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Information about how to get to GWL
Accessibility at GWL
At Glasgow Women's Library we are committed to making our building and events programme accessible to all.
Arrange a Group Visit
GWL is happy to welcome groups to GWL - because the Library may be busier at certain times, we ask that groups arrange a time to visit.
Accessing the Archive and Museum Collections
The archive and museum collections at GWL are open to everyone. We ask people to arrange an appointment in advance if they wish to access material not currently on display.
There’s always lots to do, see and explore at Glasgow Women’s Library, and we’ve revised our website to make it easier to find the information you need.
We know that coming into a new space might be intimidating, so we wanted to give you an idea of what you could expect to see when you visit the library. Find out What to Expect At GWL.
From events and exhibitions to exploring our collections, there’s lots to do at GWL, whether you’re popping in for a quick visit or spending the day here. Find out What to Do at GWL.
Opening hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am to 4.30pm
Thursday: 10am to 7pm
Saturday: 12noon to 4pm
Our building, current exhibitions, and lending and reference library are open to all during our opening hours, although some spaces may have limited access when events are taking place.
What to expect at GWL
What might you see when you visit Glasgow Women’s Library?
We know that coming into a new space might be intimidating, so we wanted to give you an idea of what you could expect to see when you visit the library. We also have a detailed visual guide of the building that you can explore online beforehand or at our Front Desk when you arrive.
Download: Visual Guide (large print PDF)
When you enter the building you will probably be greeted by staff or volunteers who are working on our Front Desk. Feel free to come over for a chat and to ask any questions you have about GWL. Staff and volunteers throughout the building should be wearing name and pronoun badges, so if you need anything then don’t hesitate to ask someone with a badge on!
Something to look for when you visit is our exhibitions. These will usually be in the glass wall of the Foyer, the Event Space, the Gallery upstairs, or even in displays around the building. We usually have two or three exhibitions running at one time, you can look up what’s on before you arrive. Sometimes exhibitions will showcase material from our collections and archives, sometimes they will display new work created by solo artists or group projects. Information about the exhibitions can be found at the Front Desk.
All kinds of events and learning opportunities happen in the building. There might be people engaging with creative activities on the big table at the back of the Library; folks chatting or reading stories aloud in the Event Space; or all kinds of talks, workshops and discussions happening. You can check our events calendar to find out if any events or activities will be running when you visit.
Below is some information about who you might see using the building.
Who might you see when you visit Glasgow Women’s Library?
Glasgow Women’s Library welcomes people of any gender, although some activities and events are only open to women, inclusive of Trans and Intersex women, as well as non-binary and gender fluid people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of women.
The offering at GWL is broad, so you’ll probably see people using the space in all kinds of ways. GWL staff and volunteers will be wearing name and pronoun badges and will be working throughout the building. You’re especially likely to find staff and volunteers in the Office, at the Front Desk, and on the Mezzanine.
You may also see students on their placements; GWL learners; people from partner organisations; and, of course, other members of the public. Folks might be working with blue archive boxes in the Event Space or up on the Mezzanine, or people might have books and laptops out around the building. Learners on our Adult Literacy and Numeracy programme may be having one-to-one lessons with tutors, and the Community Room upstairs could be being used for ESOL classes or other sessions. It’s possible you’ll see staff, volunteers and external partners having meetings or setting up for events. And you might even pop in while an event is in full swing! If you’re unsure of anything that’s going on then please feel free to ask someone at the Front Desk or anyone with a badge.
What can I do at GWL?
What can I do in fifteen minutes at Glasgow Women’s Library?
One thing you can do during a brief visit is to get a free Library Card and choose a book to take home with you. We have all kinds of fiction, non-fiction and poetry on offer, all by or about women! You won’t need to bring anything with you to become a Library Member, you can just fill out a form at our Front Desk. You can find out more about using our Lending Library here.
If you don’t want to become a member, you’re still welcome to pop in and look around. We encourage you to ask staff or volunteers at the Front Desk any questions you have about GWL, or feel free to have a nosy about the building by yourself.
And why not take a wee look at our shop on your way out?
What can I do in an hour at Glasgow Women’s Library?
If you have a bit longer for your visit, we recommend that you take a look at our exhibitions. We usually have two or three exhibitions running at one time, you can look up what’s on before you arrive. Sometimes exhibitions will showcase material from our collections and archives, sometimes they will display new work created by solo artists or group projects. Exhibition texts can be found at the Library Front Desk.
Our Library is full of amazing books by and about women. You can take as long as you like to browse our shelves and you’re welcome to find a comfy spot in the Library to read. If you’d like to take a book home with you, you can get a free Library Card and start borrowing right away!
If you’re visiting as a group, you can get in touch beforehand and enquire about a tour. Or, anyone can take one of our self-guided tour sheets from the Front Desk – just ask a member of staff.
What can I do in a day at Glasgow Women’s Library?
If you’re joining us for the whole day, you might want to plan your visit around one of our activities or events. You can browse upcoming events in our events calendar. There are all kinds of things on offer, including reading and writing groups, craft sessions, and talks and discussions. Most things are free and will last an hour or two. Many events will need to be booked in advance, please check the website or give us a call to find out.
There are lots of spaces where you can work, revise and read. If you want to look at one of our ‘Reference Only’ books then you can do this in the building. We have free Wi-Fi and you’re welcome to bring your lunch with you and eat it here.
As well as our wonderful Library books, we have a vast range of exciting material in our Archive Collection, which is broadly comprised of three elements: Archives donated to GWL, the Lesbian Archive (formerly the LAIC), and GWL’s own archives. Material includes journals, zines, artworks and ephemera that represent the achievements and activities connected to women and women’s issues. Our archives are open to all, but you will need to book an appointment in advance. You can find out how to arrange an appointment here.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about visiting the Library, please contact us.
