Just Books has a long and proud history as an outlet for revolutionary ideas stretching back to the opening of the original shop at 7 Winetavern Street.

Established by anarchists in 1978 with no subsidies or grants Just Books has been collectively self-managed - by anarchists, feminists and a ragtag bunch of lefty, LGBTQI+ and progressive troublemakers - since it first appeared in Winetavern Street all those years ago.

Redevelopment may have closed the Winetavern Street premises in the 90s but we’ve kept going in various guises and venues. Infamous for bringing (not only) working-class, queer, feminist, punk and anti-oppression activists and young people together across the decades we and our fellow travellers are still doing that today.

We opened the original (A) Centre bringing acts like Crass and Poison Girls together with locals like Toxic Waste and the Defects. Our first benefit gig - organised by Terri Hooley - featured Derry’s own Undertones.

We campaigned and promoted knowledge of feminism, the environment, issues of race and class when everyone else’s focus was on the troubles. Not that we ignored that - we tackled issues of discrimination, militarism and oppression while all the time seeking to bring people together in opposition to injustice rather than furthering division. We provided books at cost to ALL prisoners and cannily recovered those that were banned by the authorities.

Back to punk and we assisted with the creation of Giros and Warzone - essential resources for youth, vegetarianism, veganism and (mostly) punk music throughout and beyond the troubles. Recently, perhaps with a little irony, our contribution to the struggle and advancement of LBGTQI+ issues was acknowledged with the inclusion of Just Books in the Pride stained glass window in Belfast city hall.

At stalls and irregularly in various premises whether tiny back rooms or larger shared spaces we have kept on promoting Just Books. Providing space for revolutionary groups and campaigns. Supporting workers in struggle

and the fight against oppression. Since May 2024 we have been peddling subversive and in particular anarchist literature (and other stuff) from a space in the (A) Centre, 6 Wellington Court, Belfast, BT1 6HW.