Zine Collection 

The purpose of the Zine Collection at the Squamish Public Library is to provide the community with a variety of contemporary zines across a diversity of viewpoints and subject areas. Through this collection, the library also aims to encourage expression and creativity within the community.

The collection prioritizes zines made locally, and zines relevant to local issues, topics, and events.

What is a Zine?

A zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a DIY, low-budget, self-made, small publication. In a zine, anyone can write, print, and distribute their story, ideas, or art however they want to. Unlike traditional publishing, zines are the final product of the individual creator or group and are often copied and distributed at low cost using photocopiers.

There is no one commonly accepted definition of a zine, but for the purpose of our collection we define zines as:

  • Self-published.
  • Published in small quantities.
  • Not published solely for commercial profit.
  • A physical product. Some zines are published virtually, but we collect print copies only.

Selection Criteria

Selection of materials will follow the guiding principles in our Library Collection Policies (Policy Manual, Section 5). When selecting zines specifically, we will also consider:

Inclusion:

  • Zines that promote inclusivity, equity, and representation of diverse voices, cultures, and experiences.

Local Representation:

  • Priority will be given to zines created by local artists and those that highlight issues, topics, and events specific to the local community.

Relevance:

  • Zines that address current or enduring social, cultural, and political issues.

Physical Condition:

  • Zines that are in good physical condition.

Size:

  • Preference for zines no bigger than 5.5” x 8.5”.

Circulation

Zines will be available for browsing and reading in the library only, and not available to check-out. Zines are all fully catalogued and browsable here.

Browse Zines:

Donations 

Are you a zine-makers with a zine to donate to the library? We will happily consider including it in the Zine Collection! The library accepts zine donations but cannot guarantee that donated items will be added to the collection. Zines added to the collection must be in good condition and fit within our broader Library Collections Policies

Discards 

To keep the collection useful, the discarding of library materials is as important as the initial selection. This collection is not archival in nature and the library may discard zines that are deemed no longer appropriate for the collection based on relevancy and/or condition. 

Questions 

Please email library@squamish.ca for more info.

One eRead Canada 2025: Valid by Chris Bergeron

Starting on April 1, hundreds of participating Canadian public libraries will offer free, unlimited access to Valid by Chris Bergeron in eBook and Audiobook as part of One eRead Canada. Valid will be available in English and French without holds or waitlists throughout April 2025. 

About Valid

Set in a disturbingly transfigured Montreal in the year 2045, Valid is a monologue delivered over the span of eight hours by Christelle, a seventy-year-old trans woman forced to live as a man in order to survive. Speaking to her captor, an ever–more powerful AI, she turns the tables and mounts her own revolution by showing her truest self. Part autofiction, part dystopic speculation on an all-too-possible future characterized by corporate power, ecological collapse, and political havoc, Valid is an ambitious work that is as much philosophical as it is confessional.

About Chris Bergeron

Chris Bergeron is diverse and fluid: after beginning a career in journalism and eventually winding up at the helm of the weekly cultural magazine Voir, she now dedicates her artistic vitality to Cossette, a leading global marketing agency.

She offers speaking engagements on leadership, diversity, inclusion, and trans rights.

Chris lives in Montreal.

____

From April 1 through April 30, 2025, you’ll be able to download Valid as an eBook or audiobook  with no holds, no waitlists, via:

Join the Conversation

Join the Facebook group and the follow One eRead Canada on Instagram OneeReadCanada to chat about the book with other people across Canada who are also reading Valid.

There will also be two online events scheduled during the month: Stay tuned for links and info!

About One eRead Canada

Launched in 2019, One eRead Canada is an annual initiative by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) to promote digital reading through public libraries, while also raising awareness about issues that libraries face in providing access to eBooks and audiobooks.

Peach Myers: Light and Shadows

On now: March 17 – May 12.

Peach Myers, originally from the prairies, began her art career in Prince Rupert in 1996. A self-taught artist, she started with watercolors and soon focused on portraiture, including many commissions. In her first year, she held two solo shows.

Co-founding the Easel Weasels Artist Guild, she expanded her skills through workshops, exploring pastels and acrylics, especially for pet portraits. During Covid, Peach discovered Scratchboard art, captivated by the tonal effects it offered. Today, she is a member of the Squamish Art Council, Peace River Art Club, and Fairview Fine Art Centre.

