Library now carries bike zines

During a recent visit to the library I noticed a they are now offering a nice collection of zines. Among them (there are 154 in total) are many on the subject of bicycles, and some that were created right here in Portland.

Most surprising was to see one of my favorite Portland bike zines — “Heed the Moronic Dictum” by C.H.U.N.K. 666 — staring out at me from the shelf.

Other bikey titles in the library’s zine collection include:

• Go By Bicycle #3 by Portland’s Scott Larkin. Unfortunately his GoByBicycle.com website is now defunct.
• Chainbreaker #4 and A Rough Guide to Bicycle Maintenance by Shelley Jackson from New Orleans (also available for purchase from Microcosm Publishing).
• Community Bike Cart Design by Aaron Wieler, an open-source cargo trailer plan concept. Check out PedalPeople.com for more info.
• Biff #4, a charming zine by Allie and Bill Donahue “for kids and their parents,” that includes several bike articles, fun bikey illustrations, and a comic called “Goofus and Gallant” by Allie that conveys some sage wisdom:

[From Biff #4, “Goofus and Gallant” by Allie Donahue, now available from the Multnomah County Library.]

It’s great to see these new titles at the library. If you like bike zines, here are some others I’ve come across (all from Portland):

• Bike Culture Under the Influence (BUI) and One Speed Revolution by Andrew Morton. BUI will be featured in an upcoming issue of Dirt Rag Magazine.
• Portland Bicycle Culture Primer by artist, ride leader, and zinester Shawn Granton.
• Worst Day as a Messenger by messenger and part-time mechanic Lance E. Pants. Check out his “Bike Love” home page.
• Under the Sign of the Bicycle by former PSU professor Alon K. Raab. (I’ve seen this for sale at the CCC).

Zines are a neat part of Portland’s bike culture. Check them out when you get the chance.