Women’s Library, Glasgow

Housed in a striking former public baths and wash-house, the Glasgow Women’s Library is the only accredited museum in the United Kingdom dedicated solely to women’s lives, histories, and achievements. Founded in 1991 by a small group of volunteers who wanted to preserve and celebrate women’s heritage, the library has grown into a national centre for learning and inspiration. Its distinctive red-brick façade, a remnant of Victorian civic architecture, sets the stage for the treasures within.

Inside, visitors discover a collection that spans centuries of women’s contributions to literature, politics, and everyday life. The library holds thousands of books by female authors, alongside rare archives, suffrage banners, historical documents, and personal testimonies that bring to life the struggles and triumphs of women across Scotland and beyond. Regular exhibitions showcase both historic figures and contemporary voices, offering perspectives on feminism, social change, and cultural identity.

Beyond its role as a museum, the Women’s Library is a thriving community hub. It hosts workshops, film screenings, heritage walks, and learning programmes designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Many events highlight themes such as equality, creativity, and social justice, reflecting the library’s founding mission to ensure women’s stories are heard and valued.

For visitors to Glasgow, the library offers more than a quiet place to read-it is a living archive and gathering place where history and activism intersect. Spend time with rare manuscripts, explore an exhibition, or join a community event, and you’ll gain meaningful insight into the city’s cultural fabric and the women who helped shape it.