Library Stuff

NYT – “ON a trip to an indie bookstore in Brooklyn in the summer, I came across a curious creation: a small, black-and-white publication that consisted entirely of snapshots of Lindsay Lohan, known for her movie roles in “Mean Girls” and “The Parent Trap,” and, more recently, for her well-publicized courtroom appearances. This print tribute to Ms. Lohan, called Lindzine, reignited my obsession with zines — mini-magazines that are generally made by hand and are available only in small quantities. It’s a passion I’ve had since my teens, though one I’d neglected in recent years.”

Wicked Local – “After more than four years in Harvard Square, the Papercut Zine Library has found a new home in Somerville. When the library reopens next week, patrons will once again be able to borrow a variety of independently produced media, dealing with everything from politics to the author’s private thoughts. “We have a pretty broad definition of ’zines,’” said Clara Hendricks, a member of the collective that runs Papercut. “They’re independent or underground, sometimes handmade, publications. We do have some glossy printed magazines, but they are all independent. The vast majority of our collection is photocopied, handmade. We archive some of that stuff that you wouldn’t find at the public library.”

Take a look at this piece in the Boston Globe on ‘zines and how they get cataloged. I found it fascinating.