As a librarian I was mainly attracted by its unique collection when I have chosen the library for my placement. The stock provides a unique resource for women: poetry, fiction, and non-fiction from A like ‘aging’ to Z like ‘zygote’.

I was astonished by the circumstance that everything is donated from private collections, authors and publishers and it also proves to me that one does not need an amount of money to build up a worthwhile collection but people’s generosity and visions.

During my time in the library I tried to support Wendy, the librarian, with the every-day work like cataloguing, setting up new (monthly) displays or giving a hand with preparing the library for upcoming events. Furthermore I tried to share my former working experiences with the library to extend the information resources, for example with a collection of free online resources related to the topics the library deals with.

Apart from the collection I also applied for a placement at Glasgow Women’s Library because I was attracted by the fact that this is more than an ordinary library. With its events, classes, and meetings it is a place where women fell comfortable and where they can gain more skills and experiences.

During the last weeks I have learned a lot. Above all, I have experienced how powerful women can be when they stick together for one aim and for their needs and interests. And I have experienced how much a friendly greet, a smile and/or a short chat can enlighten your day and just make life a bit easier. There is so much you can learn from each other and the diversity of the women in Glasgow Women’s Library makes it a unique place in Scotland and beyond.

I want to thank all the members of staff and the volunteers for the last six weeks! Thank you, that you have welcomed me as a full member of your team. I really hope that we’ll keep in touch and I’d love to come back sometimes.

I wish you all the best for the next 20 years and I really hope that more and more women will discover this unique place and support your work!

When I arrived in the middle of July the team of the women’s library gave me a very warm welcome. I realized quickly that I’ve found what I was looking for: a place to work and to gain new experiences in library science as well as socials skills in a great and friendly atmosphere. I am very happy to be part of it for at least six weeks!

I hope that I will be able to give a hand to improve and to extend the information resources in the library during my short stay in Glasgow  because I believe in Francis Bacon’s principle “knowledge is power”. I am curious about the next three and a half weeks!

I choose the Glasgow Women’s Library as organization for my placement due to my research interest during my studies. My Bachelor-thesis engaged with the Women’s Movement in America during the 1960s. As it was mainly dominated by white middle- and upper class women, working class and especially black and other minority women were excluded. Furthermore they also faced difficulties in the male-dominated black-liberation movement and therefore carried – as Bell Hooks calls it – a double burden: being female and being black.

My Master thesis engaged with discrepancies in political participation of young men and women. Here I analyzed two different parties and concluded that instead of sexist stereotypes and ideological prejudices, structural difficulties based upon centuries upon centuries of patriarchal party politics are the main barrier for female participation.

Therefore the approach of the women’s library interested me: emancipation through education and creativity. Developing confidence in a safe environment but also making space for inspiration and self-defined research activities. The political significance of this form of encouragement and the resulting development of active citizenship should not be underestimated.

As outlined in former blogs on the GWL website, I worked on two main projects. One of them was to research and contact women’s libraries all over Europe to establish a partnership and enable us to exchange information etc. We have contacted them and received already some feedback, which I am finally going to file and I hope that somebody will be able to take over, deepen the contact and establish a sisterhood – partnership.

My second project was to prepare and establish a digital oral history resource. I managed to transcribe quite a lot of interviews that have been conducted. Eleftheria, one of our volunteers is now taking over and she is going to filter interesting parts of the interviews, process the extracts and prepare them for publication on our new upcoming website.

Apart from these two fields, I also worked at reception once a week, helped out on exhibition stands, went with Morag to a couple of events and visited groups that are working on their own women’s history projects.

Most importantly though was to experience the day-to-day activities of the women working and volunteering in the Glasgow Women’s Library. The influence of their feminist values underlies their work and social interactions. This has left a deep impact on me personally and I believe it will also have an impact on my future research.

It was interesting to engage with a more open – not overly structured group of colleagues. Which – to be honest – I found very challenging at the beginning. From my former work experience in Germany, I was used to a more defined and maybe also more narrowed, top-down structure. So I found it difficult to orientate myself at the beginning, but eventually found it very refreshing. I now feel enabled to see office structures from a different angle and hope that I can make use of this experience in future jobs. Furthermore I have developed more confidence in an English speaking work- environment and improved my language skills once again, thanks to “the word of the day” :-)

One of the things that struck me most (continuous astonishment!!) was the way women are treated here. The incredible positive approach towards women with very diverse backgrounds, the focus on creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere and the effect of highlighting the positive features of individual women was overwhelming and very inspiring.

Thanks a lot to all of you who are involved in the Glasgow Women’s Library, especially the staff but also the volunteers and numerous visitors.

