Glasgow Zine Library

The Glasgow Zine Library is a library, archive and community space in Glasgow, Scotland.[1] It is the largest independent zine library in the United Kingdom, and it organises the annual Glasgow Zine Festival.[2] The library receives over 9000 visitors each year.[3]

History

The Glasgow Zine Library began its life as a zine fair. The fair was first held in 2014 at the Old Hairdresser's, then at the Centre for Contemporary Arts.[4] A collection of zines was accumulated through the fair, which made director LD Davis imagine a space where they could be stored and enjoyed. The Glasgow Library was thus formally created in 2018.[5]

The Glasgow Zine Library was first funded by Creative Scotland.[6] It has since developed with support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.[6] £62,188 from the Heritage Fund was used to hire staff and to grow and digitise the library's collection.[7] Glasgow City Council has also given funds to the library: £1,675 from the council contributed to the addition of an accessible toilet.[6]

The library's first premises were at 16 Nicholson Street in the Gorbals.[8] In 2023, it moved to 23-24 Albert Road in Govanhill.[7]

Collection

In 2025, it was reported that the library's collection comprises over 4000 zines.[3] Zines are acquired through donation, though the library also commissions new works.[6][2] In 2026, the library was the recipient of the Scots Language Publication Grant, awarded by the Scottish Book Trust, which will support the creation of a zine made in the Scots language.[9]

Visitors are welcome to read from the collection and also contribute to it by making their own zines: zine-making materials are provided for this at the library.[7]

Events

Events organised by the Glasgow Zine Library are all free to attend or operate on a pay-what-you-can model.[6] Examples of events include film screenings and reading groups.[5] The programme also includes remote opportunities.[10]

The Glasgow Zine Library also serves as a space for the local community to organise their own events.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Glasgow Zine Library". SEIN Glasgow. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  2. 1 2 "Five community spaces that made LGBTQ+ history | The National Lottery Heritage Fund". www.heritagefund.org.uk. 2026-02-25. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  3. 1 2 "Glasgow Zine Library: The Radical Present of Self-Publishing – world of art". Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  4. ↑ "Do It Yourself: Grassroots Art & Glasgow Zine Library - The Skinny". www.theskinny.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  5. 1 2 Lea, Lola (2024-05-01). "Glasgow Zine Library and the protection of DIY arts". The Glasgow Beat. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Farthing, Jeevan (2023-09-08). "Glasgow zine library gets bigger and better". Glasgow Guardian. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Preserving the unique experiences and advice of people from the past | The National Lottery Heritage Fund". www.heritagefund.org.uk. 2024-11-21. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  8. ↑ "Glasgow Zine Library is now open to the public". Strathclyde Telegraph. 2018-10-22. Retrieved 2026-03-28.
  9. ↑ "'We are excited'- Glasgow group secures funding to produce new Scots language zine". Glasgow Times. 2026-04-11. Retrieved 2026-06-01.
  10. ↑ "Glasgow Zine Library - Glasgow International Comedy Festival". Retrieved 2026-03-28.

55°50′03″N 4°15′52″W / 55.83428°N 4.26434°W / 55.83428; -4.26434

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