Article by: Nakeria Woods, Managing Editor, Photo obtained from University of South Alabama

On August 26, 2026, the Marx Library hosted its semesterly Week of Welcome (WOW) event, titled 90s Rewind: the Zine Zone. A collaboration between the Center for Academic Excellence and the Marx Library, this retro event aimed to introduce students to library resources, and spark their creativity. 

The highlight of the event was the creation of zines, mini magazines that could feature a wide range of interests. Historically, zines were part of various marginalized subcultures in the United States, including literary genres like science fiction, horror, and Black literature during the Harlem Renaissance. According to Boatright Memorial Library, 19th-century little magazines that were in small circulation, like Thomas Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller’s The Dial, are the ancestors of current zines. Despite this, zines in the modern conception—niche, non-commercial, independent creative expressions—were truly first seen in the Harlem Renaissance with the creation of Fire!!. 

Upon entering the WOW event, students were guided to the sign-in table. At this table, there was information intended to introduce students to their library liaisons, professionals within the library who can help students with research in specific subject areas. Along with this, students were given zines about the Marx Library and the USA Libraries newsletter. 

The next thing that students encountered was the “Marx mini,” a pop-up of donated items such as books, photocards, and vinyls that students could take. After passing by this, students were finally able to grab their supplies to start their own zines. The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) provided different types of paper, markers, stickers, and pre-folded zines. Zines made by the CAE staff were also displayed to help inspire students. Some prompts for students were self-care, meal preparation, creative hobbies, relationships, and much more.

As stated previously, the purpose of the event was to familiarize students with the Marx Library’s various resources. The Center for Academic Excellence can assist students with subject and writing tutoring. There are also various library liaisons, the interlibrary loan, and various places to study. If you missed this event, you do not have to worry, as the Marx Library’s Week of Welcome events are hosted at the beginning of every semester. To reach any of these resources, email webref@southalabama.edu, cae@southalabama.edu, and libref@southalabama.edu.