We’re Adele and Moti, and we’re passionate about independent bookstores.
The Argo Bookshop has been a cultural mainstay in Montreal since Mr. John George opened it in 1966, dropping anchor in a tiny 500-square-foot space in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood. In the 40 years from its founding until he passed away, Mr. George made the Argo his life’s work, building personal connections with readers and writers in the Montreal community and developing an encyclopedic knowledge of his inventory.
The Argo has changed hands a few times since then, most recently in 2017 when we—both regular customers and fans of the store—decided to take the helm and work to continue Mr. George’s legacy, while also celebrating the books and community important to us. We survived opening a brick-and-mortar bookstore when everyone said the industry was dying, we survived pandemic lockdown by offering delivery and pivoting to online events, and in 2021, we managed to move the Argo—including most of the hardwood shelving put up by Mr. George himself in the 1960s—into a beautiful new location, twice the size and not even a block away from the original.
The Argo Bookshop is a love letter to reading and readers, and now we’re asking for your help.
Over the past year, the economic situation that affects us all has been eating away at the Argo’s ability to keep running. We know the community is there, and we know that people’s passion for books isn’t going anywhere—but we also know that without regular, reliable revenue, it’s very hard to keep a store in business. Judicious inventory management, tenacious event outreach, and social media and advertising efforts have helped us get by over the past year, but (to permit another nautical metaphor) that’s all been bailing out water, not fixing the boat. That’s where you come in.
We’re launching an annual patron drive so that people who are as passionate as us about indie bookstores can be a direct, immediate part of what keeps us afloat.
We always say that the Argo is a community space and a community project above all, and now we’re making it official. From April 27 (Canadian Independent Bookstore Day) to May 31, 2024, we’re asking you to become an Argonaut, a patron of the Argo Bookshop, and to spread the word, so that anyone who wants to can help a half-century-old independent bookstore keep providing books, events, and conversation to the community. Membership lasts for a year, and will be renewable at our next drive in spring 2025! And as our community has always extended past Montreal’s borders—and a thriving indie bookstore anywhere is a boon to indie bookstores everywhere—we’re making sure that many of our patron rewards are available to supporters all over the world.
The nitty-gritty: We need $15,000 minimum in order to keep the store in business right now.
With $30,000, we’ll be secure enough to not only stay open, but weather the economic storm of the next calendar year.
With $50,000, we’ll be able to improve or innovate a few things: get AV equipment to make our in-store events more accessible, provide better wages (everyone at the Argo gets paid the same, whether you’re an owner or the newest seasonal hire), and maybe Adele and Moti will start that podcast people have been asking us for…
How can you help?
- If we can get 150 people to contribute $100, our patron drive will be successful. So the core contribution level is just that, $100 CAD. You get a full year of access to all the patron perks (more on those later) and our heartfelt thanks.
- If $100 isn’t in your budget, you can also give any amount. Every Argonaut will be listed on our digital Patron Wall for the year, no matter the amount contributed. You don’t get access to the other perks, but you do get the wonderful feeling of having helped keep a local independent bookstore in business!
- If you want to give more, special bonus perks unlock at $250! From signed first-edition books to one-of-a-kind Argo memorabilia, these are limited-quantity rewards. And of course, you also get access to all the rest!
- No cash? No worries. Believe us, we know what it’s like. You can still be a significant help to us by spreading the word—in person or on social media—and letting people know that right now is the best time to support the Argo Bookshop!
Perks
Please note that perks only become available once the campaign is successful, and that membership is renewable annually for continued access to perks.
Every Argonaut (any amount):
- Your name on our digital Patron Wall for the year, if you want it
- A free 1-inch Argo pin to show your indie pride*
$100 Argonauts:
The above, plus:
- Ability to reserve seating at in-person events
- Access to online patron-only merch store
- Access to ARCs (advance reader copies of books!)*
- 5% off all purchases year-round!
- Ability to register for quarterly patron-only social events
* These perks may be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship them to you with your next purchase from our online store.
