The only museum dedicated to women’s history in the UK marks its 25th anniversary showing how far feminism has come.
The success of the library is down to the work of two visionary women – Adele Patrick and Sue John – who are the driving force behind the museum.
Nicola Sturgeon, officially opened the renovated premises in the former Bridgeton Public Library in Glasgow’s East End last year, describing the facility as a “national treasure”
“There’s no other library in Europe like it,” Adele Patrick told The Guardian. “It’s not purely academic, not hand in glove with government; some of it just feels like a crazy accident.”
“There has been a shift in understanding now, and an acceptance of the idea that women can preserve their own heritage,” she said, “and about the power of that heritage.”
Contained within Glasgow Women’s Library are archives, exhibitions, events, education programmes and a lending library. They proudly hold a donated archive of Glasgow women’s history, from the 1860s onwards including the city’s female suffrage movement, documents of the Women’s Liberation movement and a Lesbian Archive, as well as material about Greenham Common and the Commonwealth Games.
GWL are focussed on developing an open door policy and bringing in as many people from the local community, and across Scotland, as possible.
Tonight, Herland: Silver Wear kicks the celebration off with a silver-themed party featuring live music from Horse, performance poetry from Heir of the Cursed, DJ Gyalstas and a sparkling line-up of guests including artist Katharine Macfarlane and writers Zoe Strachan and Louise Welsh.
The 25th anniversary celebrations will be month long and also put library users at the heart of the programme, with a fun line-up including writing competitions, workshops, exhibitions and events.
To find out more visit www.womenslibrary.co.uk
