[Anarchafeminists] Fw: [faf] Women's Library to Lose its Building

[Gail Chester]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Laura Schwartz 
To: FAF (new) ; Femfightorganising ; Feminists Against Borders 
Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2012 8:28 PM
Subject: [faf] Women's Library to Lose its Building



Meet to take action! 6pm 10th Sept, Freedom Bookshop, Angel Alley, Whitechapel High Street, London 

Dear Supporters,
As you will know, a number of institutions are bidding for custodianship of The Women’s Library, which will be sold off by London Met by the end of 2012. A decision will be made as to which institution will take it over at the end of September. 
The Save the Women’s Library Campaign has been calling for TWL to keep its building and staff. A glimmer of hope appeared when one of the potential bidders, Warwick University, proposed to assume custodianship on these grounds. Unfortunately, Warwick has now withdrawn from the bidding process, and, as far as we know, no other bidder is offering to retain the building.
Friends of TWL fought for decades for TWL to have its own building, believing that this world-famous collection on women ought to be visible rather than buried away in a dusty basement where it previously resided for many years. 10 years ago TWL finally gained a purpose-built, heritage lottery-funded building which it now stands to lose after such a short time.
The campaign is concerned that London Met has not given due time and consideration to the transfer of custodianship. It has been rushed through in less than 6 months with little concern for retaining the character and integrity of the collection. It has also passed over the fact that TWL is not just an archive but also does a huge amount of excellent community outreach projects, acting as a hub for local people, school students and anyone interested in issues facing women today.
As researchers, students, feminists and education workers we need to ensure that as much public scrutiny as possible is turned upon this transfer of custodianship. And not allow the building and the livilhoods of the TWL staff to be lost so easily.
Please do come to the meeting!
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