A Guide to Zine Libraries in the Pacific Northwest and Beyond
What is a zine? Short for “Fanzine” a zine is a self published magazine. While topics range a great deal, they are generally outside the mainstream. Zines usually have a small run, a low budget and are self distributed.
So naturally, a zine library is a place where those are collected, sorted and available to view and in some cases check out.
Zine Library vs. Infoshop
Our guide includes listings for both zine libraries and info shops. The major difference between the two is that Infoshops often carry all forms of alternative media and usually include zines, whereas zine libraries will occasionally contain other media that is closely related to zine production such as a book printed as a compilation of zines or an audio zine. Infoshops also tend to have a distinct radical or anarchist leaning.
We didn’t include zine stores, collective bookstores or distros. Although we are in full support of those, we wanted a reference guide to places where zines can be accessed by everyone. Some libraries are housed in book/record stores. If you’re interested in shopping, your friendly local zine librarian should be able to point you in the direction of the best place to go.
Zine Fest in Olympia, WA
Along with creating this website we have been working to create a zine festival for the next westside Artswalk. It will be on blah blah and will feature speakers and workshops T.B.A.
