A cultural institution in Montreal that for decades has been a haven for book lovers, university students and anyone looking for a sanctuary from the bustling Milton-Parc neighbourhood is turning to the public for help.
The Word – Montreal’s independent second-hand bookstore that just celebrated its 50th anniversary last year – is looking to raise $50,000 to restore its façade.
Brick by brick, the quaint rustic building at 469 Milton Street has stood for more than 150 years now, making it one of the oldest buildings in the neighbourhood.
“It remembers everything,” owner Brendan King-Edwards wrote in the online fundraiser. “The staircase has foot-shaped grooves worn into its steps from thousands of trips up and down carrying millions of books. A metal ring embedded in the wall recalls its origins as a stable. Its bricks were made by hand. Look closely and you’ll find the occasional paw print from cats crossing them as they were drying, well over a century ago.
“This small building has given us so much. Now it needs something back.”
Over the years, The Word made a name for itself as a beloved fixture among readers, offering anything from fiction and biographies to philosophy and textbooks.
“I grew up in The Word. Literally,” said King-Edwards, who runs the store founded by his parents Adrian and Luci. “My parents founded the bookstore, and our house around the corner was an extension of it, with books floor to ceiling and a steady stream of readers, writers, and collectors wandering through the door.”
The owner says the years have taken their toll, and it’s more than time for a restoration of the historic façade.
The “One Word” public fundraising campaign runs until June 14. Donations can be made online or by dropping off a cheque or cash at the store. Perks are available to donors, ranging from tote bags and t-shirts to an original handmade brick from the façade.
