Glasgow Women’s Library

Glasgow Women’s Library was established in 1991. It grew out of the women’s arts-orientated project, Women in Profile (1987), to ensure the visibility of women in the programming of the Glasgow, European City of Culture year (1990).

Our beginnings in 1991

Since 1991 thousands of women have contributed to the growth and success of the Library. The collection has been largely donated and there have been scores of women involved in managing its projects, volunteering and contributing their time, expertise, visions and energies.

Adele Patrick, a Library founder remains on board as Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator and Sue John, a volunteer in 1993 is now Director of Strategic Planning. Some women have renewed their annual membership since 1991 supporting the Library through each stage of its eventful life.

Links with other organisations

The Library is a unique resource in Scotland but has always sought support and links with sister organisations world-wide. Many of the Library projects, policies and initiatives have developed after peer group visits, contacts or discussions. One early inspiration came from exchange visits with Kunstlerinnenarchiv, Nurnberg (now located at Bildwechsel, Hamburg) in 1990/1. Another inspiring sister organization was the former Women Artists Slide Library, now the Women’s Art Library (MAKE), based at Goldsmith’s College, London.

Over the Library’s history we have held hundreds of events, undertaken research, training and partnerships, visited and hosted workshops, conferences and exhibitions.

We have visited international sister projects as well as making firm links with local and national women’s initiatives. We have grown from an unfunded, grassroots initiative with no paid workers to a busy, multifaceted organisation with nine paid staff, sessional workers and over 20 volunteers. Over 1,800 women have become members and many thousands more have visited or used the Library’s resources or learning opportunities.

The Library’s work and history has been the focus of a range of press coverage and academic studies. Most recently, the Library was highlighted as a significant UK project in a thesis by Dr. Rosie Ilett.

Landmarks in the Library’s history

Some significant landmarks in the Library’s history include:

1991

Library’s first base on Hill Street, Garnethill, Glasgow opens. No paid staff.

1993

Library launches its first publication, Women, HIV/AIDS: a bibliography, edited by Rosie Ilett (shortlisted for a Library Association award in 1994).

1994

Due to increase in collection and users, the Library relocated to large, city-centre premises at 109 Trongate (4th and 5th floors).
Incorporates as a Company.
Begins volunteer training programme.

1995

First funding for a Library wage (a part-time salary shared by three workers).
The London-based Lesbian Archive and Information Centre (LAIC) relocates to the GWL’s 5th floor.
The Library celebrates its 500th member.

1996

Monthly free lawyer’s surgeries begin (ongoing).
First GWL banner and first monthly GWL Newsletter (ongoing).

1997

Civic reception for GWL’s Women at Work database.

1998

1000th GWL member.

1999

Comic Relief fund the GWL LIPS project, two workers employed.
GWL embarks on research and publishes a report for Glasgow City Council on ‘Poverty and Social Exclusion of Lesbians and Gay Men.’

2000

GWL awarded charitable status.

2001

A motion in the new Scottish Parliament congratulates GWL on its work.

2002

Glasgow City Council funds a Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator post at GWL.

2003

Glasgow Community Learning Strategy Partnership fund an Adult Literacy and Numeracy Development Worker post at GWL.
GWL acquires a third floor (1st floor at 109 Trongate).
A cohort of sessional tutors are trained and employed and two staff join the team to provide outreach support to lesbians over 25.
GWL establishes a Women’s Community Garden.

2004

Scottish Arts Council fund GWL’s first Writer in Residence.

2005

Learning Connections funding allows ALN Learners to publish a book of their writing, launched in May 2005.
Offer of new location within the Mitchell Library. (Relaunch early 2010)
Website re-launched.
The Library’s first Librarian, Wendy Kirk, is appointed.
First large scale documentation project launched supported by Scottish Community Fund and Awards for All (ongoing)

2006

GWL moves to temporary premises at 81 Parnie Street.

2007

Dedicated Black & Minority Ethnic Women’s Project is launched.

2008

The Library is awarded a major grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The £410,000 grant will fund the creation of the first ever Women’s Archive in Scotland.

2009

Match funding secured for the Heritage Lottery / Archive Project costs, with funding awarded by The Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, The Endrick Trust and The Feminist Review Trust.
Awarded a grant of £26,963 by the Scottish Arts Council / National Lottery Capital Grant (Public Art Fund) for the first stages of a public art project to culminate in a permanent public art work outside the Mitchell Library premises.
GWL is awarded £75,000 from the Robertson Trust towards capital funds for the refurbishment of the Mitchell Library.
Completion of the RIAS / RIBA Stage D Report for the relocation to the Mitchell Library, undertaken by Gareth Hoskins Architects.