What’s On Glasgow Women’s Library February to May 2014
Visit our website womenslibrary.org.uk Find us on Facebook and follow @gwlkettle on Twitter
Glasgow Women’s Library is No Ordinary Library It is unique in Scotland and a national treasure! Glasgow Women’s Library (GWL) celebrates the lives and achievements of women and champions their contributions to Scotland’s culture. Our vibrant information hub is open to all. An Accredited Museum and home to a lending library and archive, GWL also provides an exciting range of events, activities and courses through its various learning programmes. You can join the Library for free. Information on joining and borrowing can be found in the ‘Getting Involved’ section of this programme, along with details about volunteering at GWL. In this programme you will find lots of events and activities, all of which are linked to the materials we have in our library, archive and museum artefact collections.
Visit our Shop Our shop is available online at womenslibrary.org.uk and at our home at Landressy Street. We have a range of items including beautiful tote bags designed by Sophie Dyer and Maeve Redmond, 21 Revolutions limited edition fine art prints, zines, postcards, books and more. From March 2014 you will also be able to buy copies of our new 21 Revolutions publication. It is a limited edition of just 1,500 so this book will be a collectors’ item in no time! All money raised from the sale of items helps to keep GWL running and providing our unique service for women in Scotland. You can also support us through our Women of the Shelf initiative and by becoming a Friend of the Library: details are on our website at womenslibrary.org.uk or you can call us on 0141 550 2267 or pop in and see us to ask about how you can support our work.
Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy Street, Glasgow G40 1BP Tel: 0141 550 2267 Email: info@womenslibrary.org.uk Website: womenslibrary.org.uk Cover image by Sophie Dyer and Maeve Redmond
21 Revolutions
Women’s Words
Women Make History
Arts & Culture
Out & About
Getting Involved
GWL Events Calendar at a Glance
21 Revolutions
A fresh new publication of writing and prin
nts inspired by GWL Following a successful programme of exhibitions and readings our 21 Revolutions publication will be launched in 2014. The publication brings together a remarkable group of 21 women writers and 21 women artists who are amongst the most significant creatives working in Scotland. Marking Glasgow Women’s Library’s first two decades, they have generated an exciting, powerful body of new art and writing inspired by the Library’s diverse, historically important treasures, from suffragette brooches to women’s liberation badges. With three newly commissioned introductory essays and a fascinating survey of the gems housed within the lending library, archive and museum collections, this publication offers a beautiful, original array of art and writing, with a unique insight into one of the most significant cultural resources in Scotland and the group of cutting edge artists and writers it has inspired. Here’s what others say: 21 Revolutions illuminates how much history and memories inform women’s imagination and creativity, as well as their politics. A brilliant collage of artists’ and writers’
responses – sombre, poignant, quirky, funny and challenging – to the rich and varied collections of Glasgow Women’s Library, this book is a revelatory and moving testimony to the interconnections between past and present. Dr Esther Breitenbach, Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh Buy it for your daughters, mother and grandmothers, but make sure your sons read it too. Dr Elspeth King, Director, Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum Copies of 21 Revolutions will be available to buy directly from GWL, both in the Library and online, from 8th March. We are also offering a tempting 10% discount to all those booking onto any of the launch events and to Friends of GWL.
21 Revolutions Book Launch at GWL Saturday 8th March, 4pm Join us at the Library to officially launch the 21 Revolutions publication. Contributing writers Muriel Gray and Kirsty Logan will be reading their fabulous new works and copies of our stunning new book will be available to
21 Revolutions
A fresh new publication of writing and prin buy, with other artists and writers on hand to sign them hot off the press. Further very special guests to be announced.
21 Revolutions at Creative Scotland Waverley Gate, Edinburgh Launch event: Friday 14th March, 4pm to 6pm Exhibition: Monday 17th March to Friday 11th April, 9am to 5pm To celebrate the publication of the 21 Revolutions book, we will be exhibiting a selection of the artworks at Creative Scotland’s headquarters. Join us for the launch where you’ll be able to hear readings by contributors including Karen Campbell and Elizabeth Reeder - an unmissable event.
Author Kirsty Logan reading at 21 Revoluntions launch event (photo by Jean Donaldson)
Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan, 21 Revolutions Authors reading in Edinburgh
Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival The Mitchell Library Two of Scotland’s most significant artists and two groundbreaking writers in a sparkling discussion about how a treasure trove of suffragette anthems, a literary trailblazer for women’s liberation and the legendary magazine Spare Rib fuelled their imagination. Please see the Aye Write! website for the date, time and booking details of this event. www.ayewrite.com
Muriel Gray, 21 Revolutions Author
nts inspired by GWL Launches Around Scotland
Booked Festival, West Dunbartonshire
Following Glasgow and Edinburgh launches, we will be taking the 21 Revolutions publication launch celebrations on the road so that women across Scotland are amongst the first to see this beautiful new book and meet some of the artists and writers involved. A series of launch events will run throughout the year featuring major and up and coming women creatives speaking about or reading from their work and revealing the inspiring sources behind the work found amongst the shelves and in the archive boxes of Glasgow Women’s Library.
