The independent Papercut Zine Library, previously based in Harvard Square, last month opened its doors at a new location on Pearl Street in Somerville.
Clara Hendricks, the co−founder of the library, explained that the library carries over 13,000 self−published publications on a variety of subjects. Much of its collection consists of zines, or noncommercial publications usually related to specialized or unconventional subjects.
"We have a wide range of topics [including] a how−to section, a large political section … a food section … and a travel section," Hendricks said.
Hendricks believes that the library will benefit from the move.
"We do see it as a good thing; we have a lot of room to expand," Hendricks said.
She explained that the move, including the transfer of all the media, furniture and shelving, occurred over two weeks, and the library was set up in the week before its March 14 opening.
Hendricks said that at the library's previous location in Harvard Square, a large proportion of its 12,000− to 13,000−person membership was made up of Boston−area college and university students.
"We did see students from all over the city coming in," she said. "We even [saw] professors suggesting that their students … use zines as a resource for other subjects."
Hendricks said that the new Papercut Library has not seen the same visitor count as the previous location, but she hopes membership will grow by drawing from the local community, which she said includes Tufts students.
Laura Walters, associate director of teaching and research at Tisch Library, said that Tisch Library occasionally refers students to local public libraries, although with decreasing frequency as of late.
"This [has not happened] very often since we now have a small leisure reading collection at Tisch," Walters said in an e−mail to the Daily.
Walters explained that while she thought that the media carried at Papercut is not the type of resource most Tufts students would generally use, she would refer students to the library if the situation called for such a recommendation.
"This library sounds very specialized," Walters said. "If [students] could get what they needed there, we would recommend it. Basically, we try to get the materials in the hands of students the best way we can in terms of ease for them and cost for us."
Chen Chao, a reference librarian at Tisch Library, said that librarians help direct students to places that can provide resources the library does not have.
"We are aware of what services might be available [elsewhere] if we don't have it," Chao said. "When it's relevant, we refer them to local libraries, if they have the kind of collection [the students] need."
Karen Kramer, head librarian for Somerville Public Library's West Branch, the branch closest to Tufts' Medford/Somerville campus, agreed that students make use of local resources.
"We definitely get Tufts students coming in to get library cards," Kramer said.
She noted that students make use of the public library when they need leisure materials such as DVDs or magazines.
Hendricks noted that official Tufts publications would not meet Papercut's criteria that circulated material be independently published, but Tufts organizations might find the library to be a useful avenue for circulation.
"If there was a publication put out by a group or club, we would definitely consider it," Hendricks said.
Hendricks added that the library plans to work with local institutions like the public library and local high schools and will attempt to establish a relationship with other groups in the community, like Tufts.
"We'll definitely try to reach out as much as we can," she said. "We want this information to be shared with a much larger audience … and to promote the idea that anyone can create these publications."
Papercut currently loans some literary magazines and other publications associated with local colleges and universities, Hendricks added.
Membership is free, but Hendricks said that a $10 donation is encouraged upon joining.
The new store is still in the process of completing the move to its new location and later this month will host an opening event.
"It's unfinished, and we've only been open for two weeks, but we're having a big grand opening [event] … so we hope people come in."
Hendricks added that the event, which will be held during the afternoon on April 18, will feature an open mic, zine readings, a film showing and food.
"It's basically just a chance for people to check out the library, become members, learn, talk and find out about us," Hendricks said.