$250 Argonauts and beyond:
All of the above, plus access to special limited-quantity bonus rewards, such as:
- Signed first-edition of A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin (1/1 claimed) **
- Etched-glass panel with the original 1966 logo of the Argo Bookstore (1/1 claimed) **
- Original wooden boards from the Argo, signed by numerous local authors and poets (1/3 claimed) **
- NEW: Poems by Thomas Gray, published by Eton College Press, 1894 (1/1 claimed) **
- NEW: The Spell of French Canada by Frank Oliver Call, a Quebec Travelogue from 1926 (1/1 claimed) **
- NEW: Seybold Quilt, handmade, one of a kind (1/1 claimed) **
- NEW: A signed and personalized first edition of your choice by Jo Walton (0/10 claimed)**
- NEW: A signed four-book set of Ada Palmer's Terra Ignota series (1/1 claimed)**
** These perks must be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer shipment or delivery for these items.
More bonus perks will unlock as the campaign progresses, so be sure to subscribe to the campaign to get updates!
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for the last 58 years of the Argo’s existence, and for your invaluable help keeping it sailing smoothly into the future!
Perks
Any support of $2+ gets you:
- Your name on our digital Patron Wall for a year (if you want!)
- A free 1-inch Argo pin to show your indie pride*
- The warm, fuzzy feeling of supporting an indie bookstore!
* These perks may be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship them to you with your next purchase from our online store.
Become a full-fledged Argonaut, a patron of the Argo Bookshop! With a contribution of $100+, you get:
- Your name on our digital Patron Wall (if you want!)
- A free 1-inch Argo pin to show your indie pride*
- Ability to reserve seating at in-person events
- Access to online patron-only merch store
- Access to ARCs (advance reader copies of books!)*
- 5% off all purchases year-round!
* These perks may be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship them to you with your next purchase from our online store.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
A signed, first edition copy of "A Clash of Kings" by George R. R. Martin in excellent condition!*
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It may then be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship it to you with your next purchase from our online store.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Own a piece of Argo history! This etched-glass panel features the original 1966 logo of the Argo Bookstore (measures 87 cm by 57 cm by 0.5 cm) *
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Gray, Thomas. Poems By Thomas Gray. Published by Eton College Press, London, 1894.*
This very attractive book is printed on high quality paper and has a full calf leather prize binding. It was specially printed and bound to be given out as a prize to students at the prestigious English school Eton College. The binding has gilt tooling to the spine and the Eton College crest to the front and rear covers. There is also gilt on the paper edges.
Graciously donated by Christopher Lyons.
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Call, Frank Oliver. The Spell of French Canada. Published by L. C. Page, Boston, 1926.*
This is a loving travelogue and history of Quebec and includes numerous illustrations and a fold out map; a very attractive example of an early twentieth century travel book.
Graciously donated by Christopher Lyons.
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Seybold quilt: An attractive bookstore decorative quilt, suitable for hanging.*
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Beautifully created and graciously donated by Grace Seybold.
This perk will be available in September; the picture is an example of a comparable one hanging in our store currently, and is provided for to give an idea of what the new quilt will look like.
The model quilt is 47 x 87 cm.
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful and upon the quilt's expected completion in September. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 0 claimed
- 1 remaining
Own a piece of Montreal's literary history! This is an original wooden board from the Argo, signed by numerous local authors and poets. (measures 119 cm x 13.5 cm x 2 cm) *
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Featured Signatures:
- Christine Miscione
- Daniel Kincade Renton
- Marc di Saverio
- Gary Barwin
- Jason Camlot
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 0 claimed
- 1 remaining
Own a piece of Montreal's literary history! This is an original wooden board from the Argo, signed by numerous local authors and poets. (measures 109 cm x 12 cm x 2 cm) *
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Featured Signatures:
- Susan Gillis
- Stephanie Bolster
- Jacob Wren
- Erin Mouré
- Mary di Michele
- Sandra Ridley
- & many more!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Own a piece of Montreal's literary history! This is an original wooden board from the Argo, signed by numerous local authors and poets. (measures 92 cm x 14 cm x 2 cm) *
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Featured Signatures:
- Carmine Starnino
- Norm Sibum
- Mikhail Iossel
- Josip Novakovich
- John Wall Barger
- Bryan Sentes
- & many more
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 9 remaining
Ten lucky patrons will get a signed and personalized first edition copy of any one of Jo Walton's books!* You choose which book; Among Others and Lifelode are not available, but a plethora of others are.