Thursday 15th May, 7pm to 8pm, Clydebank Library
Dundee Women’s Festival
Join bestselling author Karen Campbell, whose recent novel This is where I am was serialised for BBC Radio 4, artist Fiona Dean, whose work has unearthed a suffragette heroine from the area, and Gallowaybased historical novelist Margaret Elphinstone, author of the unique Mesolithic novel The Gathering Night, as they talk about their works for 21 Revolutions and what inspired them. To book contact Carolyn Yates at carolyn@literaturedevelopment.org
Wednesday 12th March, 6pm to 7.30pm, Central Library, Dundee Hear writers Laura Marney and Leela Soma reading their fabulous short stories about women in the Congo and South India, as part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day. To book email central. library@leisureandculturedundee. com or call 01382 431500
Anne Donovan and Leela Soma will be reading their fantastic works created for 21 Revolutions, ‘Lassie wi a Yella Coatie’ and ‘Boxed In’. To book email jo.sherington@west-dunbarton.gov.uk or call 0141 562 2434
Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Monday 19th May, 7.30pm, Powfoot Golf Hotel, Annan
Women’s Words
A world of women’s words , written, spok
Read, Relax, Recharge! Thursdays, 12.30pm to 2.30pm or 5.30pm to 7pm at the Library From 6th February to 20th March and from 10th April to 29th May (£2/free) Bring along a bite to eat, grab a cuppa and relax while listening to live readings of short stories, novel extracts and poems. Whether you’re an avid reader, or just wanting to find out what writers are for you, Read, Relax, Recharge, led by our
Reader in Residence Magi Gibson, provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and discuss the wealth and variety of women’s literature worldwide, and in particular the amazing books in Glasgow Women’s Library. Two times now available! Lunchtime or tea-time. Women only. Disabled access. Come when you can. Contact us on 0141 550 2267 to register your interest and have your name added to the Read, Relax, Recharge mailing list so we can keep you informed about the groups.
ken and heard World Book Night Book Giveaway
National Libraries Day Book Browse & Swap
Thursday 24th April, 5.30pm to 7pm (free)
Wednesday 5th February Drop in from 1pm to 4pm
World Book Night is a wonderful celebration of reading, connecting people with free books and encouraging us all to pick up a book and read. We’re delighted to be hosting our 4th book giveaway event this year, and would love you to join us! If you’re new to reading or would like to get back into the groove with a new book, this is a great place to start. You can pick up your free book, pour yourself a cuppa, and relax as we read aloud from some of this year’s chosen titles.
National Libraries Day is a chance to shout out about libraries and why we love them. We’re celebrating our love of libraries with a book browse/ book swap afternoon. If you’re a new reader, or just want to try something totally different, we’ll be on hand to tempt you with tales of intrepid explorers, feisty crime fighters and daring heroines, all waiting for you on our library shelves. If you’re a book-lover, bring along some of your own books to swap and you could go home with a treasure trove of newly discovered gems. Tea, cake and friendly chat guaranteed!
There is no need to book for this event, just come along to the Library. .
World Book Night at Glasgow Women’s Library 2013
Women’s Words
A world of women’s words , written, spok
Some of the Drama Queens wearing Suffragette sashes
Drama Queens: Play Reading for Pleasure Thursday 13th February & Thursday 3rd April, 2.30pm to 4.30pm (£2/free) Wednesday 5th March & Wednesday 21st May 5.30pm to 7pm (£2/free) Our fabulous Drama Queens sessions explore some of the all-women plays we have in the archives – from powerful suffragette
plays to light humorous sketches. No acting skills are required. Simply sit with a cup of tea and participate in an informal play reading without the stress of learning the lines or the goosebumps of actually having to perform on stage. And you don’t even need to read out loud; just come along and listen. Whether you come to just one session or to all of them, we guarantee fun for everyone. Visit womenslibrary.org.uk for more information or to book a place or email info@womenslibrary.org.uk
ken and heard Illuminated Letters: Letters of Love & Honour to Lost Heroines Friday 28th February, 1pm to 3pm (free) at the Gallery of Modern Art Since March 2013, GWL and Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art have invited women across the world to write illuminated letters of love and honour to an inspirational woman. If you’ve been to any of our wonderful Illuminated Letters Workshops, you will know how much fun we have been having writing and illustrating letters to lost heroines. This will be our final fantastic fling before all the letters go on display at a special exhibition at GOMA. You can let your imagination run wild with our treasure chest of craft and writing materials and create your own illuminated letter. No artistic or craft experience required! Contact us on 0141 550 2267 or email info@womenslibrary.org.uk to book onto this workshop.
