Glasgow Women's Library

09/11/2026

Matrescence and Performance
Thursday 19 November | 5.30-7pm
Free but ticketed

Matrescence and Performance by Laura Bissell (Intellect, 2026), examines how performance can challenge and expand conventional representations of becoming a mother. Across the history of art and literature, maternal bodies—along with the processes of pregnancy, childbirth, and sustenance—have often been cast as uncanny, abject, grotesque, monstrous, or hybrid.

This event explores the themes of Bissell’s recent book and how contemporary performance opens up richer and more nuanced understandings of matrescence.

Content warning: There may be discussion of pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy loss and infertility.

https://womenslibrary.org.uk/event/matrescence-and-performance/

09/11/2026

This Thursday //

Collections On Camera: Sisters with Transistors (2020) with Panel Discussion
Thu 12 Nov, 6–8pm
Free–£5

This Autumn, we are delighted to present Collections On Camera: a series of film screenings and activities celebrating feminist cinema related to our collections. From much-beloved classics of DIY filmmaking to captivating documentaries, join us to celebrate women’s stories of joy and resilience.

Archival documentary Sisters with Transistors, directed by Lisa Rovner, traces the forgotten history of women’s role in the rise of electronic music. Featuring pioneers such as Clara Rockwell and Laurie Spiegel, the film reveals how musical experimentation can give way to social liberation.

Following the screening, join us for a panel discussion with Arusa Qureshi, music journalist and programmer, and Suzi Cook, GLOSS (Glasgow Library of Synthesized Sound) Co-Founder and one-half of Free Love.

Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery.

We have two tickets to choose from. Please pick the ticket price which you can afford. Proceeds from ticket sales go to resourcing our work to celebrate women’s lives and achievements, and provide accessible and inclusive learning opportunities.

Find out more and book here:

Archival documentary Sisters with Transistors, directed by Lisa Rovner, traces the forgotten history of women’s role in the rise of electronic music.

07/11/2026

12,784 Days in 35 Objects: Celebrating 35 Years of Glasgow Women’s Library

Objects #31–35: 2021–2025

From creative responses to our archives to becoming Scotland’s first Library of Sanctuary, these four objects reflect the power of women’s stories, the transformative potential of our collections and our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.

2021 – Responders of Colour Annual
Founded by writer Nadine Aisha Jassat, this creative project brought together women and non-binary people of colour to explore vintage girls’ annuals from our collection, challenging outdated representations through poetry, illustration and new narratives.

2022 – Transformations Riso Card
Created by GWL volunteers, staff and learners during a workshop facilitated by artist Helen de Main, these prints explore the positive and transformative impact of Glasgow Women’s Library on the people who use and shape it.

2023 – Net-Zero Handbook
Our Net-Zero Handbook set out a practical plan to make GWL’s historic building operationally net zero by 2030, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

2024 – Ninth Heritage Walk: Dennistoun
This book and map celebrate the lives and stories of women in Dennistoun, bringing together local women, GWL volunteers and learners to research oral histories and uncover the women who have shaped the area’s past and present.

2025 – Library of Sanctuary Certificate
Recognising our longstanding commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, this award made GWL the first library in Scotland to be recognised as a Library of Sanctuary.

Objects #31–35 in 12,784 Days in 35 Objects, celebrating 35 years of Glasgow Women’s Library.

Our exhibition bringing all 35 objects together is now open at GWL and runs until 30 January 2027.

Help shape the next 35 years. Join our Circle of Friends and help us continue preserving women’s histories, supporting communities and creating change: https://friends.womenslibrary.org.uk

06/11/2026

The Anti N**i League (ANL) was founded in November 1977 in response to the rise of the National Front, a fascist party that encouraged racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.

In the late 1970s, racist violence was on the rise and the NF had won 119 000 votes in the Greater London Council Elections, becoming a real threat for the next general election. In August 1977, the NF attempted to march in Lewisham, but were met with an opposition of around 4000 people, which led to violent clashes and a large police presence.

Following the event, the ANL was formed, sponsored by various trade unions and consisting of many members of the Socialist Workers Party.

One of the most effective political strategies that the ANL used were badges like these. Organisers made sure that thousands of badges were produced and worn publicly, including the ‘Women Against N**is’ badge that highlights women’s active role in the movement. Between 1977 and 1979 they managed to sell around 750 000 badges. Before long, support for the NF dropped due to the ANL’s success. The ANL disbanded in 1981 but was relaunched in 1992, and later merged into Unite Against Fascism in 2003.

These badges serve as tangible markers of the ANL’s achievements, something that is particularly inspiring today given the growth of the far-right in recent years

05/11/2026

Join Libros con L Latinas for Amistades y Latitudes / Friends and Latitudes, a celebration of friendship, migration and the creative voices of Latin American women living in Scotland.