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Graciously donated by Jo Walton.
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It may then be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship it to you with your next purchase from our online store.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
A full signed 4-book set of Ada Palmer's Terra Ignota series!*
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Graciously donated by Ada Palmer.
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It may then be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship it to you with your next purchase from our online store.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Bjorkman shawl : Elaborate and cozy Laminaria shawl made of 100 % merino wool , knit out of Malabrigo Lace yarn . The shawl is a delicate blue colour and follows this original pattern : https://knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTlaminaria.html.*
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Beautifully created and graciously donated by Bronwyn Bjorkman.
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. Alternatively , the crafter has generously offered to ship the shawl to the recipient .
Highlights
See all activity157FAQ & Contact
Have a question we haven't covered? Leave a comment on this campaign, reach out on social media, or send us an email: fundraising@argobookshop.ca
What is the Argo Patron Drive?
The Argo Bookshop has been a cultural mainstay in Montreal since 1966, an independent bookstore that has navigated everything from Expo ’67 to the Covid pandemic. Owners since 2017, Adele and Moti want to keep the store thriving and able to bring our community the books, events, and conversation the Argo has provided since the days of Mr. George, the original founder. Right now, because of broader economic difficulties that are hitting us where it hurts, keeping the store in business means getting an influx of funds to help our cashflow situation—in other words, a fundraiser! With our Patron Drive, people who are as passionate as us about independent bookstores can be a direct, immediate part of what keeps us afloat. Argonauts, our patrons, will not only help a beloved indie stay in business, but there are also numerous perks and rewards available. In theory, this will be an annual event (unless and until the economic situation changes considerably for us!).
How can I contribute?
First and foremost, if 150 people each contribute $100, we will have met our initial goal. Most of our perks thus target hundred-dollar patrons. But you can give any amount (there are some perks there too!), and we have a growing list of special limited-quantity items to offer as bonus perks for people who give over $250! We also have higher-level goals that will allow us to be even more secure going forward, and therefore let us take initiative with projects we’ve been holding off on, like buying AV equipment for events or starting a podcast. The more people give, the more the Argo can give back!
What are the rewards for contributing?
You can find a full list of perks here.
Help, I contributed $100+ but didn't claim the "Argonaut" perk. Do I still get those rewards?
You sure do! The claimable perk is just there for your convenience. Upon the successful completion of the campaign, we'll be in touch with everyone who contributed, even if you didn't claim the perk.
I don’t really have the means to support you, how else can I help?
Spreading the word about our Patron Drive is an amazing way to help! We want anybody who might be interested in giving us a hand to know that we’re out here. Tell your friends, coworkers, book club compatriots, social media followers! We can’t thank you enough.
What payment types do you accept?
We’re running this drive through FundRazr, a well-regarded Canadian fundraising platform that has been active since 2007. Thanks to them, we’re able to accept all major credit cards, PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Additionally, we can accept cash or debit card payments in-store that will be added to the fundraising total. Got another way you’d like to send us your contribution? Reach out and we’ll see what we can do!
So this is like a GoFundMe?
Not quite! Rather than a one-time fundraiser, we’re seeing our Patron Drive as a new, ongoing dimension to how we interact with our community. We’re bringing people closer and calling on people who have the means and inclination to contribute to become a concrete part of what makes the Argo what it is. As thanks for your support, we give you more ways to be involved with the social and literary life of the Argo, on top of the knowledge that you’re helping a nearly 60-year-old local indie bookshop keep giving back to the community. We hope you’ll join us!
What happens if you don’t meet your goal?
If we are unable to meet our basic fundraising goal, your pledge will not be collected, as this is an all-or-nothing fundraising drive. The Argo won’t close immediately if the goal is not met, but we would begin to wind down the business, with the likely result of closing within the next few months.
Have a question we haven't covered? Leave a comment on this campaign, reach out on social media, or send us an email: fundraising@argobookshop.ca
Any support of $2+ gets you:
- Your name on our digital Patron Wall for a year (if you want!)
