This summer, with generous support from YALSA and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach, NY, hosted a hands-on workshop for teens to collaborate and have fun while making their very own zine. The library offered The Zine Project as a five-week workshop for teens in 7th-12th grade on Tuesdays for two hours each night in the month of July. A librarian and professional artist facilitated the workshop. Together they emphasized a safe space environment and encouraged the teens to express themselves however they desired through drawing, art, collage and writing. This program was developed along with Nicole Rambo, Youth Services Librarian at the Middle Country Public Library.
Type: Self-directed
Age: Middle school
Optimal size: 11-20
Estimated cost: $51 - $100
Planning time: 2-5 hours
Frequency: Weekly
Learning outcomes
Teens will work together in a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for collaboration and conversation, practicing their literacy skills in a casual, fun environment. Opportunities to share personal zine projects will foster a sense of community and belonging among participants. As stated in Teen Services Competencies for Library Staff (YALSA, 2017), best practices for interacting with teens include “creat[ing] opportunities for all teens to express their needs and interests in a non-judgmental and welcoming environment.” By supporting teens in creating their own zine publications in facilitated groups, we will provide them a venue to share their voices and learn how to self-publish their creative work.
Instructions
Supplies –
Pencils
Rulers
Micron .2 mm pens (various colors)
Sharpie Markers
Copy paper
Rendr Paper (a few sheets)
Long arm stapler
Color Copy Machine
At the very first session, facilitators defined what a “zine” is for any teens that were not already aware: a small, self-published handmade magazine or mini-comic on any topic or interest. Then, teens received a short history lesson on zines, learned how to fold and lay out a zine, and learned tips on self-publishing and copyright. Then they were on their own to create, with guidance if needed.
Week 1: History of zines, layout of a zine/comic book, types of zines, begin brainstorming what kind of zine to create
Week 2: Begin designing zine, decide on images, layout/drawing
Week 3: Photocopier lesson, continue creating zine, scan and save digital copy of zine
Week 4: Wrap-up and make final copies for distribution
Week 5: Showcase work
*Facilitators allotted extra time for the teens to work on their zine projects to ensure they had enough preparation to get their zines ready for the fifth and final session, a culminating “Zine Showcase” to show off their finished work for family and friends. Each “zinester” (i.e. any person that creates a zine!) had their own themed table and teens had the freedom to set up and decorated their table in a way that would best reflect themselves and their zine. It was the perfect environment for teen participants to practice conversing with new people who were not familiar with their zines, the zine-making process and zine culture in general.
Evaluation
Parents remarked that the teens were working and collaborating at home and they appreciated that it gave them something fun to focus on during the summer. They also really liked that the library provided them an opportunity to show off their work in a unique way that allowed them to talk about it with others.
The teens commented, “My favorite part was showing off my art,” and, “I loved hanging out with my friends and writing.” Everyone involved left feeling that they had accomplished something truly special. Due to the program’s success at the Middle Country Public Library and our new following of official “zinesters” we have established a monthly Zine Club meetup that will begin in October.
*When adapting this program, please note all of the art supplies listed are optional. This program can be conducted by simply using copy paper, a stapler, pens/pencils and access to a copy machine.
*Some teens may require extra time outside of regularly scheduled meetings to finish up their work.
Other resources
Barnard Zine Library https://zines.barnard.edu
Todd, Mark. Whatcha Mean, What’s a Zine? The Art of Making Zines and Mini-Comics. Boston: Graphia, 2006.
Wrekk, Alex. Stolen Sharpie Revolution 2: A DIY Resource for Zines and Zine Culture. A.K. Distribution, 2009.