Illuminated Letters International Women’s Day Exhibition Saturday 8th March to Sunday 16th March at Gallery of Modern Art and Glasgow Women’s Library The letters and postcards we have received as part of our Illuminated Letters project will be on display for a week from International Women’s Day on Saturday 8th March. Most will be part of a special exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, with a small, satellite exhibit at GWL. These beautiful, touching, colourful letters celebrate just some of the women throughout history who have changed lives: suffragettes, sportswomen, singers and scientists; philanthropists, parachutists, playwrights and pioneers; artists, anarchists, aviators and activists; environmentalists, entertainers, engineers and educators; witches, writers, workers and warriors. Find out how their stories have inspired other women.
Women’s Words
A world of women’s words , written, spoke
Reading Group for Muslim Women Glasgow Women’s Library is supporting a reading group for women interested in books and literature written by Muslim women. The group also watch and discuss films of interest. All details will be confirmed nearer the time.
Tuesday 28th January and Tuesday 25th February 5.30pm to 7.45pm at The Mitchell Library The next book the group will read is Aisha - The Wife, The Companion, The Scholar by Resit Haylamaz. This book portrays one of the most significant personalities in the history of Islam. Aisha needs to be
understood correctly. This study by Dr Resit Haylamaz reflects her life in various aspects and clarifies her critical role in establishing Islamic teaching. Contact the library for more information on 0141 550 2267 or email info@womenslibrary.org.uk We always welcome suggestions on creative writing by Muslim women, so do get in touch. Did you know we have a monthly book group that meets at the Library? A welcoming and inspiring group connecting women who like reading with each other and to a host of amazing and surprising new reads. Visit our website for more information on the group and how to join: womenslibrary.org.uk
en and heard
Read Aloud! Celebrating Commonwealth Women’s Writing Fridays, 2pm to 3.30pm 7th February to 21st March and 11th April to 30th May (not Good Friday) Would you like to be involved in an exciting project exploring writing by women in Commonwealth countries? And along the way play an active part in developing a new Commonwealth Women’s section for the reading collection at Glasgow Women’s Library? In the year that Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games, a new
group will explore contemporary writing by Commonwealth women. In these reading-aloud sessions we will uncover and share stories and poems reflecting women’s experiences around the globe, and take time to reflect on the similarities and differences. No knowledge of Commonwealth writers is necessary. There will also be fantastic opportunities - regardless of previous experience - for those who would like to develop skills in research, review writing and creative writing, as well as direct contact with readers and writers abroad. Led by Reader in Residence Magi Gibson. This group is women only, come when you can. Contact the Library on 0141 550 2267 or email us at info@womenslibrary.org.uk to be added to the mailing list about this group.
Women Make History
Workshops & activities exploring the hidd
den histories of Glasgow’s women Badges of Honour Exhibition Thursday 1st May to Friday 23rd May (free) How Badge-Wearing Women Changed the World The culmination of our year-long Heritage Lottery funded project exploring women’s badge wearing. Throughout the year we have been collecting women’s badges and listening to the wonderful stories attached to them. This exhibition will draw together all of this material, putting together GWL’s unique badge collections alongside the fantastic audio and video testimonials we have collected. From suffragette brooches to Pride pins and dancing medals, the exhibition will show the rich and exciting array of women’s personal and political achievements, and the often overlooked objects which capture them. Call us on 0141 550 2267 or check our website womenslibrary.org. uk for the Library opening hours and drop by to see this moving exhibition.
Talk by the Editors of the Russian Lesbian Journal Ostrov Thursday 13th February 6pm to 7.30pm (free) The not-for-profit lesbian journal Ostrov has been published in Russia since 1999, and it is the oldest existing lesbian publication in the country. As of February 2014, the complete set of Ostrov will be hosted by Glasgow Women’s Library. To mark the event, Ostrov’s co-editors, Olgerta Kharitonova and Sabine Hoffman, join us from Moscow to talk about the journal and about lesbian and feminist activism in contemporary Russia. They will discuss the LGBT situation in Russia, which is currently in the spotlight in view of the controversies around official pronouncements about the Sochi Winter Olympics this month. Contact us to book your place on 0141 550 2267 or email us at info@womenslibrary.org.uk
Women Make History
Workshops & activities exploring the hidd Women Make History Heritage Walks
LGBT History Month LGBT Acronym Exhibition Monday 17th to Friday 28th February with launch on Friday 14th February 4.30pm to 6pm The young women of Hens Tae Watch Oot Fur, an LGBT women’s project based at Glasgow Women’s Library, invite you to an exhibition of materials which consider the history and importance of the LGBT acronym. Containing artworks, comics and writings as well as highlights from GWL’s unique collections, the exhibition will explore why the acronym is important to the LGBT community and its political and personal significance. This event runs as part of LGBT History Month and is funded by Homecoming Scotland and the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Join us on one of our pioneering women’s heritage walks. Each walk has been researched by GWL learners, volunteers and sessional staff and are designed to enhance life, health and learning.