Contact: Instagram | Email

These pieces and more can be found at the Foyer Gallery at the Squamish Public Library.

Chris O. Bennett: Sea to Sky Mountains

On Now: March 17 – May 12.

Chris O. Bennett is a contemporary landscape artist based in Squamish since 2016. Specializing in oil and watercolour painting, he captures the unique light and atmosphere of the high mountains, where solitude and nature converge.

Through his work, Bennett transports viewers into the scene, allowing them to experience the tranquility and inspiration of these moments. Using Winsor & Newton oil paints, he creates depth and dimension in his landscapes, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking views encountered during hikes in the surrounding wilderness.

Contact: Instagram | Email | Website

These pieces and more can be found at the Foyer Gallery at the Squamish Public Library.

Community Development and Outreach with CapU

Capilano’s University Community Development and Outreach Department (CDO) offers various programming to reach out to those not served by their campus based programs; those who are often socially excluded in many parts of our community.

CapU CDO Programs at the library:

  • Family Circle
  • Newcomer Conversation Circle
  • English Learners Book Club

Programs run September to June. Registration is all done via Capilano University.

For more info and to register, visit our event calendar.

Squamish Seed Library

The Squamish Public Library hosts Squamish Climate Action Network’s Seed Library.

The Seed Library is set up to be completely self-serve, and information about how to become a member, how to save seeds, and other local gardening resources are provided by Squamish CAN. The Seed Library located across from the front desk, next to the boardgames section.

Why have a Seed Library?

It enables us to collectively adapt seeds to our Squamish climate, so we will have homegrown varieties that grow well where we live. In the event that our global climate changes substantially, we hope that different communities can swap seeds that are adapted to growing well in different climates. Diversity means resilience!

How do I use the Seed Library?

For an optional annual donation of $5, anyone can become a member. A membership to the Seed Library grants you unlimited access to any of the seeds we have available.

  • Please take 2-3 seeds for every plant you intend to grow this season. Example: if you would like to grow 3 tomato plants this year, take 6 to 9 seeds. For super small seeds, take a pinch.
  • Squamish CAN provides envelopes for you to take your seeds home. Label your envelope with as much info as you can about the seed: the seed company or who grew them, year, variety, Latin name, days to maturity, any growing notes, etc., so that if you bring seeds back, you can pass on that info to the next grower.

How is the library organized?

The varieties are divided in 18 groups, you will see them written on the drawers and on the baskets inside the drawers.

The “Easy”, “Moderate”, and “Advanced” labels on each family indicate how easy it is to get true seed from the plants, not how easy the plant is to grow. Getting true seed means that the parent plant has not crossed with another variety, and the offspring plants will grow into the same plant as the parent. More info on that below.

How can I learn more?

Join the Squamish Seed Savers

Are you interested in collectively adapting seeds to our region to support biodiversity in our food system and community resilience?

If the answer is yes but you don’t quite know where to start or feel like you don’t have enough knowledge to do it, Squamish CAN is there to help!

If you are an avid seed saver already, please join them so they can plan community grow outs!

Get in touch with Squamish CAN

Contact Seed Library Manager, Marie-ève (marie-eve@squamishcan.net) to get started.

Squamish Zine Fest

The Squamish Public Library and Squamish Arts hosted the first ever Squamish Zine Fest on April 5, 2025.

Huge thanks to the incredible zine makers who shared their work! Watch this Rogers TV video feature or scroll down for photos of the event.

Photo credit: Brian Aikens

  • Saturday, April 5
  • 12:00 – 3:00 pm
  • Squamish Public Library, Community Meeting Room
  • Free

Come meet local zine-makers who will be displaying, selling, swapping, and talking about their zines! There will be all types and levels of zine-makers from the Sea-to-Sky and Lower Mainland areas.

