From A to Zine: A Fun Workshop for All Ages

Ohio University Libraries will be bringing back its popular workshop, “From A to Zine,” for Sibs Weekend this year. The workshop is free and requires no registration. Students are encouraged to bring their siblings to the Friends of the Libraries Room (319) on the third floor of Alden Library on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 12-2 p.m.

A zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a self-published mini-magazine, usually created by cutting and pasting text and images together in a booklet. Last year, around 40 to 50 students and their siblings enjoyed making zines during the workshop.

“It’s an adaptable activity across all ages,” said Michele Jennings, art librarian and co-coordinator of the workshop. “If you can pick up a pencil and paper, you can make a zine…Zines started as part of this DIY culture, so anyone can be a creator, an author, [and] a publisher, and they can get their message out regardless of who [they] are.”

Jennings said the workshop not only provides bonding time for siblings, but is empowering for students, who can use zines to become creators of content instead of consumers. 

Jen Harvey, Library events coordinator, said that participants are welcome to bring their own additional supplies and artwork, but that the Library will provide the supplies necessary to make the zines. Jennings will be available to teach students how to hand bind the finished product in a variety of ways, including creating “magic books” that require only paper and scissors, finishing the zine with a stapler and using a needle and thread to attach the pages. 

Harvey hopes that students enjoy spending time with their siblings at the workshop and get more comfortable with the Libraries at the same time. 

“We want students to know that we do fun stuff,” she said, “We’re allowed to have fun, we’re allowed to make noise and we’re allowed to make a little bit of a mess in the Library.” 

Join us with your siblings on Feb. 8 to make your own unique zines in a fun, collaborative setting. For more information or to request accommodations, contact Jen Harvey.