Hidden Gems of Garnethill (£7.50) Sunday 20th April, 2pm Within Garnethill’s confined boundaries we spotlight the women who pioneered European art movements, designed the banners for suffragette processions, created the first women’s library in Scotland and made Garnethill into the most exciting cultural and multicultural hotspot in Glasgow.
Start points for each of the walks will be given once booking is confirmed (approximately one week before walk). Booking in advance is essential as guides cannot take payment on the day. Visit our website to book at womenslibrary.org.uk or call us on 0141 550 2267
den histories of Glasgow’s women
Women of the Merchant City (£7.50)
Women of the Necropolis (£7.50)
Saturday 3rd May, 2pm
Sunday 18th May, 1pm
Uncover the Merchant City’s hidden history during this walk around Glasgow’s cosmopolitan hub. Join Glasgow Women’s Library tour guides in the Merchant City to discover the female stars that stud the fabric of this famous quarter. Scandal, vice, radicalism, regeneration and revival are topics highlighted by this original tour.
Experience this fantastic women’s history walking tour that digs the dirt on Victorian society, unearths women’s achievements and exhumes the history of some of the women buried in the Glasgow Necropolis. Our tour guides will tell the stories of both the notorious and the forgotten women who are buried in these atmospheric and ethereal surroundings, one of Glasgow’s most fascinating Victorian garden cemeteries.
Children under 16 go free. Please note we are not able to offer any other concessions on our walks at this time. See our website for more details on this and our cancellation policy: womenslibrary.org.uk
Our East End Women’s Heritage Walk will be held for the Glasgow International Festival and Glasgow Film Festival. Check the Arts & Culture pages for more details.
Arts & Culture
A packed programme of exciting and inspi
sequence of short aural pieces, The Lives of Saints, evoking the stories of women including Saint Teneu and the lost witch Maggie Wall.
Palaces, Ballrooms & Battling Betty McAllister: Hidden Histories of Art & Culture in Glasgow’s East End Artists Ruth Barker and Kim Moore have made work in response to Glasgow Women’s Library’s East End Women’s Heritage Walk. Barker uses live performance and spoken word poetry to re-tell ancient myths through the lens of her own unconscious associations. She has produced a new meditative
We run. We walk. We run is a new sound piece created by Kim Moore using binaural recordings of real and unreal spaces inspired by histories and stories of women and walking in Glasgow’s East End. Both artists’ sound pieces are to be experienced in and around Bridgeton, the new neighbourhood of Glasgow Women’s Library. Supported by Glasgow International and the Goethe Institute. Photo credits, left to right: Kim Moore performing live with Zoey Van Goey (2013) by John Jowett Ruth Barker, Of Gilgamesh, And Others, (2013) by NIall Macdonald Lucy Reynolds, A Feminist Chorus, (2014) extract Gertrude Stein, Tender Buttons 1914 Camlachie Weavers © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection
iring events
A Feminist Chorus: Lucy Reynolds On the occasion of the Festival, a number of spaces across Glasgow resonate with a feminist voice. Lucy Reynolds is interested in the collective power of the Women’s Movement; tracing it through the spaces, writings and memories of the city. A Feminist Chorus includes recitations from personal and polemic texts, adding a communal voice to Glasgow’s feminist history. The score draws on the collection of Glasgow Women’s Library and the city’s archives, including The Glasgow School of Art and the Mitchell Library. Participants from across Glasgow will speak the score at a collective choral event at Glasgow Women’s Library, while sound installations will be orchestrated, recorded and aired at other locations that carry echoes of the past. A Feminist Chorus is
curated by MAP, a Glasgow-based online contemporary art publisher.
GI Launch Event Saturday 5th April, 5pm to 6pm Ruth Barker & Kim Moore will be launching their works The Lives of Saints and We run. We Walk. We run with performances in our intimate and evocative library venue. Also performing live is Lucy Reynolds’ A Feminist Chorus, bringing together a choir made up of participants from across Glasgow. Places on this event will be limited. Contact us on 0141 550 2267 or email info@womenslibrary.org.uk to book. See following pages for details of the full exhibition showcasing all three GI artists work and two heritage walks taking part during the festival.
Arts & Culture
A packed programme of exciting and insp East End Women’s Heritage Walk Sunday 6th April, 2pm to 4pm Researched and led by learners and volunteers at the Library, this women’s heritage walk uncovers the hidden heroines of Glasgow’s East End. Experience the walk that inspired the works by Ruth Barker and Kim Moore and that explores this vibrant area of the city. Please book in advance.