It was really great meeting all of you and I hope we will keep in touch! xx

Cutting the 100th anniversary cake

As part of our activities around International Women’s Day, Nisha and I were invited to Dunoon to deliver the F Word workshop at an event for the Engender Women into Public Life project in Argyle and Bute.

Women into Public Life aims to support women in the Argyle and Bute area in having their voices heard and engaging in politics locally and nationally. An event was held where local people could come along, participate in workshops and find out more about the project and about Glasgow Women’s Library. There was also a delicious celebration cake to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

We asked people to describe what feminism meant to them and showed them the F Word DVD, where a group of young women explore feminism, it’s history and what it means for them today.

The F Word workshop

We had lots of interesting reactions and comments, including “Promote feminism awareness for men!” and praise for the F Word film, the event organisation and the food! Thanks to Lorna Alquist for inviting us out and thanks to all the participants who made their way through the spring blizzards to come along…

“…poetry – the reading of it, the writing of it, the saying it out loud, the learning of it off by heart – all of this matters deeply to ordinary Scottish people everywhere.”

Women writers are making their mark across the country. Carol Ann Duffy currently holds the title of Poet Laureate while Gillian Clarke is the National Poet of Wales. Carol Ann has already welcomed Liz as Makar by remarking:

““Since her [Liz Lochhead] early work in the 1970s, she has been an inspirational presence in British poetry – funny, feisty, female, full of feeling; a fantastic performer of her work and a writer who has tirelessly brought poetry to the drama and drama into poetry.”

Congratulations again to Liz and we look forward to reading her first poem as Scotland’s National Poet. Hopefully no queens will get their heads chopped off and it will be perfect days all round.

Also, belated congratulations to Louise Welsh who has been named Writer in Residence at the University of Glasgow in December 2010. This post has been previously held by Liz Lochhead, now the nation’s Makar. It is great to see these women acting as role models for writers everywhere. 2011 looks like it will be exciting time for Scotland’s writing.

My Body And Me
Women’s Personal Development & Motivational Confidence Workshop
Skills for Work, Rest & Play
Take-away Tools & Techniques and NLP Skills

This course is to enable and support professional impact, personal growth and well being.

Boost Confidence – Personal Impact – Communication Skills – Speaking Out – Motivation – Self Esteem – Body Image

Testimonials
“It was absolutely wonderful…gave me lots of ideas.”
“Very enjoyable – Challenging and motivating – Everyone took something away that will be useful in future life events.”
“I’ve gone away with a lot of good techniques and definitely got things to help with my positivity and self esteem.”
“A fabulous day – learned several things that are really going to help me – especially with pitching and public speaking.”
“Brilliant session. Discovered many new things about myself… how to improve self confidence and wellbeing.”

Trainers: Terry Neason – Communication, Confidence & Personal Impact / NLP Master / Motivational Entertainer; Marie Robinson – Body Design / Personal Fitness / Hypnotherapist / NLP Master
Date: March 12, Glasgow
Venue: The Training Suite, 34 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1DA (next to Queen St. rail station)
Time: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Registration: 10:30am

Price: £95 early bird (usually £145)
Enquiries: 07984 306661
Online Booking: www.mybodyandme.co.uk

A lot has changed over the course of 2010. We’re in new premises, thankfully waterproof and, even in the past month’s cold weather, staying above freezing (we have Eddie in the Mitchell basement to thank for that). But the move to 15 Berkeley Street, into the old Anderston Library space at the Mitchell, was rather more abrupt than we had ever planned, and we’re not yet in the purpose-built home we’ve been working towards since moving out of 109 Trongate in 2006.

That space is now a part of the 103 Trongate visual arts complex, and 81 Parnie Street is due to be renovated by Wasps Studios. Our intention, ever since the 103 Trongate development was announced and we were kindly offered the Anderston space by the Mitchell Library management, was to do the same with this space. We – Sue in particular, as our Strategic Development Manager – have been working with Gareth Hoskins Architects to undertake feasibility studies and Stage D planning for the renovation of the Anderston Library space. The plans included raising the ceiling and adding a mezzanine, essentially increasing the floorspace by 50%, and opening up the back of the space to build a glass-fronted office space. They also looked at crucial accessibility issues, and included lift access to the main floor and the mezzanine, as well as a disabled toilet. There was also space for a small kitchen area – just as crucial to the Library, as anyone who’s spent time with us can tell you: we and our learners and visitors all need our tea!

As the planning progressed, Sue and Adele, supported by the GWL staff and volunteer team, have worked incredibly hard to raise the funds for this renovation. As a result, we’ve raised money with grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund (for the archive space and, of course, Hannah the Archivist), from the Robertson Trust, the Third Sector Fund and more.