Zine MakerConnect
Brian Addison Bennett | Pyramid SchemeInstagram | Website
Drea MoothuInstagram
Jocelyn BussieresInstagram
Jordyn BoydInstagram
Katie Perkins
Keely KidnerInstagram
Keenan Way
Maina PertolasInstagram | Website
March Losee | BloodMarchMakesInstagram | Website
Mark Perez + Gracelle Mesina | Made by TarantadosInstagram
Matthew SippleInstagram
Milly TigerlilyInstagram
Owen CornellWebsite
Rachel “Tuna” PetroviczInstagram | Website
Rachel LauInstagram | Website
Rawan Hassan Instagram
Riley DaviesWebsite
Shannon McLachlan | Fast as Fuck BikeInstagram | Website
Shoko Okurano

A zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a DIY, low-budget, self-made, small publication, that is not created solely for commercial profit. Zines can amplify underrepresented voices, challenge the cultural mainstream, and take many forms, from personal reflections to comics to social commentary. 

The library will also be unveiling our brand new Zine Collection. Zines will be available to read for in-library use.

This event is free and open to the public. Don’t forget to bring cash and change so you can buy some zines!

After-School Kids (ASK)

Don’t know what to do? Just ASK! After School Kids (ASK) is an after-school library program for kids in grades 1-6. 

ASK is a relaxed space to play games, explore the library’s collection, and get creative! At ASK, library staff will have a wide variety of crafting materials, a selection of games, and a reading nook. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay for as long or as short as they’d like. 

Visit our events calendar for upcoming ASK dates. All kids must be registered in advance of the program.  

ASK takes place in the Community Meeting Room at the Squamish Public Library. 

Details

  • After School Kids (ASK!) is for kids in grades 1-6.
  • ASK series are on Tuesdays between 3:30-4:30 pm. Check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay for as long or as short as they’d like.
  • Registration is required and you can register for multiple weeks at a time!
  • This program meets in the Community Meeting Room and library behavior is expected.
  • Space is limited, so please register to ensure there is a spot for you!

Storytimes at the Library

Family and Baby Storytimes are a great way to meet other parents and learn new songs and rhymes. The little ones will love the time spent with you and will learn important skills that help with language development and literacy.

Family Storytime:

  • Babies to preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome.
  • Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10:30-11:00am.

Baby Storytime:

  • Meet other new parents/caregivers and have fun with your baby.
  • Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:30am-12:00pm.

Join us for an interactive half-hour filled with singing, rhymes, movement, and of course, reading.

Registration is not required. Check out event calendar for cancellations.

Storytime Lyrics

Want to learn the lyrics? You can download them to use at home.

Reading Link Challenge

Reading Link Challenge (RLC) is an in-school reading program for grades 4–6, run in partnership with local elementary schools and the Fraser Valley Regional Library.

How it works:


Librarians from Fraser Valley Regional Library select six books for students to read throughout the year. After reading the books during the year, teams then compete in a live book trivia event in the spring.

The books are available at participating schools and at the library.

Reading Link Challenge takes place in Squamish elementary schools—ask your school librarian to join!

This challenge in Squamish is generously supported by Dana Fleming and Nancy Fearon at The Vision Wealth Management Company.

Call for Zine-Makers: Squamish Zine Fest

The Squamish Public Library and Squamish Arts invite local zine-makers to apply for the first annual Squamish Zine Fest.

The event will take place:

  • at the Squamish Public Library
  • Saturday, April 5, 2025
  • 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm for the public
  • Set-up starts at 11:15 am

Squamish Zine Fest is a community event that celebrates zines and DIY culture. We want to create a space that promotes expression, accessibility, learning new skills, and making new connections within our community.

The library will also be launching our new Zine Collection at this event.

All types of zine-makers are welcome and encouraged to apply. Zines must remain the focus of your table, but if you are bringing other goods to sell they must be approved in advance.

Details:

  • Zine-makers are expected to:
    • Set up their display
    • Stay for the full three hours
    • Bring their zines to display, sell, swap, and talk about
  • The hosts will provide tables, chairs, refreshments
  • If you would like to have table space with another zine-maker, you can apply as a group
  • Table space is free

How to apply:

Send an email with the subject line “Squamish Zine Fest” to rbergquist@squamish.ca.

Please include:

  • A brief bio
  • Description of your zine/s
  • Any website or handle you want included in promotion
  • How much table space you require:
    • Option: ½ table (2.5′ x 2.5′) and full table (2.5′ x 5′)
  • Answer the following questions:
    • Will you be selling your zines?
    • Would you like to sell other items as well?
  • If you’re applying as a group or collective, please provide contact information for everyone

Deadline:

  • Monday, March 17, 2025

If you have any questions, email Rachel at rbergquist@squamish.ca.

