Zines, the beloved self-published, small-circulation magazines, continue to thrive in the digital age, showcasing independent thought and artistic expression.
DIY publications have been pivotal in various cultural movements, from the literary journals of the Harlem Renaissance to the punk zines of the late 20th century.
On July 26, Zine Club Chicago (ZCC) will host the inaugural South Side Zine Fest at the Richard J. Daley branch of the Chicago Public Library in Bridgeport.
This free event, open to all, aims to connect zine enthusiasts and provide a platform for local creators to share their work.
Cynthia E. Hanifin and Jamie Kadas, both active members of Chicago’s zine community and native south siders, spearheaded the festival.
Hanifin, a social worker and arts organizer, is a founding member of ZCC and the primary producer of its community event series.
She also has previous experience organizing the Chicago Zine Fest and the Midwest Perzine Fest, adding considerable expertise to the festival’s organization.
The South Side Zine Fest is designed to address a gap that Hanifin and Kadas noticed at larger events like the Chicago Zine Fest, which has limited table capacity.
‘In the past, hundreds of applicants missed opportunities to showcase their work,’ Hanifin explained.
Kadas expressed her desire to create this festival in her hometown, emphasizing the significance of the South Side as her home.
The festival will take place from 11 AM to 4 PM and will feature tables from various zinemakers and collectives like the Support Ho(s)e Collective and Zine Fiends.
In addition to the tables, attendees can participate in zine-making activities throughout the day.
Funding for the event comes from a grant provided by the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s Community Connections Fund, which supports community-focused programming.
As part of the event, a discussion at 2 PM will be held off-site at Tangible Books, a nearby used bookstore.
Liz Mason, a former manager at Quimby’s Bookstore and a library science student, will converse with Keidra Chaney, the owner of Wild Ramp Publishing, who creates zines focused on pop culture, fandom, disability, and identity.
Kitchen, the Daley branch manager, noted the collaborative efforts between ZCC and the library on other events and the establishment of the South Side Zine Library.
This permanent library allows patrons to donate and interact with various zines.
Kitchen emphasized the welcoming nature of the zine library, stating, ‘We welcome anything that’s not hateful.’
The library not only houses zines but also provides writing materials, encouraging visitors to create their own publications.
Kadas highlighted the accessibility of zines, noting that one doesn’t need much more than paper, a stapler, and a pencil to get started.
Zines serve as crucial tools for individuals with limited access to other media forms, exemplified by organizations like Midwest Books to Prisoners, which distribute educational materials and zines created by incarcerated individuals.
Zines provide a method for sharing sensitive information in a less traceable manner than online or traditional print media, allowing for more open discussions of pressing issues.
Kitchen noted the importance of zines in the current socio-political climate, suggesting they enable individuals to express themselves without fear of retaliation.
Hanifin remarked on the timely nature of zines, recalling how during the Trump administration, zines circulated within her community to inform residents about protecting themselves during immigration raids.
She recognized that anonymity is often crucial for those distributing such sensitive information.
Beyond their practical applications, the appeal of zines lies in their tangible, handcrafted nature, and their contrast to mass-produced digital content.
Hanifin reflected on this charm, stating, ‘There is something about that small-run, small-circulation, handmade-quality zine.’
She believes this uniqueness resonates with people in an age where digital content is often homogenized.
As the South Side Zine Fest approaches, it promises to be an enriching experience for all, providing a space for creativity, connection, and independent voices.
For more information about the festival, visit zineclubchicago.com.
The festival will take place at the Chicago Public Library’s Richard J. Daley branch, located at 3400 S. Halsted, from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, July 26.
With its free admission and all-ages accessibility, the South Side Zine Fest aims to foster community engagement and celebrate the DIY spirit of zine culture.
image source from：chicagoreader
