in this case $25. In turn, members get a say in how the business is run and they get discounts on the books they purchase.

In the last couple of weeks, the store has re-opened on the weekends, and is abiding by social distancing protocols.

McBride is encouraging people to drop in, take out a membership, buy a book and to donate.

“Our anniversary is in June, so we are hopeful we have the funds in place in that time frame to feel secure in finishing out 2020 and onward for the next 75 years.”