All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

ARGO Books: A space for creative ‘community, curation and collaboration’ in downtown Buckhannon

ARGO Books co-owners Abigail and Jon Benjamin
Argo Books co-owners Abigail and Jon Benjamin

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. –  ARGO Books opened their doors this week as a special space for creatives to celebrate community, curation and collaboration in downtown Buckhannon.

“Community: This space positively reflects our community’s personality and residents. Curation: Every book here has been selected with great care. Collaboration: As we open, we’re excited to learn what people want to read, learn about and do here,” said Abigail Benjamin, co-owner of ARGO Books, alongside her husband Jon.

Since moving to Buckhannon four years ago, Abigail and Jon Benjamin have recognized a great need for a community hub where residents of all ages could gather to learn about creative works — art, graphic design, literature, animation and film.

“The ARGO names originates from the Greek myth about Jason and the Argonauts,” said Jon Benjamin. “I like this myth of Jason and the Argonauts because he was just a normal guy who gathered this crew of ‘superheroes’ on a ship. I use this as a metaphor in this setting as ‘we’re all on this boat together’ — the visitors of our store do the creative work and we are their guide.”

ARGO Books is a family passion-project where each member shares their interests with the public in one space, expressed Jon.

Those interests came together to establish a curated collection of regional literature, classic literature, art and design books, manga and graphic novels that are available for purchase.

Customers can also purchase items from Maria’s foreign candy store, order a coffee or soda, play with children’s toys, and explore one’s imagination with a free sketch pad. Also available to guests are the Media Room desktop computers, which are equipped with free Wi-Fi and various design software capabilities such as watercolor, animation, video production and graphic design platforms.

“We wanted to create a space where you have access to design software but is a gentle space where if you felt really stuck, you have someone here to ask for help,” said Jon.

This newly-polished gem in downtown Buckhannon also offers a collection of clubs for new and veteran creatives to spark their imagination and learn more about their passions.

Club offerings at ARGO Books include:

  • Game Design Club
  • Film Club
  • Animation Club
  • Art Club
  • West Virginia Art and Design Association
  • Children’s Writers Group
  • Adult Writers Group
  • Reading Club

These clubs give members the opportunity to meet fellow creatives while learning how to give – and receive – helpful criticism, learn technique, and discuss works from the group’s favorite artists and writers. Those interested in joining a club are encouraged to simply visit the store during a scheduled club meeting time.

Like the ARGO Books Facebook page and bookmark their website to keep up-to-date on upcoming club meetings or other exciting events. Begin your creative adventure at ARGO Books today! Visit ARGO Books at 6 North Spring Street in Buckhannon.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Post 7 comes up short in tournament opener in 5-2 loss to Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 outhit top-seeded Morgantown but committed four costly errors and fell 5-2 in the opening round of the Area 2 American Legion postseason baseball tournament.

Summer basketball league continues week three play

In week three of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League, area teams competed at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances including Austin Upton’s 37 points for Corder Concrete Specialist and Kaiden Cutlip’s 34 for WV Split Rail.

Nancy Lea Lantz

Nancy Lea Lantz, 74, of Philippi, passed away July 13, 2025, and is remembered as a devoted homemaker, church member, and camper, survived by her children, relatives, friends, and her dog Tiny.

Buckhannon awards $50,000 in opioid settlement funds to Wesleyan for addiction counseling scholarships

City council approved allocating $50,000 in opioid settlement funds to West Virginia Wesleyan College for scholarships to support local addiction counseling education, aiming to combat drug addiction in the Buckhannon area.

Faith Baptist Church to host Vacation Bible School from July 21-25

Faith Baptist Church will host a Vacation Bible School for kindergarten through sixth grade children July 21-25, featuring nightly sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. and a family fun night on the final evening.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league tips off week three

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its third week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances from Evan Parr, Josh Trent, Quentin Cooley, Rayden Triplett, and several games decided by forfeits.

Small Business Development Center names Lyla Grandstaff as new coach serving the Buckhannon area

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center has appointed Lyla Grandstaff, an experienced business consultant and educator, as the new business coach serving Buckhannon and surrounding counties.

Upshur Parish House kicks off annual backpack program to support local students

The Upshur Parish House has launched its annual Back-to-School Backpack Program, seeking donations of new school supplies and hygiene items to help local students return to class prepared and confident.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur sets ambitious goals for growth and outreach

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur unveiled an ambitious multi-year plan to grow club membership, boost outreach through digital and in-person initiatives, expand fundraising, and increase community involvement and accessibility.