[NOTE: This description applies to the 2011 Montreal Anarchist Bookfair.]

The Anarchist Bookfair takes place in two buildings, which are across from each other: i)the CEDA (2515 rue Delisle), an adult education and community center based in Little Burgundy/St-Henri, and ii) the Georges-Vanier Cultural Center across from the CEDA. Both are just a few minutes from Lionel-Groulx métro.

In the main Bookfair auditorium and the adjacent Zine Room, there are over 100 booksellers, zinesters, distributors and groups from all over Montreal, Quebec, North America and beyond, sharing their publications and materials, most of which are hard or impossible to find at mainstream book stores.  Many materials are available for free, and much is published specifically to be available at the Bookfair.

During the weekend, there is a Anarchist Film Room screening alternative films and documentaries, while the walls of the Bookfair venue are covered with the works of anti-authoritarian artists as part of Art & Anarchy. Last year also featured an Autonomous Media and Technology Room.

Free childcare is available at the Bookfair at the Kid Zone; kids and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend!

There are also workshops and presentations throughout the weekend, in English and French. Some are intended as introductions to anarchism for those who are new to anarchy, while others explore an anarchist-themed subject in some depth.

In general, during the Bookfair, don’t hesitate to ask members of the Bookfair collective, or folks who are tabling or presenting, any question or inquiry you have about the ideas and practice of anarchism. The Bookfair collective actively strives to create an accessible event.

The Bookfair site is adjacent to a large park and sports field, and when the weather is nice (May in Montreal is usually quite beautiful), a large part of the Bookfair can be about kicking around a soccer ball or hanging out with friends, and soon-to-be friends.

The entire Bookfair is free, and open to all; however, your donations are encouraged, as each year, after meeting our expenses, the Bookfair aims to support local projects with a financial donation.

Photos from previous Bookfairs, which give you an idea of the atmosphere of during the Bookfair Weekend, are linked HERE.