Organizers of an anarchist book fair are hoping to draw fellow insurgents out of the woodworks with do-it-yourself workshops, punk shows – and books, of course. The second annual Victoria Anarchist Bookfair, scheduled Sept. 8-9, promises to be a much larger affair than last year. According to Sam Peekeekoot, spokesman for the event, only a handful of people attend the weekly Victoria Anarchist Reading Circle, but many others in the Capital region may share anarchist views and not even know it. “Anarchists,” as described by Allan Antliff, Canada research chair in modern art and professor at the University of Victoria, “seek a society in which everyone can creatively shape their everyday lives free from hunger, inequality and repression.”

“One of the beautiful things about the movement is there isn’t one pure form,” Peekeekoot said, adding that while people associate punk rock music with anarchism, not all anarchists like punk rock. “It’s both a collective thing, as well as an individual belief system.”

They’re hoping the book fair will alert would-be anarchists to the scene and strengthen the local movement.

The fair kicks off Friday, Sept. 7 with a DIY Punk Metal Night. Five bands will play at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 3277 Douglas St. Tickets are $7 in advance at Dark Horse Books, 623 Johnson St.

The book fair will be held at the Victoria Cool Aid Society, Downtown Community Centre, 749 Pandora Ave. The book fair features local, national and international booksellers and distributors, including Arsenal Pulp, A.K. Press, Microcosm and Freedom Press. Distributors will also have anarchist zines, music, DVDs, t-shirts and posters.

The event peaks Saturday evening, Sept. 8 with a “Night of Dissent” by spoken word, rap and hip-hop artists at Solstice Café, 529 Pandora. The café will also host anarchist folk musicians to conclude the event on Sunday, Sept. 9.

Several workshops will be held throughout the two-day event, such as pirate radio and herbal medicine, among others.

For a full schedule go to www.victoriaanarchistbookfair.ca