During this three year hiatus, we’ve grappled with what it means to organize large community events during a pandemic that has not ended despite the lifting of mask mandates and the lack of consistent protocols and guidelines. While we don’t think large events should cease existing, we do believe it’s our responsibility to take whatever necessary steps within our control and strongly ask and encourage all participants to show up in the same way. My apologies if this post feels a bit “late.” Anxiety, on-going grief, and then illness delayed a few things, but please be understand that this topic is incredibly important to us, and it will not stop with this year’s return to organizing Richmond Zine Fest. It is a work in progress, as organizing this event has always been for us. Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to learn and develop how we plan and strategically grow as an event in the face of a pandemic.
We are somewhat limited due to the fact that our event space does not require masks for staff and library patrons. In fact, we observed that very few appeared to be masked. Despite this, masks are required for all of the programs on Friday. Due to the layout of zine fest on Saturday, however, it is difficult to enforce any sort of mask policy. All organizers, volunteers, and exhibitors will be masked. We will have N95 masks available for free, and the use of masks will be strongly encouraged to anyone showing up for Richmond Zine Fest.
We also ask that anyone involved in or coming to the library specifically for zine fest follow these precautions:
- Take a rapid test beforehand if possible and especially if you think you may be sick.
- Please wear a mask and use hand sanitizer. Both of which will be available for free.
- Be mindful of the boundaries and space as many zine-makers may require that you wear a mask if you want to approach them/their table.
- Resist the temptation to touch everything on the tables, possibly spreading germs in the process. Ask if it’s okay before flipping though a zine, and if you find yourself getting sucked in by page 2 or 3, buy the zine. Do not read the entire zine in front of the maker. That was bad zine etiquette before the pandemic, and it is doubly uncool now.
We want Richmond Zine Fest to continue to be a large event celebrating zines and printed matter. Thank you to everyone for supporting us and coming this event with enthusiasm and care!
Richmond Zine Fest 