Newcastle Libraries is inviting local creatives to contribute their work to a new dedicated zine collection, set to launch at Newcastle City Library next month.
Zines – self-published booklets or magazines – have long been a grassroots outlet for creative expression, personal storytelling, and alternative perspectives. Now, with the creation of a public collection, City of Newcastle is cementing their place in the city’s cultural fabric.
Among the first contributors is 20-year-old Laura Baker, a TAFE student studying Library and Information Services, who sees the project as a way to combine her passions for libraries and illustration.
Julie Baird, City of Newcastle’s Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning, said the initiative recognises the value of zines as both creative expression and cultural preservation.
“Zines have played a vital role in Newcastle’s youth, art, music and skate scenes for over 40 years,” Julie said. “This collection is a significant statement of time and history, preserving voices, images and stories of our community for future generations.”
Newcastle library worker and zine-maker James Turvey, who has been creating zines since age 14, said the project offers a space to document stories that might otherwise be lost.
“Zines are a snapshot of a moment in time – personal, political or creative,” James said. “They capture voices that don’t always make it into mainstream history, and having this space at the library gives those stories a chance to be seen and shared.”
For emerging creators like Laura, the collection represents both an outlet and an invitation.
“You can really do anything with zines – that’s what makes them so exciting,” she said. “It’s accessible to everyone, and I hope others are inspired to give it a go.”
Zine submissions are open until Saturday, 5 April, and can be dropped off at Newcastle City Library.
To celebrate the launch, a special event will be held that day, featuring a mini zine market, hands-on workshop, and a panel discussion led by James Turvey with acclaimed zine-makers Vanessa Berry, Nina Katzmarski, and Bastian Fox.
The event will celebrate zine culture, creativity and community – and provide an opportunity for Newcastle’s next generation of storytellers to join the fold.
IMAGE | City of Newcastle Innovative Collection Developer Emma Callaghan sits alongside James Turvey and Laura Baker with their zines to be featured in the new collection at Newcastle City Library.
