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S A T U R D A Y

Unlike indie rock labels, small presses don’t often have a hip veneer. Those who create paperbacks in their basements are perceived as subversive, bookwormy types rather than freewheeling DIY artists—and a glut of slick new-agey tomes, self-published poetry chapbooks, and half-baked conspiracy volumes tends to bear out this stereotype. Yet an independent spirit thrives, and there are low-budget gems to be found at today’s Second Annual Mid-Atlantic Small Press Book Fair. Writers including David Haynes, Rita Cerisi, and Mike Agar will read from their work; performance artist Diana Tokaji will lecture and dance; and kids can attend storytelling and puppet-show events. At 1:30 p.m. at the Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda. FREE. (301) 654-8664. (Nathalie op de Beeck)