Has anyone been to Glasgow Woman's Library?

[Teufelsrad]

There's an open event tomorrow, though I've been thinking of going for some time now. I'd love to hear from anyone who has been.

What does concern me is that they use the word 'cis' in some of their marketing, which I find offensive, but I know that women's libraries are few and far between and need support, so I'm torn.

I'd appreciate any experiences. Thank you in advance.

I've not been because it's very hard to get it for me. Am massively put off by this

"All women-only events are inclusive of Trans and Intersex women, as well as non-binary and gender fluid people who identify in a significant way as woman or female."

But I'd guess they are between a rock and a hard place and their funding may not survive them holding women only events

Thank you for responding. IT really puts me off too. I have no problem with intersex women attending of course, but the rest means that almost anyone could show up. I have visions of myself finding myself sitting next to our former neighbour who is an autogynphile and a real exhibitionist. He loves to cause a stir.

I was hoping that it might be a safe space but the use of Cis and the description above suggests that it's anything but, which is very disappointing. I see your point about funding, but it's still very frustrating. I may still visit but I'll give this a miss and visit at a time when it's likely to attract fewer people.

That’s very disappointing that they’ve capitulated to the trans nonsense.

GWL was great for me when I volunteered there, which was when they were still at the old Anderston Library although the plans to move were underway. It was the most supportive environment I've ever been in and I have nothing but good stuff to say about my experience there. However, I haven't been since the move to the new place and can't say if the atmosphere has changed...although I can't imagine it has...
(I really hope not! )

It is disappointing, Carrotandcornsoup. If you can't find a safe space in a women's library then where can you find one?

Thank you for your insight, Galloglass. It does seem that it still has much to offer, but certain things on their website make me very wary. I'll probably try it at least once though, but I'm very disappointed by the use of 'Cis', and a few other issues. It doesn't bode well, though I still feel lucky to have one in my town.

I've been to several events at Glasgow Women's Library and they have all been brilliant. I love the place.

All the women I know who work / volunteer at Glasgow Women's Library are awesome, and I don't think they'd stand for any nonsense.

The last two events I've attended there have both been day conferences, where an external group has hired the conference room. One was on C18th female composers and had a mostly female but mixed audience, including a male harpsichord player. It was a fantastic day of interesting speakers and great music. Given that they hire the big room out for events like that, not all events there are female only.

I would strongly encourage you to visit, Teufelsrad. There's a real buzz about the place, with many different projects aimed at different groups of women. The collection of books is excellent but they also curate collections of eg badges, suffragette memoribilia etc. They launched an appeal some time ago for people to sponsor bookshelves in honour of specific women, and now have a large number of wooden cubes dedicated to women, with a short inscription on each. If it's a catered event there are excellent vegetarian options; I don't think I've ever been to any conference venue that does better vegetarian food.