Little self-published booklets known as 'zines' have long been a staple of DIY and counter-culture movements. They have deep roots in underground music scenes like punk. Today, zines are having a renaissance, with more DIY-ers returning to the medium to spread information and stories - as well as to avoid increased censorship.

The Common recently visited the Boston Public Library's Jamaica Plain branch to check out the BPL's zine collection with children's librarian and local punk drummer, Chris Strunk.

• Boston Public Library Zine Collection
  • Participating branches include: Central, Codman Square, Connolly, Egleston Square, Grove Hall, Jamaica Plain, Parker Hill, Roslindale, Roxbury,
• Framingham Public Library
• Harvard University’s Schlessinger Library
• MassArt Morton R. Godine Library
• School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University’s W. Van Alan Clark Jr. Library
• Somerville Public Library (all locations)
• Watertown Free Public Library

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Catholic nuns and priests led Boston's anti-war movement during the Vietnam era. A new podcast tells the story of the lengths many Irish Catholics went through to protest the war — including breaking into official buildings to steal draft cards.

The Common spoke to Host and Producer Brendan Patrick Hughes about his new podcast "Divine Intervention."

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When Tim Colegrove decided to open a computer repair store in 2021, it was partially because he was interested in entrepreneurship. He also really needed a place to keep the vintage computers and gear that were piling up in his home. So, The BYTE Shop was born: A computer repair shop AND museum to the modern home computer in Jamaica Plain.

The Common visited Tim at The BYTE Shop to talk about the store's fully operational computer history exhibit (that is open for the public to come and try), as well as how community and sustainability play into its mission.

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WBUR contributing arts critic Lloyd Schwartz joins The Common to discuss classical music.

The Somerville poet laureate and Fresh Air classical music critic also shares recommendations from his arts guide to Greater Boston classical events on offer this spring.

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JustBook-Ish was founded by Porsha Olayiwola, who is a former Boston Poet Laureate, and Bing Broderick, who previously served as the executive director at Haley House. Porsha and Bing wanted to provide a 'third place' in the neighborhood. The concept of a 'third place' is one that’s gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It refers to a space that isn’t work or school or home, where folks can relax and connect with their community.

The Common recently took a trip to justBook-Ish to talk to Porsha about why our community needs more 'third places' and why that drives their mission.

• Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Newbury Street
• Narrative Bookshop in Somerville
• Lovestruck Books in Harvard Square

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Boston-based comedian Bethany Van Delft thinks the Boston comedy scene is having a moment.

Five years since the pandemic began, she reflects on how it has impacted the comedy industry today from sold-out shows to a fervent demand for standup over what she calls "weird" comedy.

Here are Van Delft's recommendations for a good laugh:

• Favorite up-and-coming local comedian: Carolina Montesquieu
• A venue for a good show: Goofs Comedy Club in Somerville
• Comedy show producers: Men in Comedy and Don't Tell Comedy

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WBUR's Darryl C. Murphy drives to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to see its world-class fire lab. He sits down with internationally-recognized fire expert and head of the fire engineering department, Albert Simeoni.

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WBUR's Darryl C. Murphy sat down with Historian, Author and Newton-native David Greenberg to discuss his latest biography "John Lewis: A Life." The book offers a deep look into the life of the Late John Lewis. The iconic civil rights activist eventually became one of the most revered politicians of his time.

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