Feminist Library

The Feminist Library is a special collection of feminist books, pamphlets and periodicals in Southwark. It began in 1975 as the Women’s Research and Resources Centre, founded by a group including academics Diana Leonard and Leonore Davidoff. After moving to Westminster Bridge Road in 1989, the library faced a rent crisis in 2003 which nearly closed it. Volunteers saved the library in 2007 and again in 2010 when a grant trained fifteen new librarians. By 2018 it opened five days a week, though still relying on volunteers. In 2020 it relocated to the Sojourner Truth Community Centre in Peckham. Visitors find around 7,500 books, 500 poetry pamphlets and 1,500 periodicals arranged on 85 metres of shelves. The collection includes unusual amounts of poetry and fiction alongside political works. Many items are self-published, reflecting grassroots feminist activity.