Volunteer Stories: Shalini

I have been a high school teacher for more than a decade. So, when I moved to Glasgow a year and a half ago, I had planned to continue in the same direction. However, during a casual conversation about issues related to women, a friend suggested that I should visit the Glasgow Women’s Library (GWL). I went to the Library expecting it to be just what the name suggested…well, a library! But I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that it is also an archive, an art gallery, an events space and above all a melting pot for women from diverse backgrounds.

I applied for a volunteer position at the library, was accepted and inducted virtually, as the country was still in the throes of the pandemic. In early 2022, normalcy began to return and I started training to be an ASL tutor. While I was shadowing the 3D’s (Donna, Dorothy and Deborah) of the Literacy team; Gabrielle (volunteer coordinator) introduced me to Rachel and the 30 years Memories project at the library [30 Years of Changing Minds project]. That gave me an opportunity to explore my interest in creating videos. I added the skills of creating podcasts, editing and subtitling to my profile.

During the subtitling work for the library’s YouTube channel, that I am engaged in presently, I came across videos of women from various walks of life and learnt more about issues concerning women and their rights. The stories of the “donors” in these videos are truly inspirational. In February, I invigilated an art exhibition at the library. It was the most wonderful experience, where I could do my work surrounded by art and poetry. Occasional look at the visitors appreciating the art work was greatly satisfying.

The visits to the library are always fun and enlightening. One might participate in the “conversation cafe” or receive great book recommendations in the “book picnic” or just indulge in some friendly banter with the lively, lovely ladies over a cup of coffee in the warm confines of this place.

When I joined GWL as a volunteer, my primary need was to belong to a place in this new city. I also wanted to play some part in the process of empowering women. GWL welcomed me with open arms. I found women who didn’t judge or compete but upheld each other. I came to volunteer as a tutor but as I got to know more about this wonderful place, the issues they fight for, the causes that are dear to them and the dynamic people involved in it; I felt that my horizons broadened too.

I am so glad I found GWL. It is now my favourite place in Glasgow.