We’ve also raised funds from you, our supporters, with the Women on the Shelf initiative as well as one-off fundraisers like our ‘Auction of Pleasures’ and the recent GWL Winter Raffle. This support has been even more gratifying than the major grants, because it confirms that the Library is as important to you as it is to us, and shows us that our ambitions for the future of the Library are built on solid foundations.

But the simple fact is that this a very difficult time to be raising money. The financial crisis – crises – of the past few years, combined with the subsequent political backlash and the way in which the current Government has chosen to respond, has left the public and voluntary sector across the country under pressure. The perception is that belts must be tightened, costs cut, regardless of how this impacts on those who are most vulnerable. For an organisation like the Library, which has never been easy to pigeonhole, it is all too easy to find oneself on the wrong lists when it comes to fundraising.

It is ironic, then, that the Library has continued to build its services and reach out to more and more women, both in Glasgow and across Scotland. It could have been possible, over the past year, for us to get bogged down in crisis after crisis, whether bailing out water from our office, or scrambling to prepare for a move into a space that even the most optimistic of us would struggle to describe as ‘fit for purpose’. There have been times when it’s felt like all we have done is fight fire after fire (thankfully, never literally). But looking back over 2010, it’s clear that we are better than that.

Despite the frequent hiatus – through flood, flitting and frost – our learning programs continue to grow. From the immensely popular launch of Jackie Kay’s Red Dust Road to the many women accessing our literacy project, from the women’s history workshops held in Wigtown, Inverness and Dundee, to the oral history project working with older migrant women in Pollokshields, to the young girls combining creative writing and all-action assault course trips in Glenburn – the Library is reaching more women than ever. We continue to work in partnership with national and local organisations, universities, colleges and community centres across Glasgow and Scotland, bringing both our experience and our aspirations for women in all walks of life.

And with the move to 15 Berkeley Street, our collection is starting to come out of the boxes we’ve had in stacks 5 high since 2006. Wendy the Librarian has been readying the shelves, and we hope to start lending books very soon. Meanwhile, Hannah has been opening up the archive for more and more researchers, turning the taped up boxes into a living, working archive once more. The collections team has grown, with more volunteers being trained, joining the volunteers who help us on the reception ‘front line’ as well as those who tutor with the ALN project. And our newly visible location in the Mitchell Library building has shown a marked increase in the number of people entering our doors – many of whom have never found GWL before (and if you haven’t yet, do come and visit us at 15 Berkeley Street!).

At the same time, it’s frustrating to still have two thirds of our collection in storage in the basement of Hillhead Library, and to have no proper disabled access (not to mention no toilet!). We know that it’s frustrating for you, as well, and we’re still working, both as an organisation and with our colleagues in Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council, to improve the situation.

It could be tempting to batten down the hatches, to cut back on what we do, to stick to the safe paths and projects, keep our collection in boxes and never venture out of Glasgow. But it’s not in our nature to do so, and would go against the guiding principles we work by.

Glasgow Women’s Library will be 20 this year: since 1991 we have been both a voice for Scotland’s women and a place where thousands of women have found their own voice. From a wholly voluntary organisation we have grown into a 12-strong staff team, supported by many more volunteers. Our collection has grown, too: what once fit in a Garnethill shopfront now fills more than 500 metre-long boxes. The range and scope of our learning opportunities has expanded, but at their core the same principles can be found.

The Library is a home for women’s histories and, we believe, their futures. The Library is words, written and spoken, recorded and remembered. It is tangible objects that illuminate history, like the umbrella stand painted by imprisoned suffragettes, and it is the intangible ripple effect of empowering women to take control of their own lives. The Library is not easily contained, despite the constraints that have been placed on women’s voices over the years.

We don’t know what 2011 holds for us. Rather than making resolutions in the New Year, we will simply say: We are resolved. We know that it won’t be easy, but we are working towards a fully sustainable future for the Library, and for Scotland’s women.

If you’ve bought tickets, please do come and join us for the draw!

You can find a full list of prizes and donors below. Remember, you need to be in it to win it so please get your tickets!  Many thanks to all organisations who donated prizes and everyone who has bought  tickets – we really appreciate your support.

