Zine Collection
What is a zine?
A zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a DIY, low-budget, self-made small publication.
Zines are for anybody to write, print, and share their ideas or art on their own terms. Unlike traditional publishing, most zines are self-published by an individual or small group. They are often photocopied in limited quantities and distributed at low cost. It’s self-expression over commercial profit.
Zines can amplify underrepresented voices, challenge the cultural mainstream, and take many forms, from personal reflections to comics to social commentary.
Browse our Zine Collection
Find our Zine Collection on display near the front entrance, to the left of the information desk. Zines are for in-library use only and cannot be checked out.
Our Zine Collection prioritizes local creators and showcases diverse viewpoints and subjects. By sharing these labour-of-love publications, we aim to encourage expression and creativity!
Explore by category
Donate zines to the Library
Are you a local zine-maker with a zine to donate to the Library? We will happily consider including it in the Zine Collection! We accept zine donations but cannot guarantee that donated items will be added to the collection. Zines must be in good condition and fit within our broader Library Collections Policies. Contact us to learn more about donating zines.
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 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”.
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.
Contact us
Squamish Zine Fest
Along with Squamish Arts, the Library has been hosting an annual Squamish Zine Fest since 2025. We welcome all types and levels of zine-makers from the Sea-to-Sky and Lower Mainland areas at this event.
Huge thanks to the incredible zine makers who share their work! Watch this Rogers TV video feature or scroll down for photos of the event.
Squamish Zine Fest 2026 will take place on Saturday, February 21.
- Abby Gardner
- Alison Woodward
- Annie Canto
- Brian Addison Bennett / Pyramid Scheme
- Brian Hockenstein
- Dionne Co
- Ingrid Veilleux
- It’s 1958
- Jeliane Curtis and Lucy Daniell
- Keely Kidner, Milo Kidner, and Nathanael Fournier
- Keenan Way / Loose Threads
- Maina Pertolas
- Malika Bindra
- Maya Uemura
- Natalie Hapeshi & Hannah Hubbard
- Saltwater Writers’ Collective
- Sean Easton
- The Tarantados
