The Feminist Library has the keys to its new home! Press Release: 11th Nov 2019
Press Release: 11th Nov 2019
The Feminist Library has the keys to its new home!
- Winter refit
- Opening events programme
New Building Lease Signed
After a successful fundraising campaign earlier this year and over a year of hard work, London’s Feminist Library is very pleased to announce that it has now signed the lease on its new building – the Sojourner Truth Community Centre at 161 Sumner Road in Peckham.
Westminster Bridge Road has been home to the much-loved Library since 1987 until recent plans to redevelop the building left it facing closure. A very successful Crowdfunder saw the public give over £65,000 to save the Library and will enable the moving of the collection, the refitting of the new space, and all other associated costs.
In collaboration with an amazing team of women and non-binary architects, designers and makers, the Library collective is now starting the process of refitting the building and moving the stock and is looking forward to a series of opening events. These will include a special evening celebration on 31st January prioritising those who donated to the Crowdfunder and a second event on 1st February – a big opening party for all to celebrate the Library’s new home. The line-up will include readings, performances, music, and refreshments! More details and of these and other events to follow soon …
Patrizia di Bello, one of our Trustees said:
“The Trustees have so many people to thank – volunteers, funders, donors, pro-bono professionals, and everyone working at the Library. Their support – in cash, in-kind, in reproductive, intellectual and emotional labour – has enabled us to keep the Library open and to move to a wonderful new location where the Feminist Library can continue to thrive. We are very excited to be moving into the Sojourner Truth Centre and to being part of the Peckham community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our wonderful new space.”
About the new Library space
The new space at Sojourner Truth Community Centre – named after the famous African-American activist and abolitionist – is 1,500sq ft, 50% bigger than the Library’s previous premises, and is completely wheelchair accessible. It will provide a substantial increase in shelving space, office space, and a kitchen to cater for community events.
The new space has been designed by HI-VIS and Studio Lucy Sanderson, and the fittings built by Power Project. To accompany the fresh look of the new space, the Library also has a new logo and branding designed by the graphic designer, Anna Lincoln.
Martha Rawlinson from HI-VIS said: “We’re thrilled that preparation of the new space can finally begin! It’s been a long time coming and it’s so exciting to finally begin to see this project realised.”
To document the journey, Lucy Sanderson and Lilian Nejatpour are making a film about the Library’s move. The documentary is produced by Tracy Bass with Sound Design by La Roux (Elly Jackson).
Volunteering and Friends Scheme – ongoing support
The Library’s volunteers and supporters are what keep it running. Volunteers have done an amazing job in preparation for the move by cataloguing and packing up the collection. Once the refit is complete, they will start the lengthy unpacking process – the Library still needs volunteers to help with this, as well as other ongoing volunteer opportunities. Please get in touch with the Library’s Volunteer Coordinator, Lola Olufemi at volunteer@feministlibrary.co.uk if you would like to take part.
The Library’s Friends Scheme enables the public to give ongoing monthly donations to support the Library’s running costs. The Library currently has 256 Friends and is looking to increase this to 600 in the next year to enable it to run sustainably. From as little as £3 a month you can help preserve Feminist Herstory. Friends receive a 15% discount on any purchases at stalls and in the bookshop. Sign up here.
About the Library
The Feminist Library was founded in 1975 by a small group of passionate volunteers at the height of the Women’s Liberation Movement. It boasts an incomparable collection of over 7,000 books, 1,500 periodical titles from around the world, several archives of feminist individuals and organisations, pamphlets, papers, posters, and ephemera.
With no government or external funding, it has survived for nearly 45 years by the goodwill and passion of dedicated volunteers and the support of the public. It opens five days a week and welcomes visitors of any gender. It is committed to a community policy that is intersectional, non-sectarian and trans-inclusive.
The Library has a vibrant book club, shop, arts and community programme. As well as enabling research and activism, it provides a space in London for feminists and community groups to have meetings, readings, exhibitions and events. The Library supports not just archiving work, but also independent producers and artists, and publishes its own zines.
Notes for Editors:
For more information please contact:
Email: emma@feministlibrary.co.uk with any enquiries.
Web: www.feministlibrary.co.uk
Twitter: @feministlibrary
Facebook: FeministLibrary
Instagram: thefeministlibrary
Registered Charity No. 1174735
(Formerly registered under No. 272410)