In November, Elaine, who works so hard to source hot-off-the-press books for our shelves, shared her experience of volunteering at the Library. Now she wants to spotlight some of the books that she’s helped to bring to our shelves.
Elaine says ‘We’re very grateful to all the publishers who’ve supported us through their goodwill. Here are 10 books, from 10 different publishers, to give you a flavour of the variety of books that we’ve received during my time doing book requests.’
Little people, big dreams: donated by Quarto Knows
A beautifully illustrated children’s book which includes heroines such as Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie and Frida Kahlo. Perfect for our feminist friendly children’s section!
The League of Super Feminists by Marion Malle: donated by Drawn & Quarterly
An energetic, fierce and fantastic book about feminism for younger readers. Graphic novels and comics are really popular and they can be expensive to buy, so it’s great to have some in our children and young adult section.
New daughters of Africa: an international anthology of writing by women of African descent, edited by Margaret Busby: donated by Myriad
A ground-breaking, must-have anthology, which we refer to over and over. Sits proudly on the shelf in our International Women section.
Things we say in the dark by Kirsty Logan: donated by Vintage
We’ve big fans of Kirsty’s dark, daring and magical writing at the Library, so we’re always happy to have more of her books on our shelves – this sits alongside her previous books, including The Gracekeepers.
Balloonomania Belles: daredevil divas who first took to the sky by Sharon Wright: donated by Pen and Sword
Would we like a book about women pioneers of balloon flight in the 18th and 19th centuries? Yes please! A wonderful addition to our History section.
Havana year zero by Karla Suarez: donated by Charco Press
It’s brilliant to have a novel by a Cuban writer for our fiction section. We’re always trying to get more books in translation, so having new donations from Charco Press, who publish contemporary Latin American literature in English translation, has been amazing!
The wife’s tale: a personal history by Aida Edemariam: donated by 4th Estate
We have a brilliant selection of biographies and we are always adding more. This exceptional book tells the story of Aida Edermariam’s grandmother, Yetemegnu, capturing her distinctive voice, whilst also telling the story of Ethiopia.
Antlers of water: writing on the nature and environment of Scotland edited by Kathleen Jamie: donated by Canongate
This book includes contributions from writers we love, including Chitra Ramaswamay and Amanda Thompson, and takes you from remote islands to back gardens. We are gradually growing our collection of books about nature and landscape, and are so happy to have a copy of this book!
We wrote in symbols: love and lust by Arab women writers edited by Selma Dabbagh: donated by Saqi Books
This book celebrates the works of 75 women writers of Arab heritage, as they explore the complexities and intrigues of love and desire. A must-read!
Way of the wanderers: the story of Scottish Travellers by Jess Smith: donated by Birlinn
Drawing on her own and her family’s experiences, Jess Smith explores the tales, songs, culture and rich traditions of Scottish Travellers, and reveals the centuries of prejudice and violence that they have faced.
Elaine, we are ever grateful for all the brilliant work you do, week in week out. Thank you!
And huge thanks to all the publishers who help to keep our Library thriving!
