What happens at the Montreal Anarchist Bookfair?
The Bookfair takes place at the CEDA, an adult education and community center in southwest Montreal, a short 2-minute walk from the Lionel-Groulx metro station.
In the main Bookfair auditorium, there are over 100 booksellers, distributors and groups from all over Montreal, Quebec, North Amerika 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 film room upstairs screening alternative films and documentaries, while the walls of the Bookfair venue are covered with the works of anti-authoritarian artists.
There is a room dedicated to local zine distributors and another that focuses on solidarity struggles. In past years there have been opportunities for skill-sharing, an autonomous media room, as well as a live radio broadcast from the Bookfair site.
Free childcare is available at the Bookfair, as well as a kids program. In previous years, there have also been discussions on radical parenting. Kids and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend!
There are also workshops 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 folks who are tabling or presenting any question or inquiry you have about the ideas and practice of anarchism.
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 and international anarchist (or anarchist-supported) projects with a financial donation.
Photos from the 2006 Bookfair, which give you an idea of the atmosphere of during the Bookfair Weekend, are linked here: http://photos.cmaq.net/v/7thbookfair