The title compound, [Zn(2)(C(16)H(12)O(6))(2)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n), consists of linear chains formed through 5-[4-(hydroxymethyl)benzyloxy]isophthalate (mabobdc) ligands linking five- and six-coordinated Zn(II) ions. The linear chains are linked into a bilayer network via O-H...O hydrogen bonds. Adjacent bilayer structures are further linked with each other via C-H...O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi and C-H...pi interactions to give a three-dimensional supramolecular framework. The results demonstrate the coordination and supramolecular chemistry of the mabobdc ligand.