The library aims to create an accessible environment for everyone. If there are accommodations that would make it easier for you to apply, please let us know.


Terms and Conditions

Interested artists are advised that the Squamish Public Library is not obliged to select any artist or accept any of the artists’ proposals and may reject all proposals. Each artist is advised, and by the submission of a proposal, agrees that the Squamish Public Library will not be responsible for any costs, expenses, losses, damages (including damages for loss of anticipated profit) or liabilities incurred by the artist as a result of or arising out of submitting a proposal, or due to the Squamish Public Library’s acceptance or non-acceptance of their proposal, or arising out of any contract award not made in accordance with the expressed or implied terms of the artist call. Until a written contract in a form satisfactory to the Squamish Public Library is executed by both the Library and artist, and all necessary insurance coverage is secured, no legal rights or responsibility shall be created between the artist and the Library.

Confidentiality of Submitted Documents

The Library will make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of each application and the  information contained therein except to the extent necessary to communicate information to staff for the purposes of evaluation and analysis. The Library will not release any of this information to the public except as required under the Province of British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other legal disclosure process.

Zoë Evamy and Susan Remnant: Hidden Worlds

Zoë Evamy’s expressive acrylic paintings capture the elusive world of wild birds in their habitat, while Susan Remnant reveals unexpected beauty and organic transformation through jewelry and sculpture. Together, they invite us to examine the delicate balance between fragility and resilience, permanence and metamorphosis and to celebrate our connection to the environment around us.

Zoe Evamy

Acrylic paintings of wild birds and their habitat.

Susan Remnant

Jewelry and sculpture.

Buy a Library Tote Bag

Check out our new Squamish Public Library’s tote bags with artwork by Squamish-based artist Steffi Lai!

These tote bags have an inside pouch, key clip, and top zipper. There’s room to hold so many books.

How much? 

  • $30.00

Where to buy?  

To purchase, please come to the library front desk. We accept cash, credit, or debit.

All proceeds go to supporting the Squamish Public Library. 


About the Artist – Steffi Lai

A lot of Steffi Lai’s work is motivated by her passion for illustration. She incorporates this with her arts education background and her interests into her projects, and she values the importance of art foundations in design.

She is lucky to have been able to grow up here in the pacific northwest, where her current inspirations come from – its lush forests, majestic mountains, dark mysterious oceans, and the many creatures that dwell within them.

She has always found an appreciation for the life cycles of the natural world, finding beauty in decay and its contribution to new growth. When she’s not illustrating or designing, she loves to drink tea, venture outside, climb rocks, delve into true crime and the macabre, and collect all things cute, strange, and unusual. Steffi is humbled and grateful to be able to live and work in Squamish, BC, which is located within the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw traditional territories. 

The Mill: Multimedia Art Exhibit

The Mill is an ongoing multimedia investigation into the forestry industry in British Columbia by artist Russell Gendron. The project uses sound-art and quilting to highlight first hand accounts of workers’ experiences in forestry on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory and around the province.

Visitors to the exhibit will hear sounds and stories associated with working in forestry including, environmental soundscapes, music made from machine noises and voices talking about daily tasks, industry closures, first experiences at work and much more. 

Also on display are quilts made from forestry worker’s clothing. These quilts are made from donated materials and help bring the personal and intimate nature of the voices and sounds into the physical realm. 

Find more detailed information about this project, and listen to the sound piece here.

On display now until November 16, 2024.


About the Artist:

Russell Gendron is an artist whose practice includes music, quilting, sound mapping and photography. He enjoys wandering around and chatting with others and then trying to translate this subtle and serene material into art. 

Born in Vancouver, from ages eleven to sixteen Russell worked at a sawmill during the summers and on weekends. This was a formative period for him and inspired his project The Mill. He lives in Montreal.

Thomasina Pidgeon: Humans

Thomasina Pidgeon is a passionate photographer who uses her art to capture meaningful moments that reflect the intricacies of our culture and society. Through her work, Thomasina aims to spark conversations about social and political issues, encouraging self-reflection on the roles we all play within existing power structures.

