by PATRICK LEJTENYI

Five years old and big for its age, the annual Anarchist Bookfair is rolling on a lot of momentum. Now a major event on the alternative-politics/activist scene, the bookfair is expected to draw dozens of book vendors, distributors, speakers and assorted anti-capitalist malcontents from around the world for the one-day event, capping off Montreal's four-week-long Festival of Anarchy.

If the Festival and Bookfair were corporations, and the people running them capitalist fat cats, they would no doubt be rubbing their greasy palms together in glee at the leaps and bounds by which both events have displayed atypical robust growth. Not only that, but they've successfully streamlined the logistical process, thereby improving productivity and strengthening their brand recognition. Now all they need to do is turn a profit. Which they won't.

"Profit is kind of a dirty word for us," says Sandy "Laplage" (a pseudonym requested for reasons of shyness), a member of the organizing collective. "We don't get any money, so we ask the publishers and vendors if it's possible for them to donate 10 per cent of what they made after expenses. No one makes money off this." Monies raised are used mainly to pay debts and prepare for next year's event.

Nevertheless, the Bookfair has become a mainstay, in large part because it's a labour, if not of love, then at least of conviction. And it's never easy. "Like any event, the Bookfair has logistical challenges," says Helen Hudson, another collective member. "This is the first year that we don't expect a large increase in numbers, but things have become more institutionalized… This is the first year it's started to feel systemized."

This systemization allows the collective to rise above the frenzied anarchy (ahem) of previous years, and offer the kinds of additional bonuses that were lacking, Hudson says. "Where the focus has been on this year is making improvements to certain aspects," she says. "We have more accessibility to people with disabilities and the film room has grown in scope." There are, as last year, daycare facilities, workshops and speakers.

And friends. Longtime anarchist musician and former Bookfair volunteer Norman Nawrocki will join other artists on Thursday, May 13, for a free evening of music and discussion about artists, their work and politics. "I'm helping the comrades," says Nawrocki with a hint of humour. "Since the Bookfair is based on books, which are based on words, this event on Thursday presents a rare opportunity to hear the thinking going on in the head of anarchist musicians." The "Music, Words and Anarchy" evening takes place at Café La Petite Gaule, 2525 Centre (metro Charlevoix), at 7 p.m., free.

There is an opening panel on Friday, May 14, at 1710 Beaudry, free. The Bookfair takes place on Saturday, May 15, at the CÉDA (2515 Delisle, metro Lionel-Groulx), free. The workshops are on Saturday and Sunday, at the same location. Whispering translation is available at all events. For more info and schedules, visit http://anarchistbookfair.taktic.org. The Bookfair's organizing collective is still seeking volunteers. If interested, call 859-9090 or show up at the Bookfair Saturday morning around 8:30.