Reed Zine Library O-Week FAQ
What is the Reed Zine Library:
The Reed Zine Library is located within the Reed Library. We have a collection that prioritizes zines on/by the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, poverty, and anticapitalism, the Reed community, social justice, and more. We also run many zine-related events throughout the semester.
What is a zine?
Zines (pronounced “ZEEN” not “ZYNE”) are independently produced magazines (where the name comes from) created in the 1930s-60s for fans of science fiction. Zines then spread to in DIY, political, and punk communities as a cheap and effective way to spread information. A zine can be anything from a single folded piece of paper with pencil doodles, a black and white photocopied account of mutual aid resources, to a risographed, hand-bound, epic poem about the Dashcon Ballpit (not a real example…yet). The only essential parts in creating a zine are a folded physical medium and an idea.
Can you check out zines from the Reed Library?
Yes! Our large and growing collection of zines can be checked out just like any book in the Reed Library by bringing them to the circulation desk. The only difference is that Zines cannot be stamped with the due date, so be sure to keep track (and avoid eventual fines) by checking your email for due date notifications or looking at My Record under My Library Account on the Reed library website (library.reed.edu).
What events does the Reed Zine Library have?
The Zine Library hosts a semi-weekly Zine Club meeting at the tables located right next to the Zine Library. Snacks, craft supplies, and community are provided!
The Reed Zine Library is hosting an open house on September 18 from 3:00-5:00 pm outside of the Reed Zine Library. There will be snacks, a zine-making event, and a raffle with a chance to win a long-armed stapler! Come meet other zine-interested people and the Reed Zine Library staff.
Reed Zine Fest is an annual event organized by the Zine Library where zine creators from Reed and throughout the PNW come together to share and sell their zines. The first Zine Fest this March had special guests James Spooner, Olivia Olivia, and Erin Moore, who each held talks and/or workshops. Fundraising for Reed Zine Fest 2025 is ongoing to be able to invite special guests, but the event itself is confirmed for March 2025.
The Reed Zine Library has events like visiting writers and craft events throughout the year, so look out for posters and follow @reedzinelibrary on Instagram for updates!
Into The Fold
The Reed Zine Library’s display of visually interesting zines by and about marginalized identities is located in the clear display cases in the Periodical Reading Room of the Reed Library. The display will only be up until the end of the first week of classes, so be sure to check it out soon!
What are ways to get involved?
Create a zine! Look out for a zine about Reed Zine Resources being passed around during O-Week for information on supplies (like a risograph in the Visual Resource Center) that Reed provides to help in the creation of your zines. To submit your zine to the Reed Zine Library, fill out our zine submission form (https://tinyurl.com/zinesubmissionform) and leavedrop a physical copy of your zine at the Circulation Desk c/o Reed Zine Library or mail it to Reed Zine Library, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202. Email chiua@reed.edu with any questions.
Volunteer at Zine Fest! Zine Fest cannot happen without help. We need volunteers to put up signs, run the Zine Library table, and more. If you’re interested, more information about volunteering will be available in early 2025 and you can also email chiua@reed.edu with questions.
Apply to be an intern! The Reed Zine Library hires interns, prioritizing underclassmen. The interns have in the past put together displays, organized the Zine Library, run the Zine Club, and more. We may or may not be hiring more people for the 2024-25 school year, so look out for an application on Handshake for this year or the future!