Time flew by as always when you are feeling that you are doing something useful with it. Six weeks ago I entered the library the first time and but today it is my last day and I am going to go back to Berlin soon. I already know that I will miss this place that I got to know as an ideas workshop, a meeting-place, a library, an archive and museum; a place which is home to 13 enthusiastic and hardworking members of staff and lots of wonderful volunteers. I was impressed by all these people who are spending their time to work for the Glasgow Women’s Library but I understood quickly, why they are doing it. Getting part of this community offers you so much.
As a librarian I was mainly attracted by its unique collection when I have chosen the library for my placement. The stock provides a unique resource for women: poetry, fiction, and non-fiction from A like ‘aging’ to Z like ‘zygote’.
I was astonished by the circumstance that everything is donated from private collections, authors and publishers and it also proves to me that one does not need an amount of money to build up a worthwhile collection but people’s generosity and visions.
During my time in the library I tried to support Wendy, the librarian, with the every-day work like cataloguing, setting up new (monthly) displays or giving a hand with preparing the library for upcoming events. Furthermore I tried to share my former working experiences with the library to extend the information resources, for example with a collection of free online resources related to the topics the library deals with.
Apart from the collection I also applied for a placement at Glasgow Women’s Library because I was attracted by the fact that this is more than an ordinary library. With its events, classes, and meetings it is a place where women fell comfortable and where they can gain more skills and experiences.
During the last weeks I have learned a lot. Above all, I have experienced how powerful women can be when they stick together for one aim and for their needs and interests. And I have experienced how much a friendly greet, a smile and/or a short chat can enlighten your day and just make life a bit easier. There is so much you can learn from each other and the diversity of the women in Glasgow Women’s Library makes it a unique place in Scotland and beyond.
I want to thank all the members of staff and the volunteers for the last six weeks! Thank you, that you have welcomed me as a full member of your team. I really hope that we’ll keep in touch and I’d love to come back sometimes.
I wish you all the best for the next 20 years and I really hope that more and more women will discover this unique place and support your work!