- A free 1-inch Argo pin to show your indie pride*
- The warm, fuzzy feeling of supporting an indie bookstore!
* These perks may be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship them to you with your next purchase from our online store.
Become a full-fledged Argonaut, a patron of the Argo Bookshop! With a contribution of $100+, you get:
- Your name on our digital Patron Wall (if you want!)
- A free 1-inch Argo pin to show your indie pride*
- Ability to reserve seating at in-person events
- Access to online patron-only merch store
- Access to ARCs (advance reader copies of books!)*
- 5% off all purchases year-round!
* These perks may be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship them to you with your next purchase from our online store.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
A signed, first edition copy of "A Clash of Kings" by George R. R. Martin in excellent condition!*
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It may then be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship it to you with your next purchase from our online store.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Own a piece of Argo history! This etched-glass panel features the original 1966 logo of the Argo Bookstore (measures 87 cm by 57 cm by 0.5 cm) *
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Gray, Thomas. Poems By Thomas Gray. Published by Eton College Press, London, 1894.*
This very attractive book is printed on high quality paper and has a full calf leather prize binding. It was specially printed and bound to be given out as a prize to students at the prestigious English school Eton College. The binding has gilt tooling to the spine and the Eton College crest to the front and rear covers. There is also gilt on the paper edges.
Graciously donated by Christopher Lyons.
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Call, Frank Oliver. The Spell of French Canada. Published by L. C. Page, Boston, 1926.*
This is a loving travelogue and history of Quebec and includes numerous illustrations and a fold out map; a very attractive example of an early twentieth century travel book.
Graciously donated by Christopher Lyons.
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Seybold quilt: An attractive bookstore decorative quilt, suitable for hanging.*
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Beautifully created and graciously donated by Grace Seybold.
This perk will be available in September; the picture is an example of a comparable one hanging in our store currently, and is provided for to give an idea of what the new quilt will look like.
The model quilt is 47 x 87 cm.
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful and upon the quilt's expected completion in September. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 0 claimed
- 1 remaining
Own a piece of Montreal's literary history! This is an original wooden board from the Argo, signed by numerous local authors and poets. (measures 119 cm x 13.5 cm x 2 cm) *
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Featured Signatures:
- Christine Miscione
- Daniel Kincade Renton
- Marc di Saverio
- Gary Barwin
- Jason Camlot
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 0 claimed
- 1 remaining
Own a piece of Montreal's literary history! This is an original wooden board from the Argo, signed by numerous local authors and poets. (measures 109 cm x 12 cm x 2 cm) *
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Featured Signatures:
- Susan Gillis
- Stephanie Bolster
- Jacob Wren
- Erin Mouré
- Mary di Michele
- Sandra Ridley
- & many more!
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Own a piece of Montreal's literary history! This is an original wooden board from the Argo, signed by numerous local authors and poets. (measures 92 cm x 14 cm x 2 cm) *
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Featured Signatures:
- Carmine Starnino
- Norm Sibum
- Mikhail Iossel
- Josip Novakovich
- John Wall Barger
- Bryan Sentes
- & many more
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. We cannot offer any shipment or delivery services for this item.
- 1 claimed
- 9 remaining
Ten lucky patrons will get a signed and personalized first edition copy of any one of Jo Walton's books!* You choose which book; Among Others and Lifelode are not available, but a plethora of others are.
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Graciously donated by Jo Walton.
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It may then be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship it to you with your next purchase from our online store.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
A full signed 4-book set of Ada Palmer's Terra Ignota series!*
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Graciously donated by Ada Palmer.
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It may then be picked up in the store at your convenience, or we can ship it to you with your next purchase from our online store.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Bjorkman shawl : Elaborate and cozy Laminaria shawl made of 100 % merino wool , knit out of Malabrigo Lace yarn . The shawl is a delicate blue colour and follows this original pattern : https://knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTlaminaria.html.*
Plus all perks available in the regular Argonaut tier!
Beautifully created and graciously donated by Bronwyn Bjorkman.
* Please note that this perk will only become available once the campaign is successful. It must then be picked up from the store at your convenience. Alternatively , the crafter has generously offered to ship the shawl to the recipient .