In her latest series, she seeks to portray the humanity of individuals she encounters, sharing their stories and emotions to foster empathy and understanding. Thomasina’s art is intended for everyone, particularly those who may judge or misunderstand the lives of others. She invites viewers to see the commonality in human experiences—love, laughter, pain, and belonging.

Through her lens, Thomasina Pidgeon invites us to reflect on our world, urging us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Contact: Website | Instagram

Squamish Nature Learners: We Love Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound)

“We Love Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound)” was created by the students at Squamish Nature Learners to honor Átl’ka7tsem. Collaborating with Elder Carver Art Harry, the students crafted these pieces to show their appreciation for Howe Sound and to acknowledge the unceded territory of the Squamish Nation. The art pieces celebrate Átl’ka7tsem that is central to our community.

Squamish Nature Learners is a K-7 forest school. The central themes of the school include land based learning, community, and learning from Squamish Nation Elders (Sisolia, See Appl-tun, and Tsawaysia).

Laurence Ramsay: Unlicensed Optimism

BC born multi-disciplinary artist and author Laurence Ramsay, creates surrealist hope-punk, solar-punk, and neo-futurist inspired works that seek to blend the line between where the urban and natural meet.

Believing as an artist that we as a society won’t move forward until we can find a peaceful merger between technological advancement and living in rhythm with the natural cycles of our planet, his work is inspired by aspects drawn from the beauty of the natural world, geometry, urban cityscapes, street art and urban movement practices, pagan spirituality and witchcraft, death, fringe subcultures, and the queer experience of living on the edges of society.

Ramsay uses spray paint, utilizing street art techniques drawn from graffiti and street art, as well as improvisational flow techniques, and general controlled chaos to bring his vibrantly coloured canvases to life.

Laurence Ramsay’s debut novel KYN is on sale now wherever books are sold.

Contact: Email | Instagram

Foyer Gallery Fundraiser 2024

The display cases and north wall of the Foyer Gallery are filled with beautiful artwork for our annual fundraiser art exhibit!

Donate for a chance to win art!

Make an online donation to become a “Friend of the Gallery” and receive:

  • Entry into a random draw for a piece of art
  • A tax receipt for the value of your donation
  • Recognition in the Gallery
  • Special notice of current and upcoming exhibitions

On September 9th there will be a random draw for a chance to win one of the 30+ pieces of artwork created by our Foyer artists and others.

Suggested minimum donation of $30.

The Foyer Gallery and the Squamish Public Library thank you for your support.

July is Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the strength and diversity of individuals with disabilities.

Over 1 billion people comprise the global disability community, the most expansive and diverse minority group globally. People with disabilities are represented by all ages, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and socio-economic brackets.

Did you know that 27% of Canadians over the age of 15 have a disability, and that over 50% are expected to experience a disability at some point in their lives?

At our library, we invite you to learn more about disabilities through our dedicated book display and by taking our quiz. Test your knowledge and discover new insights!

Explore our diverse booklists:

Accessibility at the Library

Accessibility at the library is a priority for us. We strive to ensure that our space and services are accessible to everyone, including those with print disabilities. Learn more about our accessibility features and specialized services.

Celebrate With Us!

Visit us to explore a diverse collection of books, films, and resources that promote pride, understanding, and inclusion. Join us in honoring Disability Pride Month as we strive to build a more inclusive community together!

Summer Reading Club – World of Curiosities

BC Summer Reading Club is a free literacy program designed to engage children who’ve completed Kindergarten with libraries and reading, throughout the summer.

This year’s BC Summer Reading Club theme is World of Curiosities!  It features artwork by Victoria-based children’s illustrator and teacher Meneka Repka.

How to participate?

  • Pick up your reading record any time after June 27, 2024 and start reading!
  • Record your reading every day to become eligible to win prizes at our weekly draw. Prizes include toys, games, books, food coupons, and much more.
  • Read all summer and receive a medal at our award ceremony in August.

EVENTs: WOrld of Curiosities

  • Every Wednesday in July and August between 1:00 – 2:00 pm there are free drop-in events in the Community Meeting Room.
  • Daily activities like crafts, puzzles, scavenger hunts in the children’s area. There will always be something happening there!
  • Special events throughout the summer.

Stay tuned to our event calendar for more information!

SUMMER READING CLUB BOOKLISTS

Stay up-to-date

Sign up for the library newsletter to hear about other upcoming events.