Zines, short for fanzines, are small, self-published booklets made with simple materials like paper, pens, and a photocopier. Their DIY spirit gives space to diverse, independent, and marginalized voices, making them a powerful tool for personal expression and community storytelling. Whether personal, political, artistic, or just plain fun, zines give creators full control over how they express themselves and offer readers an authentic window into experiences they might never encounter otherwise.
Upcoming Event
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
In this creative workshop, author and creator Shay Mirk will talk about the history of zine-making in the United States and how people have always been interested in publishing their own creative work. Then you will have the opportunity to make a mini-zine of your own from a collective prompt. Register Now.
Recommended Reads
Make A Zine!: Start Your Own Underground Publishing Revolution
Stolen Sharpie Revolution: A DIY Resource for Zines and Zine Culture
Explore Zine Collections
At the Library
- Sno-Isle Libraries - Zines.
- Seattle Public Library - Zapp Zine Collection, opens a new window
- Timberland Regional Library - Zine Collection, opens a new window
Available Online
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Library of Virginia: Zines and Self-Published Materials
A zines resource guide created for Archives Month 2023. -
Indiana University Bloomington: Digital Zine Collections
An introduction to zines giving a brief overview of the history of the medium, some tips for creating your own zines, and listing different local zine resources. -
Library of Congress: Zine Web Archive
Collection priorities include zines by people of color, women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ and transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and organizations. -
Internet Archive: Zine Collections, opens a new windowCollection of zines in the Internet Archive.
