A Queer Pop-Up Library is coming to Dumfries town centre this weekend to celebrate LGBT History Month. Local organisations Lavender Menace and We Agree On Eggs have teamed up to takeover ‘The Oven’ to host the three day event which features book readings, creative workshops and inspiring talks.
Emily Tough from We Agree On Eggs commented: “The Pop-Up Library will be reminiscent of 1970s San Francisco, full of glittery clothes, a record player which will be spinning music from queer icons throughout the weekend, and the kettle is always on for anyone to stop by and pick up a book from the library.”
The weekend of events kicks off a year-long programme of activity taking place in The Oven, which was transferred into community ownership through the Midsteeple Quarter Project in November 2018. For 2019, the project is working on an annual programme which will include exhibitions, workshop spaces and events – all open to the public.
The Pop-Up Library opens on Friday 22nd at 11am, and remains open all day for anyone wanting to drop-in for a cup of tea, open discussion or to browse the library. At 3pm, they host an LGBT youth Zine Launch with craft and baking stalls to celebrate Purple Friday – a day to stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and show support for LGBTI equality.
On Saturday, there will be a Wiggly Arm Card workshop at 12pm led by Emily from We Agree on Eggs, where participants can learn how to make greetings cards with moving parts. This will be followed by the ‘Human Library’ at 2pm – a chance to hear real life stories from LGBT people living in Dumfries & Galloway. Saturday will end with a Zine making workshop at 4pm, where you’ll learn paper folding techniques and get crafty with collaging to make a mini DIY magazine!
On Sunday, Lizzie Alice Parsons will lead a book reading of ‘Orlando’ by Virginia Wolf, described as one of the longest and most charming love letters in literature. The ‘Human Library’ will return at 2pm followed by a Clothes Swap at 3pm. Anyone wishing to donate clothes can drop by anytime over the weekend. The Clothes Swap is open to all and costs £3 – all funds raised will go towards the third issue of the D&G Queerier.
For more information, please visit Lavender Menace or We Agree On Eggs Facebook pages:
