You can now check out zines by local and BIPOC creators from the East 38th Street Zine Collection at your favorite branch. Simply search for and request a zine through our catalog just as you would any other type of reading material.
A zine (short for magazine) is often a self-published or small run publication of a specific interest collection of stories, pictures, and comics. Zines provide an alternative point of view that may not be expressed by traditional media or publishers. Zines “embrace individual expression” and “can be thought of as a direct link to an individual’s opinion, personality, or interpretation of the world.” (Stoddart, R.; Kiser, T. "Zines and the Library" Library Resources & Technical Services vol. 48, no. 3, 2013, p. 191-198.)
Established in 2021, the East 38th Street Zine Collection was created to expand the number of available reading materials for Library patrons who are seeking different perspectives closer to their own. This collection supports the Library’s mission to provide access to additional material formats written by and for BIPOC through our commitment to racial equity and inclusion. The Collection currently contains cose to 600 zines available for checkout.
One of our local zine-making partners, Face A Face Collective, shared this coloring sheet made from the cover of their art & literature zine. Face A Face Collective focuses on elevating marginalized voices in Indianapolis.
Made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Check Out a Zine?
You can check out a zine from any Indianapolis Public Library location by placing it on hold in the catalog. Assuming the title you want isn’t already checked out to someone else, it will be transferred to your chosen branch in about three days. The Zine Collection is available to browse in person at the East 38th Street Branch, and you can always stop by to check them out there, if you don’t want to wait for a zine to be sent to you.
Can I return a Zine to any branch?
Yes, zines may be returned to any Indianapolis Public Library location or drop box.
How long is the checkout period for the zines?
The checkout period for zines is 21 days.
How do I get my Zine added to this collection?
What Zines are part of the collection?
The Zine Collection currently contains close to 600 titles with a focus on local and BIPOC zine creators. It is divided into genre categories including anthologies, art, comics, fanzines, games, infozines, literature, and perzines (personal zines). View the titles available in the Zine Collection.