What are zines?

Zines (pronounced "zeen," like "bean") are self-published - often via photocopier - magazines with limited print runs. They typically provide an individualistic or alternative point of view. The zine collection currently lives at the Olympia and Lacey Timberland Libraries. You can also search for zines in the catalog and request them to be sent to the Timberland library of your choice.

We purchase zines that we have found to be of general interest to the readers in our communities with an emphasis on local and Northwest zines. We collect zines in over 40 subject areas, including: Activism, Body Image, Comics, Disabilities, DIY & How-to, Elderly, Feminist, Food, Homelessness, Humor, LGBTQ, Literature & Poetry, Music, Parenting, Punk, & Teen zines.

Timberland also accepts zine donations that fit our collection guidelines, and we place an emphasis on zines that were created locally. If we decide that a zine isn’t right for our collection, we give the zines back or donate them elsewhere, based on your preference.

For questions about the zine collection contact zines@trl.org.