A zine (/ziːn/ ZEEN; short for magazine or fanzine) is a small-circulation, self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images that often give voice to small, local underrepresented or marginalized communities. Zines are created and reproduced at a much smaller scale, and include everything from comics and DIY self-help guides to personal stories, nonfiction, and more. 

Zines trace a long history, from their origins in 30s  sci-fi culture, through the punk culture of the 70s, and a resurgence in the 90s under riot grrrl, to today, where there are more voices and ideas being published than ever before. The Library’s zine collection covers a wide and diverse range of voices and topics from cooking and crafts, to psychology and politics. You can find it in The Commons on the second floor of the Downtown Library.

Interested in having your zine added to the collection? Submit a copy for consideration at any information desk. 

 

Zines? In My Library?

Zines and flowers outside of the library. The title of the images says "zines"

This year the Library launched a circulating collection of zines, the seeds of which were donated to the Library through the generosity of Boxcar Books. This collection continues to grow through purchases and donations and is now comprised of almost 400 titles.

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