Toronto Hosts Second Anti-Capitalist Book Fair, Sparking Dialogue

The second annual Anti-Capitalist Book Fair took place in Toronto on October 19, 2024, providing a platform for activists and readers to explore progressive literature. Organized by the Camilo Cahis Marxist Publishing House, the event aimed to connect leftists, curious attendees, and seasoned activists with a diverse array of socialist and communist literature.

Christina Olanick, a graphic designer and organizer with the publishing house, noted a growing demand for these ideas. “There’s a real hunger for socialist and communist ideas,” she explained, emphasizing the urgency of the fair. Olanick highlighted critical global issues, such as the climate crisis and ongoing conflicts, stating, “The status quo is clearly broken, but…what can we do about it?”

The inaugural fair drew nearly 20 publishers, magazines, political organizations, and independent artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere for discussion and exploration. Attendees had the opportunity to browse books from AK Press and engage with organizations like the Democratic Socialists of Canada.

Activism Through Literature

One notable participant was Sick Stories, a Toronto-based radical bookstore dedicated to amplifying works by disabled authors. Sophie Lyons, founder of Sick Stories, shared the organization’s evolution from a blog to workshops on workplace accessibility, and eventually into publishing. “Many forms of activism aren’t accessible for a lot of folks with disabilities,” Lyons remarked, describing the fair as a space for education and community engagement.

The Chief Operating Officer of Sick Stories, Bella Iannetta, pointed out the role of literature in activism. “We’re seeing the rise of fascism, racism, homophobia, south of the border, and we’re seeing that trickle up north as well,” Iannetta stated. They underscored the importance of confronting discrimination against marginalized communities within Canada.

Olanick echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the wealth of revolutionary thought available in literature. “We have 200 years of revolutionary experience that we can draw from that are in these books,” she noted. “It’s really important for us to learn from those, to learn from the past, so that we can build a better future.”

Building Community and Inspiring Change

The fair not only aimed to distribute literature but also to foster community connections and inspire action. Olanick, Iannetta, and Lyons expressed a shared hope that attendees would engage with the ideas presented and become involved in activism. “Marx said that the philosophers have only interpreted the world. The point, however, is to change it,” Olanick concluded, encapsulating the fair’s mission.

The Anti-Capitalist Book Fair serves as a testament to the growing interest in alternative economic and social ideas. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the event aims to spark dialogue and action among those seeking solutions to pressing global issues. As interest in progressive literature continues to rise, events like these may play a crucial role in shaping future discussions and movements.