I am writing late in the day at our new home. Since my last blog a whole load of sweat and strategy, tea and solidarity has wrought a whole new Library.
Our first footers have mentioned that we have brought the homeliness and welcomingness of the old GWL with us but this is a big space with big windows and the brisk walks involved in moving from the office to bathroom and kitchen have taken us all by surprise. Through the windows from my desk I can see one of my favourite Glasgow buildings, the tower at the Briggait.
As if in salute to the move all the amyrillises salvaged by Laine and I from the most neglected crannies of the old space have burst into trumpets of red. I can find symbolism in everything.
On Friday of last week, the end of the first proper week where the whole team was ensconced and the office had more of less formed about us we experienced an incredible storm. We looked around at each other (sightlines being an important element in the planning of the new space) as the windows rattled and the wind whipped. I felt somewhat alarmed, memories of a masonary block falling from the building opposite not long ago that killed a man, but energised – a weekend sailing days before had made me thrill at such gusts, and it did feel like being on a liner caught in a storm, buffeted but unsinkable, but to endure this for a winter? Now, I am less concerned, becalmed, it feels like the last blowing away of the old.
But what about the rest of our new home? It is light and huge and has already initimated that it could look spectacular. It certainly looks good when people and artworks are in it, a blessing.
Some groups have already moved themselves in, there is a map in the Lifelong Learning area with the first few pioneering women the Women Make History group have gathered dotted on it that will gradually grow and define a real territory for this group.
There is a home for everything and areas are growing into nests and work environments, offering themselves up for particular things, plants, posters, lamps, furniture.
The staff are rather daunted by there being a kitchen, two toilets – even having an office space is an absolute first. One unexpected effect is that office banter in the office has virtually ceased. Productivity is unprecedented despite the fact that we are technically running oin empty, but until we get a big kitchen table to convene around it will continue to feel like a welling up before dams break.
Tomorrow it, the space, will have its mettle tested with the very first event. Peggy Brunache will give a talk and a food tasting on the History of Soul Food. And, its Halloween! Wish us luck.
