WHAT IS A ZINE?

A zine is a mini magaZINE to copy and share. Zines are full of art, stories, and emotions – just like the people who make them. TOOTZ zines are created using our most important trick: the magic of taking a sheet of paper and folding it into a zine.

Jonathan Hill, co-creator of this project, shows us how to create an 8-page zine from a single sheet of paper.

WHAT IS A ZINE LIBRARY?

It’s a shoebox you decorate and fill with zines! Here’s one we created, but every zine library is unique, just like its creators.

HOW DOES TOOTZ WORK?

  • First, you (libraries, schools, groups, people) create a TOOTZ library (decorated shoe box).
  • You then use our ready-to-go downloadable templates and instructions along with everyday supplies to assemble official assignments (zine-making kits) to share with your community. 
  • TOOTZ members (anyone who chooses to join in) respond to assignments and return to their zines to the library.
  • Zines are copied and displayed in the TOOTZ library (the decorated shoe box).
  • No expertise needed! On this website you will find mostly everything you need for creating your own zine library or building a TOOTZ community at your library, school, office, home, or neighborhood outpost.
  • There’s a bit of setup involved in starting a Zine Library, but once you do all the gathering and assembling, you can sit back and watch your Zine Library grow and grow.
  • You can always reach out to us if you’d like support : )
  • You can use all of the zine assignments, or just a few.
  • It’s all FREE! We also offer reasonable rates for our (optional) pre-made kits, trainings, and workshops.
  • To see what TOOTZ looks like out in the world, pop over to our Gallery page. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE STARTING

  • To operate a TOOTZ Zine library, you will need the general library supplies and downloadable files below. 
  • To create TOOTZ assignments, go to the Assignments page where you’ll find all of the TOOTZ files you need, all ready to print and assemble.
  • We also included handy links to the supplies you will need to either find or purchase. TOOTZ participants will need additional supplies to write, draw, color, and create their zines. We suggest colored markers, colored pencils, scissors, and extra paper.
  • Part of the fun of starting a Zine Library is building a community and you can do that right away by gathering teammates to help you cut, fold, and assemble your zine assignments. It’s much more fun to do this as a group!

TOOTZ AND ZINE LIBRARY GENERAL SUPPLIES

  • TOOTZ assignment envelopes like these.
  • Shoe box to turn into a Zine Library. The decorated box is a mini-library that stays at the host venue. 
  • Decorations to personalize your shoe box. Make your TOOTZ library look rad, so everyone is excited to check it out. 
  • Standard copy paper, white for printing all assignments.
  • Thicker card stock paper, white for printing some assignments. 
  • Printable Zine envelope labels and 1.5″ Avery Labels, white to label all assignment envelopes. The labels let TOOTZ members know which assignment is which.
  • Black and white printer to print all assignments. 
  • Scanner to scan zines TOOTZ members make, so that you can keep a copy of their fabulous zines—but not take their precious original. 
  • Cutting supplies that include both a guillotine-like paper cutter, as well as scissors.

TOOTZ DOWNLOADABLE FILES