Zines have long been a way for marginalized voices and countercultural movements to express themselves. Their degree of accessibility and lower cost of production have allowed them to bypass otherwise siloed publishing structures. Zines have played a central role in spaces ranging from the sci-fi fandoms of the ’30s, to the punk scenes of the ’70s, to the riot grrrl movement of the ’90s, and beyond. Today, zines have seen a resurgence, particularly in activism spaces–including in the Twin Cities!

Join ESFL in making rad zines, as a part of our Read to the Max Fall Love & Solidarity festivities. All materials provided. Registration not needed.

Read to the Max is a day-long homage to banned books and the stories they hold. The afternoon of Thursday, November 16th, we invite folks to tune in to a livestream of community readers reading aloud from their favorite banned books. The celebration continues into the evening, as ESFL hosts an interactive zine-making pop-up, led by Professor of Book Arts Erica Rasmussen. The event culminates in a fireside chat featuring noted Minnesota librarians Tami Lee and Jody Gray.

DAY-OF LINE-UP:
Afternoon-5:00 PM CT: Banned Book Livestream
5:00-6:30PM CT: Zine Time & Zine Display, ft. Erica Rasmussen & Late Night Copies Press
7:00-8:30PM CT: Guest Librarian Fireside, ft. librarians Tami Lee and Jody Gray

Please mask up for community safety! Masks will be available on site.