Accessibility
If you have any concerns during the Bookfair volunteers sitting at the welcome table are available for assistance.
The Victoria Anarchist Bookfair Collective actively strives to create an accessible event. We aim to avoid replicating the barriers in society that exclude and marginalize people. In line with our principles, we organize the Bookfair to challenge exclusions deriving from social oppression. We maintain:
- A policy of no alcohol or other drugs and we ask all participants to respect this and help us ensure our relationship with the venue remains solid.
- Wheelchair access to events: the hall is fully wheelchair accessible. The bathrooms are wheelchair accessible on both levels of the bookfair.
- A safe and welcoming event for children and their parents.
- Asking the public to wear masks at all times and locations for the duration of the bookfair to help diminish the spread of COVID-19. Free masks will be available for guests.
- An event free of smoke, nuts, and perfumes/scents, to enable a kid-friendly and accessible event for people who might have allergies, including allergies that are life-threatening.
- Journalists are escorted and ask permission before they take pictures.
- Respect everyone’s privacy. Before taking pictures and/or posting them online, ask for permission.
- All pets must remain outside and on leash. Only working/service dogs are welcome inside and they must stay near their human at all times.
- Free admittance (donations gratefully accepted, and all money supports future bookfairs).
Safer Space Policy
The dynamics of hierarchy, power and privilege that exist within society are also found among us. People participating in the Bookfair are asked to be aware of their language and behavior, and to think about whether it might be oppressive to others. The Bookfair is no space for violence, racism, ageism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, sizism, or touching another person without consent. Acting in a way that perpetuates oppression, including through language, will not be tolerated.
People participating should be aware of how they are presenting them self to insure their choice of aesthetic is not of cultures other than their own. The bookfair acknowledges that cultural heritage and identity is not always visible, we will not be discriminating based on appearance.
Our attempts to equalize access are made within the limits of current resources and therefore may not be perfect. However, we welcome suggestions for improvement and will do our best to implement them.
About the Space
Fernwood NRG is fully wheelchair accessible. The main entrance contains two sets of two glass doors. They open automatically with the press of a button. Entry to the gym on the lower level is gained through two windowless doors that are left open, depending on the weather. There is a carpeted ramp to gain access from the lower level to the upper level and it is wide enough for two people to walk side by side. The NRG is lit with fluorescent tubes. Signs will be posted on how to get to workshops and the gym, where vendors are located. Tables are arranged to allow room for wheelchairs.
Seats provided for workshops are plastic without arm rests. Some workshops fill up to standing room only: please prioritise seating for people that need it. Masks are mandatory to ensure the space remains accessible for immuno-compromised people. Free masks are available at the bookfair.
Parking is available on the street by the main entrance: people who have trouble walking long distances can be dropped off outside the gym. Bus 22 will drop you off 200m east of the venue on Fernwood Street.
A vegan meal will be served by Food Not Bombs free of charge.