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London’s Feminist Library faces closure due to rent rise

The 40-year old Feminist Library in London is facing closure unless it agrees to a rent hike demanded by Southwark Council.

Situated on Westminster Bridge Road, the library was established in 1975 to support research, activities and community projects and houses a large collection of women’s liberation movement literature.

However, the library now faces eviction on 1 March from its current premises unless it agrees to an almost threefold rent hike by the council, from the current rate of £12,000 a year to £30,000 a year.

The library, a volunteer-led charity, and its archive are internationally renowned for its cultural and historical significance, and is a valuable resource for academics.

Commenting on the news in a statement on the Feminist Library’s website, local resident emphasised the library’s cultural importance to the community.

She commented: “As a Southwark resident I’ve been devastated to hear that we might be soon losing this unique cultural organisation.

“The Feminist Library is just what we need to hold on to in the Elephant and Castle area right now; a place that brings together women from all backgrounds and of all ages.

“It’s not only a valuable historical archive – it’s a very much alive and passionate community that Southwark should support and be proud of.”

Dr Laura Schwartz, Associate Professor of Modern British History, University of Warwick, echoed her sentiments and added: “The Feminist Library is a wonderful cultural resource that needs to be defended at all costs.

“If the Feminist Library is evicted from its current premises, Southwark Council will not only be guilty of cultural vandalism but also of silencing women.’

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