Through readings from their upcoming zine, a performance by Chilean storyteller Trinidad Cabezón, and a panel discussion, participants will share stories of connection, community and belonging.

An inspiring showcase highlighting the often-overlooked voices and experiences of Latin American women in Scotland.



Saturday 21 November | 1.30pm–3.30pm | Free

03/11/2026

Glasgow Women’s Library (2018), a textile banner created by New Zealand-based artist Fiona Jack for Glasgow Women’s Library.

Made using donated pieces of fabric from GWL’s Friends, borrowers, visitors, staff and volunteers, collected throughout summer and autumn 2017, the banner brings together a community of voices. Its words reflect the Library’s core values and the breadth of its work, spanning local, national and international issues.

The banner was commissioned as part of Our Great Aunt, an exhibition of new work by Fiona Jack responding to the legacy of her great-grandaunt, suffragette Helen Crawfurd. Through banners, sculptures and ceramics, the exhibition explored Crawfurd’s life, activism and the continued relevance of her ideas today.

Banners have long been a powerful way to share our values, messages and ideas, bringing people together through collective creativity.

As part of our 35th anniversary celebrations, Words on Cloth brings together a selection of banners created by GWL staff, volunteers, project partners and participants over the years, celebrating the stories, creativity and collective action woven into our history.

Visit Words on Cloth at Glasgow Women’s Library until 30 January 2027.

02/11/2026

Interesting in learning more about climate change and how it affects us, wildlife and the landscape we live in? Come along to BCLC on Wednesday 4th November for a workshop with The Conservation Volunteers to hear more about Clyde Climate Forest here in Bridgeton & Dalmarnock. Details of how to register are on the poster below or you can book using the link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridgeton-dalmarnock-future-forests-in-communities-tickets

02/11/2026

Happy Halloween 🎃👻

Discover stories themed on fear and horror 👉 https://artuk.org/discover/stories/view_as/grid/search/2024--sttopicr:fear-and-horror?

'Summoning the Devil' by Normandie Syken (b.1995) © the artist. 📷 Glasgow Women's Library

02/11/2026

Next week //

Collections On Camera: Sisters with Transistors (2020) with Panel Discussion
Thu 12 Nov, 6–8pm
Free–£5

This Autumn, we are delighted to present Collections On Camera: a series of film screenings and activities celebrating feminist cinema related to our collections. From much-beloved classics of DIY filmmaking to captivating documentaries, join us to celebrate women’s stories of joy and resilience.

Archival documentary Sisters with Transistors, directed by Lisa Rovner, traces the forgotten history of women’s role in the rise of electronic music. Featuring pioneers such as Clara Rockwell and Laurie Spiegel, the film reveals how musical experimentation can give way to social liberation.

Following the screening, join us for a panel discussion with Arusa Qureshi, music journalist and programmer, and Suzi Cook, GLOSS (Glasgow Library of Synthesized Sound) Co-Founder and one-half of Free Love.

Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery.

We have two tickets to choose from. Please pick the ticket price which you can afford. Proceeds from ticket sales go to resourcing our work to celebrate women’s lives and achievements, and provide accessible and inclusive learning opportunities.

Find out more and book via the link in our bio.

01/11/2026

’Interested in exploring the masculine spectrum of the art of drag? Then, you’ve come to the right place!

In conjunction with the Shut Up & King ‘Free Your Inner King’ online drag king course, GWL is co-hosting a series of free drag king act development sessions developed by Dorian T. Fisk. This session will be facilitated by Steff*.

Are you wanting a safe space to develop a drag king character? Looking for constructive feedback on act ideas? Working on a new performance and want to test it out?

Then don’t miss these ‘Werk In Progress’ act development sessions and your chance to perform in front of a supportive audience.

Free to attend and open to people at any stage in their drag king journey.

*Glasgow-based Steff, also known as drag king Poppa Joint, is a trans artist and disability advocate, and was the UK’s first visibly disabled drag king. A trained actor, singer and experienced host, workshop facilitator and youth worker, in 2021 he started working alongside Dorian in designing and delivering the Shut Up and King ‘Free Your Inner King’ workshops, drawing on his dance qualifications to help choreograph accessible routines and mentoring other drag artists with disabilities. Poppa Joint was also a mentor in the KINGcubator 2022 pilot program and provides Shut Up & King with access consultancy.

Saturday 12 December| 1–3.30pm
Free but ticketed | 18+ | link in bio to book

https://womenslibrary.org.uk/event/werk-in-progress-drag-king-act-development-session-2/

Wheelchair accessible, with an induction loop available on request.