Guided Silent Walk Thursday 17th April, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Download any of the GWL audio tours created for GI and gather at the Mercat Cross then follow the route at your own pace, taking in each stop and meeting up with the group at various points along the way. The East End audio tour is available in English, German, French and Polish. Come with downloaded audio tour/s onto mp3 or iPod Visit our website to download all the GI audio tours for free at womenslibrary.org.uk
GI Exhibition Tuesday 8th April to Monday 21st April 2014 The East End Audio Tours in all languages, along with Ruth Barker’s, The Lives of Saints and Kim Moore’s, We Run. We Walk, We Run. will be available to book and borrow from GWL* on portable audio players throughout GI Festival. A film of the live choir performance of A Feminist Chorus will be sited amongst the books at the Glasgow Women’s Library for the duration of the GI. *A deposit of £30 is required to borrow this equipment for you to take out and experience these walks, this will be refunded on your return.
Glasgow Film Festival The Steamie Saturday 22nd February Matinee Screening: 2pm Evening Screening: 7pm In an exciting collaboration with the Glasgow Film Theatre’s youth initiative, Pop-Up Programmers, we are proud to bring you a rare screening of the classic STV Production of Tony Roper’s “The
piring events Steamie” in this year’s Glasgow Film Festival. We will be serving free afternoon tea. For a nostalgic look back at old Glasgow we will be showing archived footage of the city at Glasgow Green. To accompany you to each location there will be two guided walks that will take in some of the stops from our East End Women’s Heritage Walk.
Library to the Green, 4.30pm The Green to Library, 5.30pm For tickets to the film screenings please call GFF Box Office on 0141 332 6535 or visit the website www.glasgowfilm.org/popup or in person at the Library. Tickets are free but early reservation is advised.
Artist in Residence for the Women of Glasgow: The Franki Raffles Residency International Women’s Day 2014 marks the launch of a ground breaking opportunity, a unique residency, initiated by Glasgow Arts and hosted by Glasgow Women’s Library for an artist to work dynamically with women and the issues that affect them. Inspired by the archive of Franki Raffles (the creative force behind the Zero Tolerance campaign whose collection is housed at GWL) the project will involve an artist working closely with the Women’s Library team, Castlemilk Community Centre and the women of Glasgow. The residency will be underpinned by forum discussions with community, cultural and civic stakeholders but with an open brief to create visually and conceptually arresting work which contributes to the wider aims of Glasgow as a White Ribbon City. Project funded by Glasgow Life. Look out for more launch info and application packs on our website going live on March 8th.
The Steamie cast courtesy of STV
Out & About
Bringing GWL learning to a location near another woman who has been important in your life. If your heroine is not on our list, it would be great if you could bring a picture and a short decription of why she matters to you.
Annan
Illuminated Letters for Women Across Scotland Since March 2013, Glasgow Women’s Library and the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow have invited women across the world to write illuminated letters of love and honour to an inspirational woman. All the letters received will be exhibited at the Gallery of Modern Art in March 2014. At these workshops, you can explore our treasure chest of gems, embellishments and other craft and writing materials and create your own illuminated letter. We can help you capture your thoughts on paper and you don’t need any artistic or craft experience. We have compiled a list of 100 women, however we would be delighted if you wish to write a letter to a local woman or
Tuesday 25th February, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Victoria Halls (free) To book, contact Morag Smith on 0141 550 2267 or email Alison at Alison.Murgatroyd@dumgal.gov.uk
Inverness Thursday 13th February, at WEA women@work Annual Conference, Eden Court Theatre (free) The theme for this year’s annual conference is “Women in Public Life - Real Women Making Real Change” The aim of the conference is to inspire and facilitate women to participate in public life. Glasgow Women’s Library will be providing 2 Illuminated Letters workshops at this event. To find out more and book your place at the conference go to: www.weawomenatwork.org.uk
you Edinburgh Wednesday 12th February, 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Leith Library (free) Monday 17th February, 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Newington Library (free) To book your place go to edinburghreads.eventbrite.co.uk or contact Morag at the Library on 0141 550 2267 for more information on any of the Illuminated Letters workshops across Scotland.
Dundee Women’s Festival: Sisters in Crime Wednesday 5th March, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm at Menzieshill Community Centre (free) Come along and find out more about some of the talented women writers who have dominated crime fiction in Scotland and elsewhere – and meet a few of their unforgettable characters, from police officers to poisoners! If you like, bring along your own favourite crime fiction book by a woman writer. Places on these sessions are limited. For more information or to book, contact Annette on 01382 432973
Out & About
Bringing GWL learning to a location near Celebrating Women’s History Glasgow Women’s Library supports women across Scotland in investigating and reclaiming their own local history. This support includes introductory workshops on how to develop your own women’s heritage walk, creating personal history scrapbooks and help and advice on starting up a local women’s history group. For more information about the events and groups below or to find out how to get involved in women’s history in your local area, contact Morag Smith on 0141 550 2267.
