Radical Spaces #145
Compiled by Jesse D. Palmer
Boy do we need radical and DIY third spaces right now for face-to-face community — unmediated by corporations, hierarchical structures and their computer networks. At best, they’re repositories of home-spun practices and values that prioritize human beings, pleasure, beauty, creativity, freedom, love and the earth over mindless competition, conformity and greed. They can also provide a framework for decentralized mobilization and mutual aid in times of crisis. Here’s a few new spaces Slingshot has learned of since we published the 2027 Slingshot organizer contact list. Wouldn’t your life be fuller if you plugged into a space near you? We post updates online at slingshotcollective.org.
Mind Virus Counter Culture Books & Media – Fargo, ND
Book and zine store highlighting the “weird and obscure” that hosts events. 124 8th St N, Fargo, ND 58102 701-515-9688
Wheelhouse – Salt Lake City, UT
An infoshop with a lending library, radical bookstore, arts gallery and community space that hosts mutual aid organizing, talks, films and events. 451 E. Broadway, 2nd Level, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 385-549-3298 wheelhousesaltlake.org
Confluence Paducah – Paducah, KY
A book and record store that aims to be a “sober third place … inspired by the capacity of music and literature to bring people together.” They host community events and live music and genre-specific evenings (Tues: Metal!, Wed: Punk, Hardcore, Thurs: Indie, Folk, Alt-Rock, Fri: Electronic, Sat: Hip-Hop, R&B, Sun: Classic Rock, 60s, 70s, 80s). 311 Broadway St. First Floor Paducah, KY 42001 270-594-0312 confluencepaducah.com
Iron Rail Infoshop & Aboveground Zine Library – New Orleans, LA
Radical bookshop with a book and zine library that hosts events. They’ve reopened (again) at a new space! 4210 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Cimarrón Cooperative – Austin, TX
An arts and education cooperative that hosts music, screenings, skillshares, talks, mutual aid and social events. 5703 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
Earthbound Books – Brooklyn, NY
A bookshop that hosts music and events. “Humans are not going to Mars. We are Earthbound Forever. Yet most of us have no idea how to live here sustainably, let alone in harmony with nature.” They try to have “all the knowledge critical to the long-term survival of humans and all other species.” 148 Flushing Ave Brooklyn, NY 11205 212-965-9334
Lynchburg Punk Rock Flea Market (PRFMLYH) – Richmond, VA
DIY market featuring books, zines, food and crafts that hosts community events. “A safe space in a conservative city.” 1300 Court Street #2, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Village Green Foundation/Mobo Bicycle Co-op – Cincinnati OH
A bike kitchen with tools, parts and mechanics to help you fix your own bike and promote cycling. They also have a community room that hosts events and a People’s Garden community garden. “We believe passionately in shared community resources, increased self-sufficiency and advocating for a healthier and greener world.” 1415 Knowlton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223
Boxelder Community Room – Cincinnati, OH
A community room / artist studios that hosts events. 4573 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223 cinboxelder@proton.me
LoLoBee’s Lounge – Bay City, MI
Coffee and tea lounge that hosts event “fostering arts, passion, and community!” 106 S. Linn St., Unit A, Bay City, MI 48706, 989-316-1339 lolobees.com
Black Oak – Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
An anarchist social space with a book and zine library that hosts weekly drop-in hours, reading groups and discussions. 492 James Street North, Hamilton, Ontario L8L 1J1 Canada north-shore.info/black-oak-anarchist-social-space/
Crossroads Women’s Centre – London, UK
A women’s center that is the home of 15 different groups supporting women, including single mothers, sex workers, refugees, migrants, and women with disabilities. They host meetings, social events, workshops, films and exhibitions. They also provide training and resources for self-help groups to grow. 25 Wolsey Mews, London NW5 2DX crossroadswomen.net
May Day Rooms – London, UK
Radical historical archive and resource space that hosts film screenings, poetry readings, historical talks, discussion and reading groups, and social nights for social movements, experimental and marginal cultures and their histories. 88 Fleet Street London, EC4Y 1DH. maydayrooms.org
Pelican House – London, UK
A meeting and event space and social center for “worker organizing, movement building, experimental arts & culture” operated by a 22 resident organizations such as the London Renters Union and Coal Action Network. They host countercultural events, fundraisers, socials, talks, workshops, film screenings, community meals and coffee mornings. 144 Cambridge Heath Road, London E1 5QJ pelicanhouse.org
Casino for Social Medicine – Berlin, Germany
Anti-capitalist café and bar collective that hosts events, meetups, and mutual aid clinics. Sonnenallee 100, 12045 Berlin, Germany casinoooo.org
Luna16 – Vilnius, Lithuania
Radical community center with a library, print-workshop, kitchen, projector and meeting space that hosts events. Šeimyniškių g. 16, Vilnius, 09312 Lithuania
Maiznica60 – Rīga, Latvia
Autonomous community center that hosts events Valērijas Seiles iela 12, Rīga, Latvia, LV-1003 IG: maiznica60
Bonus: places queers or POC might feel comfortable in Wyoming
• Night Heron Books in Laramie, WY
• Lander Bar and Grill in Lander, WY
Changes to the 2027 Slingshot Organizer
• The Punk Truck Shop has moved and is now located at 509 W. Spring St. Ste. 225 Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-935-3048.
• The mailing address of the Las Vegas Zine Library has changed to PO box 60151 Las Vegas, NV 89160.
• The Queery at 46 George St, Brighton BN2 1RJ England 07539 379069 is defunct.