Volunteering

Around three months ago when I began volunteering at Glasgow Women’s Library I had no idea what to expect as it wasn’t something I had ever done before.  The first thing that greeted me upon entering the library was a friendly smile and a genuine one at that! I’m a bit of a cynic so I watch out for little things like does their smile reach their eyes and I am glad to say yes, it did.
It was very closely followed by “would you like a cup of tea?” which made me wonder just how different the Women’s Library was from a ‘normal’ library.

Previous experience of a ‘normal’ library meant that no liquids were allowed; along with no talking and God forbid but no asking questions because the librarians were too busy to help you! All in all not really a good experience so I would just get in, find the books I wanted and leave again as quickly as possible.

It was the opposite when I walked into Landressy Street and ventured through the doors for the first time. It felt, to me like coming home. I wanted to be there, I wanted to spend time in this atmosphere of friendly helpful people who answered my dumb questions and made me feel like an important part of their day and not just a punter who was wasting their time.

So, it was agreed that I would start volunteering as most of the skills that I have would come in useful to the various projects that were on the go. I’m an occasional helper for Mixing the Colours and I am currently working on the 21 Revolutions Project which recently published the 21 Revs book (as if you didn’t know that already!).

I was so impressed with the 21 Revs project that for my birthday I asked my older sister to buy me a copy of the book and it now sits pride of place on my lap most nights as I read it from start to finish.

The actual volunteering time I spend at the library flies in so quickly that I feel like I am just taking my coat off to begin my little shift and then it’s time to pack up and go home again. I think the old adage of time flies when you’re having fun is actually true!

I had previously intimated to my family and the DWP (who pay my benefits) that I wouldn’t volunteer because if I was going to be working then I wanted to be paid for it. However, even if I get a job in the future I will still make time for GWL by ensuring that my employer gives me a day off during the week so that I can continue (if they still want me).

I have never met a friendlier, more diverse group of people united in a common goal in my life and it is my privilege to be involved even a little in the tremendous work the Women’s Library does. I only wish that we could clone both the atmosphere and the people there and copy them into the rest of the world.