I joined the GWL team in July 2011. In the weeks between being offered the job and starting a few weeks’ later, I was genuinely worried that this unimaginably amazing offer might be withdrawn, not because of any skeletons lurking in my closet, but because I just couldn’t quite believe that I was good enough to work for the awesome Glasgow Women’s Library.
I had followed the library since 2007 when I first became aware of its innovative and exciting work with women in Glasgow, and had visited and attended events at Parnie Street and Berkeley Street. What was, and remains, so different about GWL, is that all women are valued equally, whether we are literacy learners, event participants, supporters, staff or volunteers. Along with the amazing women who want to volunteer with GWL, this is what makes my job as Volunteer Coordinator so easy: the whole team wants to involve volunteers and appreciates what they bring to the organisation, regardless of how much or how little work experience and qualifications they come with.
One of my favourite items in our collection (there are quite a few) is a fan-zine called Unskinny, created by Lucy Sweet in the mid 1990’s. One of the zine’s top tips for “a beautiful you on your first date“ suggests:
“Begin with the basics. Wipe the jam off your face with a bit of wet bog roll and get in the bath, not forgetting to remove your pants”.
So if like me you enjoy some light-hearted diversion and long for alternatives to the stereotypes of women as insatiable shoppers, obsessed with men, cellulite and make up, you’ll definitely find something to amuse you and inspire you at GWL. I hope to see you soon!