Clydebank West Dunbartonshire Women’s History Project Starts Wednesday 19th February, 1pm to 3pm for 8 weeks at Clydebank Library Learn research skills and find out more about the local women who have shaped West Dunbartonshire’s history, from the suffragettes to firebrands of the present day – or
get help with a women’s history research project of your own. Free of charge and no previous knowledge required.
Aberdeen Aberdeen Women’s Heritage Walk Launch Saturday 8th March In partnership with Glasgow Women’s Library, Aberdeen Women’s Alliance and Aberdeen Libraries, the Aberdeen women’s heritage walk group are launching their very own women’s heritage walk on International Women’s Day 2014. This inaugural walk, which starts at the Town House in Aberdeen, is by invitation only but will be running in Aberdeen throughout the summer on selected dates. Following the launch of their new women’s heritage walk, there is also the opportunity to join an afternoon discussion event on women’s heritage, with Professor Claire Midgeley, Sheffield Hallam University, as keynote speaker, starting at 1.30pm at Town and County Hall, Town House, Aberdeen
you If you would like to book, find out more or join the Aberdeen women’s heritage walk group, contact Aberdeen Women’s Alliance at awainfo@btinternet. com or for more information contact Morag Smith on 0141 550 2267
Oban Mapping Memorials to Women Tuesday 18th March 10am to 3pm Who are the women who helped to build Scotland? How are they remembered? What about women in Oban and elsewhere in Argyll? Join Glasgow Women’s Library and WEA women@work for these informal hands-on sessions looking at women’s heritage in Argyll and Bute. You can come along to one or both sessions and lunch will be provided. All sessions are free of charge.
Session 1: The Women of Scotland Website This website, developed in partnership by Women’s History Scotland and Glasgow Women’s Library, has now recorded the
stories of over 400 memorials to women. Find out about some of the women already featured on the website and get started on logging any memorials you know of in your own area.
Session 2: Celebrating Women’s Heritage in Argyll There will be a Women’s History quiz and an introduction to the different ways women’s heritage has been celebrated. Make your own map of local women who should be commemorated and help us generate ideas for a women’s heritage project in Argyll. These sessions are free of charge but booking is essential. To book go to www.weawomenatwork.org.uk or phone Charlotte on 01546 510209 and 07918 603792
Out & About
Bringing GWL learning to a location near Helmsdale Illuminated Letters & Women of Scotland Wednesday 30th April, 10am to 1pm at Timespan Where are the memorials and monuments to women in Scotland – the writers, doctors, mothers, factory workers and other women who made Scotland what it is today? This session includes an introduction and guided tour of the Women of Scotland website, an exciting project for recording memorials to women throughout Scotland developed by Glasgow Women’s Library and Women’s History Scotland. Hear the fascinating stories of women already featured on the website and find memorials to women in your own local area.
embellishments and other craft and writing materials and create your own illuminated letter. We can help you capture your thoughts on paper and you don’t need any artistic or craft experience. We have compiled a list of 100 women to fire your imagination, however we would be delighted if you wish to write a letter to a local woman or another woman who has been important in your life. If your heroine is not on our list, it would be great if you could bring a picture and a short description of why she matters to you. This workshop is a partnership with WEA women@work and is free of charge, but booking is essential. To book your place go to: www.weawomenatwork.org.uk
You will also have the chance to explore our treasure chest of gems,
Did you know we have a monthly email bulletin? You can receive the most recent news and events direct to your email inbox by joining our mailing list. Just visit womenslibrary.org.uk to register or send us an email to info@womenslibrary.org.uk and request to join.
you Women & Equality and Violence Against Women Workshops January to March 2014
Exploring Violence Against Women Issues with Minority Ethnic Youth.
A series of 7 workshops exploring Women & Equality and Violence Against Women issues. The sessions are relaxed and informative. You will have a chance to explore how women have gained equality over the past century through the right to vote, access to education, work, equal pay and violence against women campaigns. There will be a women’s history walk, arts sessions and film screenings as well as personal safety sessions and informative talks on recognising and tackling violence against women.
Friday 24th January and Friday 31st January, 6.30pm to 8pm at Kinning Park Complex
We will be working with the women’s group at Kingsway Court and Maryhill Integration Network. If you are interested in taking part or finding out about the women’s groups then please call Syma on 0141 550 2267.
The group will be meeting again to explore some of these issues and create artwork to raise awareness of violence against women.
