Zines, short for fanzines, are self-published works that have given voice to grassroots movements, subcultures, and marginalized communities for nearly a century. From their beginnings in 1930s science fiction fandom to their vital role in the punk, feminist, and LGBTQ+ movements of the 1970s and ’80s till today, zines have been and continue to be a powerful medium for DIY creativity and political expression. The rise of photocopying and other accessible technologies helped fuel zine production, enabling widespread distribution of alternative ideas outside mainstream media.

This presentation will explore the cultures that created zines and the technological shifts that enabled their growth. It will also showcase examples of zines held by the NYS Library.

Presented by Elizabeth Jakubowski, a senior librarian in the Manuscripts and Special Collections unit of the NYS Library.

This public program is made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which enable the New York State Library to champion lifelong learning.