In honour of the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives, we’re doing interviews with Québec cooperatives throughout the year. This interview spotlights Les Bouquinistes: Cooperative de solidarité in Chicoutimi. Their board was founded in 2020, and the collective takeover of the bookstore was in 2021. We interviewed Jacob Riverin, the executive director of the cooperative.
Why did you choose the cooperative model (and the specific type of cooperative you chose, e.g., solidarity, worker, producer, user, etc.)?
We chose the cooperative model because we wanted to make the most of everyone’s strengths. In addition, we should mention that the potential buyer did not have management skills and needed a team. So the cooperative model was the perfect model. We chose the solidarity-worker model because we wanted the bookstore to have an external and internal perspective that would ensure better management. The workers bring a bookseller’s perspective to the board of directors, while the user members bring skills that the team of booksellers lacks.
What has been the biggest challenge in the process of starting and/or running the cooperative?
The most difficult part was finding common ground with the seller. The negotiation process was rather long and often unpleasant. Gathering enough members to raise the necessary funds for the purchase was also a considerable challenge. In addition, the entire purchase process took place during the pandemic, so it was done via Zoom meetings.
What is the best advice you received or the advice you would give someone else who is considering starting a cooperative?
Our advice would be to make sure you understand what a cooperative is and the process of changing the company’s ownership structure. Another piece of advice would be to ensure the best possible communication. It is important to remember that both parties in the transaction are often embarking on an adventure they are unfamiliar with, and that it is normal and even important to be well accompanied through the process.
What are you most proud of about your cooperative?
The entire transfer process took place without any negative impact on the bookstore. In fact, it has never been in better shape than it is today. We are proud to see how much the community has embraced our venture. We now have an outstanding membership roster and can say that our cooperative project has been a clear success.
The theme of this year is Cooperatives Build a Better World, and we believe this change starts in our communities. How does your cooperative make your community a better place to be?
First, since the primary purpose of our existence is cultural, people really want our bookstore to continue to exist—this is clear from the number of people who have donated money to the cooperative. We also organize a host of activities that help local culture flourish.
Curious to learn more?
To learn more about Les Bouquinistes, please check out their website, their Instagram page, and their Facebook page.
Photos courtesy of Les Bouquinistes