Glasgow Women’s Library are working with the Minority Youth Foundation (MYF) to explore issues around violence against women and the sexualisation of women. Before the New Year the group watched and discussed the film ‘Provoked’, a domestic violence drama based on a true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia a Punjabi housewife and mother of two in London.
Out & About
Bringing GWL learning to a location near BME Women’s Group Ibrox and Govan February 2014 to February 2015 at Kinning Park Complex
Life books at YWCA Weekly from Friday 24th January to Friday 28th February, 12.30pm to 2.30pm Glasgow Women’s Library are pleased to be working with the YWCA women’s group to create individual life books! You will use a fabulous range of creative paper, gems and embellishments to create a scrapbook to capture your special moments. Please contact the Library for more details about the women’s group at YWCA and signing up for the sessions.
The BME Women’s Group will be taking part in exciting activities this year ranging from arts sessions, jewellery making, film screenings and discussions, reading for wellbeing, gardening, healthy cooking, storytelling, woodland walks and much more. The sessions will provide learning in a fun and relaxed environment and a chance to make new friends! If you are a BME woman living in the Ibrox, Govan or surrounding areas and are looking for something to do then please get in touch.
you
Personal History Tours Ibrox and Govan This is an exciting project working with women to develop walking tours which tell their story and experience of living within their local area. We have already worked in the Pollokshields, Govanhill, Gorbals and Castlemilk areas and are currently working with women in Ibrox and Govan. If you live in the Govan, Ibrox or surrounding areas and are interested in healthy living then
this programme is for you. You will have a chance to explore your own area as never before with your very own Personal History Tour. A great opportunity for you to reflect and get up and go. As well as this you will have an opportunity to join some of the walks created by women from other areas. The walks will take place over the spring / summer period. For more information or to sign up for the programme, please contact Syma at the Library on 0141 550 2267.
Getting Involved
How you can take part and contribute Volunteering at GWL Over 70 volunteers help out at GWL, supporting us to deliver every aspect of our work, including many of the activities in this programme, while gaining skills, experience and confidence, meeting lots of new people and making a huge contribution to their community. If you too would like to get involved as a volunteer please get in touch to find out more about how you can help. We have a role for everyone! Contact Gabrielle on for more information on volunteering at the Library on 0141 550 2267 or visit our website womenslibrary.org.uk
Mixing The Colours: Women Speaking About Sectarianism Mixing The Colours: Women Speaking About Sectarianism continues to deliver a range of workshops with women using short stories, poetry, books and films to inspire and facilitate discussion about intra-Christian sectarianism locally and on an outreach basis across Scotland. To date women across Scotland have contributed pieces of creative writing to inform the discussion. We have developed partnerships with a range of organisations such as Engender, LGBT Youth Scotland, the Scottish Book Trust and Stand Up To Sectarianism to showcase and develop women’s participation as part of LGBT History Month, International Women’s Day, and the Harpies, Fechters and Quines Festival. Keep up to date with the project on our website and blog at womenslibrary.org.uk or contact Rachel at the Library for more information.
‘Seeing Things’ with Glasgow Women’s Library (free) Do you want to get out and see more things in Glasgow? If so then we would love you to join GWL’s Seeing Things group. Seeing Things is designed to give women the opportunity to try new things, such as, but not limited to, art, music, theatre or comedy, together with other women who are curious and interested in trying new things too. The group will attend art exhibitions, performances, film screenings and concerts in Glasgow throughout the year. Some of the events that we have in the pipeline for Seeing Things include: Glasgow Youth Film Festival, Glasgow Short Film Festival and Glasgow Film Festival screenings and talks in February 2014. Exhibitions, performances and screenings taking place during Glasgow International Festival in April 2014 Exhibitions and events taking place during Generation, a
festival exploring the last 25 years of art in Scotland from July to September 2014 Talks and readings at Aye Write! In April 2014 LGBT History Month in February 2014 Events taking place during Glasgow MELA in June 2014 Other one-off theatre, music and art performances taking place in Glasgow throughout the year All of the events are free. For more information on Seeing Things, or to join the group please email Alice at info@womenslibrary.org.uk
Getting Involved
How you can take part and contribute Joining and Booking How do I book an event? To attend an event or course we ask you to join the Library: this is really easy to do and is completely FREE! Just complete a form to receive your borrowers card and we will post this out to you. Forms can be completed online, or you can call in & see us to fill one out. Joining gives you a unique GWL number that you can then use to register on events.
Do I need to pay? While a lot of our events are free, we do ask for a small contribution towards some of our learning events. Where you see prices listed against an event these generally fall under two categories: Full Price for people who feel that they can afford to pay a small amount to attend events and want to contribute to the library’s work, and Subsidised Rates (usually free) for students, people on a low income, unemployed or in receipt of benefits. We do not ask for proof of this: it is done on a trust basis and you self-evaluate your situation. GWL Friends can access all our learning programmes for free.
