Library Zine! Voices from Across The New York Public Library

 

Underwood Elliott Fisher Co. - Woman posing with giant typewriter
Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library. "Underwood Elliott Fisher Co. - Woman posing with a giant typewriter" New York Public Library Digital Collections.

Welcome to the page for The New York Public Library’s literary magazine Library Zine! , a creative writing magazine containing original writing and visual art submitted by library patrons and staff of all ages. We encourage submissions in all languages and personal styles so that we can better reflect the diverse communities the New York Public Library serves.

The support and enthusiasm we received after the publication of the previous Library Zines built the foundation for us to create another issue.  We as the editorial team are the foreman of this operation, but it is you, our contributors, content creators, and readers, who have built the voice and meaning of this publication.  Without you, we would be left with only a blank booklet read by none. Thank you for your work and warm reception.

 

 

 

 

 

Now accepting submissions for Volume 8!

Color block map of New York City with title Progress is a Process overlaid

 

2024 Theme: Progress is a Process

Nobody’s perfect. As we have seen in the past couple of months, our community and our world is still a work in progress. But that is the case with anything that requires strength and effort. We still have more work to do and that is what we are asking in our 2024 Zine Theme. What causes are important to you? What events have transpired, personally or globally, that made you take stock in what’s important to you? Did it make you grow or transform as a person? What can others gain or learn from these changes?

Answer these questions and more in our 2024 Zine theme: Progress Is A Process. This theme is centered around our world being a work in progress”. Although the past few years have been challenging for many, don’t feel limited to addressing current events. The Zine Committee is looking for creative and unique takes on how the world is growing.


To find more information about guidelines and where to submit in the post, and to read previous publications online, visit https://bit.ly/nyplLibraryZine.

Disclaimer/Clarification:

Library Zine! is an all-ages publication for anyone inside and outside of NYC.  There is no prize other than the prestige of being published.

The Teen Voices publication is a writing contest open to NYC teens only.  View their page and submission guidelines here.

 

Volume 7 is available to download and read now!

 

 Red telephone booth in a grass field

Volume 7 Theme: Stay Connected

Near…far…wherever you are.

It’s not just the beginning of a famous song but it is how we had to form our connections with our family and friends during the pandemic. But one thing lockdowns have shown us is that there are different ways to connect with people. Even though we have resumed some kind of normalcy, the new ways of connection is not something that should be forgotten. That is what we like to know from you! How do you stay connected? What old or new ways have you found to connect with the world? 

Answer these questions and more in our 2023 Zine theme:Stay Connected. This theme is centered around how we are staying connected in this “new normal”. Although these past few years have been difficult for many, don’t feel limited to addressing current events. The Zine Committee is looking for creative and unique takes on how we stay connected in the world we live. 

Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts 

All written works must be typed in 12-point font with one-inch margins, and checked for spelling and grammar. At the top of your submission, please include your name, address, primary phone number, and email. Written Works exceeding 8 pages will not be accepted.

  • Poetry should be single-spaced and not exceed 1,000 words.

  • Short stories can be 500-2,250 words, about 2-8 pages double-spaced.

  • Essays should not exceed 2,250 words, about 8 pages double-spaced.

  • We encourage essays to be about a book you have read that impacted your life.

  • Submissions can be written in any language.

Writing Submissions must be in .doc or .docx format, and/or readable in Google Drive and/or MS Word. At the end of the document, include a paragraph of what inspired the work.

Artwork and photography 

Physical copies of artwork (e.g. paintings, sculptures, etc.) or photos will not be accepted. We prefer a scan of your work in one of the following formats: .JPG/JPEG, .TIFF, and .PNG. Images must be 300 pixels per inch (PPI). If you are unable to scan, a photo taken in ample lighting will also be accepted. Images containing nudity will not be accepted. Images made majorly from AI (Artificial Intelligence) generators will not be considered.

Along with your image, attach a separate Word document with a description of your work and a paragraph of what inspired the work. Any images included in the artwork must be the artist’s original work and not under copyright of another party or entity. Do not submit your entire portfolio or submit art in a text document.

Please Be Aware 

Library Zine! is an all-ages publication for anyone inside and outside of NYC. There is no prize other than the prestige of being published. While Library Zine does not want to limit our patrons’ creativity, be aware that this publication is intended for all audiences. Submissions must be mindful of language, the use of graphic violence and abuse, and the depiction of harmful stereotypes based on age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and mental/physical disabilities.

Limit of 5 submissions for review per person, no guarantee that any or all will be selected.  All submission must be uploaded to this form: http://tinyurl.com/NYPLZineForm2024.

Email submissions will not be accepted.

Below you will find PDF copies of all current and past Volumes!