Signed Belle & Sebastien 'Fold Your Hands' Poster

• Home Cinema System – donated by Danwood
• Day Trip for 12 people on a Peccadillo Barge – donated by Peccadillo
• Selection of Fine Wines – donated by Norman MacDonald
• £40 voucher for therapies or products – donated by Balance
• Books – donated by Two Ravens Press
• Subscription to The List magazine – donated by The List
• Books – donated by the Association for Scottish Literary Studies
• 2 x 2hr Sushi-making workshops – donated by Kumiko Hatori
• a 6-issue Subscription to Diva magazine – donated by Diva
• Overnight Stay for 2 at ReadingLasses Bookshop, Wigtown
• Books – donated by Whittles Publishing
• Fragrant goodies – donated by Lush
• Books – donated by Virago
• Books – donated by The Linen Press
• Books – donated by Raw Nerve Press
• Tickets to 3 films by Dutch artist Madelon Hooykaas – donated by the CCA
• 2 tickets – donated by The Stand comedy club, Glasgow
• 2 film tickets – donated by Edinburgh Filmhouse
• Ani DiFranco CDs and autographed portrait– donated by Ani DiFranco
• 2 tickets for Age of Arousal – donated by The Tron
• Goody bag – donated by Transmission gallery
• 2 tickets for Janice Claxton – donated by Tramway
• Books – donated by Cork University Press
• a Meal for 2 – donated by The 78
• Glass tile – donated by Sandieglass Designs
• Signed Belle & Sebastien memorabilia – donated by Belle & Sebastien
• Books – donated by the Irish Academic Press
• Le Creuset casserole dish RRP £110 – donated by Le Creuset
• Books – donated by Routledge
• Books – donated by Honno Press
• Books – donated by Birlinn
• Workshop Place (worth £30) – donated by Make It Glasgow

The top prizes are a Home Cinema System worth £499, (kindly donated by Danwood), and a day trip on a Peccadillo Barge for you and 11 of your family or friends, up the Forth and Clyde Canal on a route of your choice!

There are also theatre tickets up for grabs, provided by The Tron, for Stellar Quines’ fantastic-sounding production Age of Arousal – ‘a lavish, sexy and powerful ensemble piece about the forbidden and gloriously liberated self’ set in one of the greatest periods of change for women in the history of the western world. I am already jealous of the winner of these and thinking I will have to get my own!

The CCA has very kindly donated tickets for 3 films by the Dutch film-maker Madelon Hooykas to accompany the exhibition Revealing the Invisible: The Art of Stansfield/Hooykaas from Different Perspectives – for more info on these see Jen’s blog post below.

The fabulous ReadingLasses bookshop in Wigtown is offering one lucky winner (and a friend) an overnight stay with the opportunity to browse to your heart’s content in peace and quiet! ReadingLasses is the only shop of its kind left in the UK and also located in Scotland’s National Book Town – so make sure you’re in with a chance of winning!

Also up for grabs are 3 signed Belle and Sebastien posters, and a variety of foodie and festive goodies including cases of Gavi di Gavi and Salice Salento wines, a hamper donated by Walkers Shortbread, and a selection of Lush smellies.

More prizes are coming in all the time so keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook pages!

To buy tickets, you can ring us on 0141 248 9969, email info@womenslibrary.org.uk, or simply pop in and see us.

For more info on the renovation programme, please see our website: http://www.womenslibrary.org.uk/aboutgwl/gwlhistory/relocation/)

Three short films selected by Madelon Hooykaas to accompany the exhibition Revealing the Invisible: The Art of Stansfield/Hooykaas from Different Perspectives at CCA.

Madelon Hooykaas was born in 1942 (Maartensdijk, The Netherlands) and lives and works in Amsterdam. Ella Stansfield was born in 1945 in Glasgow and died of leukaemia in Amsterdam in 2004. The two artists worked in collaboration under the title Stansfield / Hooykaas since 1972 and belong to the first generation of video artists. They are considered pioneers in their field, with their work influencing many video and multimedia artists today. In 1996 they received the Judith Leyster prize for their oeuvre.

One of these days

The Netherlands, 1973, 30 min.

Directed by Elsa Stansfield and Madelon Hooykaas with music by Delia Derbyshire.

One of these days was made as an image impression of Marte Roling, an Amsterdam designer. Integrating the familiar occurrences of an ordinary day with the aural and visual stimuli of the city, the film captures the ambiance of her life. Commissioned by NOS.

About Bridges

The Netherlands, 1975, 22 min.

Directed by Elsa Stansfield and Madelon Hooykaas with music by Delia Derbyshire. Written by Madelon Hooykaas.

About Bridges shows the perception and the experience of bridges in three different ways: by the artist, the worker and the user.  The film is presented as a cinematic equivalent to the experience of crossing a bridge. The film was conceived and shot in Amsterdam, a city of bridges, and follows three interwoven working themes.

Daydreams

The Netherlands, 1972, 8 min

Directed by Madelon Hooykaas with text by Panayota Kampoli.

In Daydreams, Madelon Hooykaas and Elsa Stansfield are preoccupied by the thoughts and memories that cross a person’s mind during the transitional moment of waking up and getting out of bed.

For a chance to win these cinema tickets, and many other fantastic prizes, buy a raffle ticket asap – we are grateful for your support.
To book tickets for this event visit http://www.cca-glasgow.com/home.