For over 40 years, the Feminist Library, based out of London, has worked to preserve literature and writings that celebrate the female role throughout history, or more specifically ‘herstory.’
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Women’s Liberation Movement ignited a feminist fire around the world. It forced people to take a closer look at gender equality through a series of campaigns highlighting the need for basic female rights. While the Women’s Liberation Movement has long since passed, the thoughts and ideas shared throughout those years continue to impact our society, both regionally and globally, to this day. The Feminist Library helps to keep these voices alive by not only preserving these pieces, but also by providing a place where women and girls of all ages can come to learn, share and explore the feminist perspective.
During my recent trip to London, I had the pleasure of visiting the Feminist Library pop-up exhibit at the Tate Modern and sitting in on one of the group’s discussions. It was truly amazing to see the variety and magnitude of pieces that the library has collected over the years - spanning genres, styles, lengths and nationalities. Upon examining the many works housed there, the intent of the library could be immediately realized -- this was designed to be a place of inclusion for women and all people, regardless of their background, age or gender -- a place where anyone could go to better understand the ideas that drove the feminist movement and how these ideas are still impacting the world today.
The books and literature presented are bold and designed to be thought-provoking, and even sometimes confrontational to passers-by. The concept of confrontation in feminist literature and in feminist art is quite common -- a topic that was heavily discussed in the session I was able to attend. But why is this? Why is feminist literature and art often confrontational or provocative? This is a question that is still a major point of discussion to this day, and while it is something we may not ever truly have a definitive answer to, it can perhaps be attributed to the desire to truly differentiate. Feminist pieces are often deliberately designed to capture the attention of the viewer or reader and force them to pay attention to the topic being presented. These pieces are meant to ignite conversation and force conversation about subjects that may be uncomfortable or even controversial -- something that is so important in today’s world.
The existence of the Feminist Library in today’s society is both refreshing and inspirational. It represents the passing down of the feminist perspective throughout generations, and truly conveys the essence of the female spirit. The library even offers a section for children, with books celebrating some of the most fearless women in the world, placing a spotlight on female leaders in everything from athletics to fashion to science to political activism.
Through its captivating collection , the Feminist Library educates women of all ages about the ‘herstory’ that changed (and continues to change) the world, while also inciting meaningful conversation and empowering women to develop their own thoughts and perspectives. It was truly fantastic to witness the collection firsthand and hear from the volunteers who help keep the library alive.
To learn more about the Feminist Library click here.
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