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A handbound book, the bottom half of mauve cover painted with a blue and gold abstract and leather strings closing the cover fold at the top and bottom.
A handbound book, the bottom half of mauve cover painted with a blue and gold abstract and leather strings closing the cover fold at the top and bottom.

Book, print & paper arts Book, print & paper arts

An annual celebration showcasing artists & makers in Peterborough, ON.

Home Events Paper 10th Annual Artspace Book & Zine Fest

10th Annual Artspace Book & Zine Fest

For two days only – Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Artspace presents its 10th Annual Book & Zine Fest, featuring the work of comics artists and graphic novelists, letterpress printers, zine makers, and many other book and paper arts makers, plus workshops! Presented with the Peterborough Public Library, in the Friends of the Library Room.

Come celebrate regional press, zine, comic & paper arts!

This cherished event is a wonderful opportunity to peruse and support local book and zine* artists. Book & Zine Fest is family-friendly and free to attend (with suggested donations to Artspace Peterborough). From notebooks to art prints and from graphic novels to poetry, there’s truly something for everyone.

For the 10th anniversary of their festival, Artspace’s presentation partnership with the Peterborough Public Library enables them to offer more vendors and programming opportunities for visitors than ever before.

Featured book & zine workshop

On Friday, May 1, the Fest presents the Nemoralis Book Making Workshop. The Nemoralis Book is based on a Medieval record book originally not created by bookbinders, but record keepers. The technique is somewhat experimental in nature and historically would have utilized found materials. The limp binding is based on a 16th century registry of a town’s lumber consumption. The cover is of folded construction, made from heavy paper and held closed with a leather cord. The sections of the book are sewn directly to the cover with a unique free-form sewing pattern that includes a final gathering.

This workshop will be led by expert bookbinder and instructor Stuart Hill, founder of George Hill & Co., an establishment devoted to the craft of bookbinding. Registration is required (see the Registration link below).

About Artspace

Founded in 1974 in Peterborough, ON, Artspace was one of the first artist-run centres in Canada – and remains a vital regional hub for the arts today. A non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to nurturing the development and presentation of new work from artists of all disciplines, they strive to produce thought-provoking exhibitions that engage with diverse cultural and political perspectives through collaboration with artists at all career stages, working in any medium. Read more about them and their history here.

* Zines are small publications – including text, art, collage, images, etc. – created and self-published by an individual, group or small press, with a limited print run and circulation.

A room set up for a book arts and zine fair, with vendors sitting or standing behind tables displaying their offerings, and visitors chatting as they explore the displays.

(Photo credits: Artspace.)

 

Event details

Presented by: Artspace, co-presented with the Peterborough Public Library 

Type of event: book & zine festival

Featured vendors & instructors: Stuart Hill (George Hill & Co.) & more

Dates: Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2, 2026

Times:

  • Nemoralis Book Making Workshop (Friday): 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM ET
  • Friday Festival hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
  • Saturday Festival hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET

Cost:

  • Festival: Free (with suggested donation to Artscape Peterborough)
  • Nemoralis Book Making Workshop: C$50.00 (suggested in-person donation)

Location: Peterborough Public Library, Main Library, Friends of the Library Room, 345 Aylmer Street North, Peterborough, ON, K9H 3V7

Registration for Nemoralis Book Making Workshop: Book your spot here.

Contact details: Artspace, 3-378 Aylmer Street North, Peterborough, ON, K9H 3V8, Canada; (705) 748-3883, gallery@artspaceptbo.ca, artspaceptbo.ca

 

Accessibility: Library accessibility info here.