All the money we receive helps us to keep providing events and courses, and directly supports the work of Glasgow Women’s Library.
Why is it important to book first? It is important for us to know how many people to expect at all events as this affects the spaces we use and how many staff and biscuits and teabags we need! It is also important so that we can ensure you have all the details you need about an event including the venue, especially if there are any last minute changes. It is also just as important for you to cancel a place in advance if you can’t attend as we often have waiting lists. So don’t let someone miss out on an event they would have loved to attend, give us a call. If you have any questions about this or anything else you have read in the programme please contact us on 0141 550 2267 or email info@womenslibrary.org.uk
Help with Reading, Writing and Numbers Our Adult Literacy and Numeracy Project supports women at every stage of their learning journeys. Women sometimes want support with all areas of literacy and numeracy. Others need help with just one aspect: for example, writing job application forms, being more confident about studying, or doing creative writing.
Learning English English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) classes take place every week in the Library in partnership with Glasgow Clyde College. If you would like more information please contact us. For more information on any of our projects or services please contact us on 0141 550 2267, or email info@womenslibrary.org.uk
It is up to you what you would like to learn and practice. We provide a safe learning space and value each learner as an individual, working with them to tailor learning to meet their needs and improve their confidence. It is a free service and you can get support in a group or 1:1 with a tutor, or both, it’s up to you! If you would like more information, or just want a chat about how we can support you, please contact our ALN Development Worker, Donna Moore.
For more information on anything in the programme contact us on 0141 550 2267 or info@womenslibrary.org.uk, visit the Library online at womenslibrary.org.uk, find us on Facebook or follow @gwlkettle on Twitter
GWL Events Calendar a
Full details listed throughout the programm February Mon
3
10
17 Illuminat-
Tues
4
11
18
ed Letters
24
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
2
8
9
15
16
23
5 Book
6 Read,
7
Browse & Swap
Relax, Recharge
Read Aloud!
12
13 Ostrov
14 LGBT His-
Illuminated Letters
Talk /Drama Queens/RRR
tory Month/ Read Aloud!
19 Women’s
20
21
22 The
Read Aloud
Steamie
History RRR LGBT Acronym Exhibition
25 Illum Let-
26
27
28 Illumi-
ters/Muslim Reading Group
Women’s History
RRR
nated Letters/ Read Aloud
Sun
1
LGBT Acronym Exhibition
March Mon
Tues
Wed
Thur
Fri
31
3
4
5 Women
6 Read, in Crime/ Relax, Drama Queens Recharge
Sat
Sun
1
2
7
8 21 Revs
9
Read Aloud!
Book Launch Illuminated Letters
10
11
12 21 Revs
13 Read 14 Read in Dundee Aloud! Aloud! Illuminated Letters Exhibitions
15
16
17
18 Mapping
19 Women’s 20
22
23
Memorials
History RRR Read Aloud! 21 Revolutions at Creative Scotland
25
26 Women’s 27
29
30
24
21
28
History 21 Revolutions at Creative Scotland
at a Glance
me
April Mon
Tues 1
Wed
Thur
2 Women’s
3 Drama
History
Queens
Fri 4
Sat
Sun
5 GI
6 East End
Launch
Walk
21 Revolutions at Creative Scotland
7
8
9 WMH
10 RRR
11 Read Aloud! 12
13
Glasgow International Exhibition 21 Revolutions at Creative Scotland
14
15
16
17 RRR/
18
19
Silent Walk Glasgow International Exhibition
21 Glasgow
22
23
International Exhibition Ends
28
May
Mon
29
30
Tues
Wed
24 World
25
Book Night/ RRR
Read Aloud!
Thur 1 Illum
6
7
Walk
26
Sat
27
Sun
2
3
Read Aloud!
Merchant City Walk
8
9
10
11
RRR
Read Aloud!
17
18
Letters/RRR Badges of Honour Exhibition
5
Fri
20 Garnethill
4
Badges of Honour Exhibition
12
13
14
15 Booked
Fest/ RRR Badges of Honour Exhibition
19 21 Revs at
20
D&G Arts Fest
26
21 Drama
22
Queens RRR Badges of Honour Exhibition
27
28
16 Read Aloud!
23
Necropolis Walk
24
Read Aloud!
29
30
RRR
Read Aloud!
31
25
This programme is distributed widely across Scotland. If you would like to support its production or are interested in sponsoring our learning programmes please contact Sue John at info@womenslibrary.org.uk Learning and Events Programme supported by:
Glasgow Women’s Library 23 Landressy Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BP 0141 550 2267 info@womenslibrary.org.uk womenslibrary.org.uk Registered Company No: 178507 Charity No: SC029881