The Future: Relocating GWL
We are currently housed in temporary decant premises at 81 Parnie Street, where our learning programmes, events and activities are open for business as usual and where our library, archive and artefact collections are sadly in storage for the moment (although we can access some items and will do our very best to meet your needs and answer your enquiries).
Our long-term home will eventually be at the Mitchell Library, in the former Anderston Public Library on Berkeley Street (which itself has relocated to a different section of the Mitchell Library as part of its refurbishment programme).
We will retain our independent charitable status and will benefit greatly from the long term sustainability and raised profile that such a relocation will bring.
We are very excited about our move to the Mitchell and, following consultation with hundreds of members, users, learners and other stakeholders over the past couple of years, are in the process of realising our vision for the space. The Anderston premises are currently too small and need to be made accessible and therefore, in its current state, the space is far from meeting our needs. We need to increase its size by building a mezzanine floor and address the issue of access as a matter of priority.
A ‘Stage D’ Report (conducted by the award-winning prectice, Gareth Hoskins Architects), Disability Access Audit, Full Planning Permission and listed Building Consent are all in place and we are working incredibly hard to raise the £1.5 million required for the capital building refurbishment works. We have already raised £440,000 and have a fundraising strategy in place to raise the rest by Spring 2011.
It is hard to say precisely how long it will take us to relaunch in the Mitchell, but at the moment we hope that it will be towards the end of 2011, and you can help! Sponsor a book, shelf or section in the future Women’s Library as part of our Women on the Shelf initiative, and you’ll be helping us build our future home. Dedicate a shelf to a woman of your choice, and you’ll also be building a living, working tribute to the great women of Scotland.
Together we can realise our vision quicker than we might think!
Please contact Sue John, the Library’s Strategic Development Manager, with any comments, ideas or suggestions, and keep in touch with what we’re doing at our Library Blog.
