Book Launch: No is Not a Lonely Utterance

“We were articulating our nos each of us on our own, but each of us knowing that our no was not the only one.”

(Leila Whitley, Tiffany Page and Alice Corble, with support from Heidi Hasbrouck, Chryssa Sdrolia and others)

“Complaints, even when they are lonely and isolating, involve other people, sometimes in rather unexpected ways.”

(Sara Ahmed)

Come along and say no to help launch Sara’s new book, No is Not a Lonely Utterance: The Art and Activism of Complaining. Institutions make it hard to say no in them or to them as is evidenced by their increasing use of force against those who are protesting the genocide in Gaza. However hard it is made to say no, saying it can be how we find others who say it. No can be how we share our refusal to accept a situation, clarify our projects, and find our people.

In the book, Sara reflects on her experience of supporting a complaint about sexual harassment made by a student-led collective before she turns to share stories of complaint from different workplaces. For this event, she is pleased to be joined by members of that collective including Heidi Hasbrouck, Tiffany Page and Leila Whitley, as well as Akanksha Mehta, co-director of The Centre for Feminist Research at Goldsmiths, who will participate virtually.

Please note that this event will be masked. There will be some masks available at the Library, but bring your own if you have/prefer them!

There is an option to join us online - please email events@feministlibrary.co.uk to let us know you would like to receive a joining link.

Please note the event will involve discussion of institutional violence, bullying, harassment and hostile environments.

(picture credit: Guerilla Girls)

Access information

The event will last approximately 2 hours, with a comfort break before the Q&A. We will be using mics.

Getting here:

To reach The Feminist Library, the closest tube station is Peckham Rye (1.3km away) which is not step-free. The route from Peckham Rye station is step-free but not level throughout. The nearest wheelchair accessible tube station is Queen’s Road Peckham, via a boarding ramp. Bus stops for routes 63, 363, 381, and 78 can all be found nearby. The closest bus stop (for routes 63 and 363 only) is ~330m away, the route is step free and level.

Arrival:

The Sojourner Truth Centre which houses the Library is completely step-free with level floors through-out.

Ring the Feminist Library bells at the doorway (at 137cm), or call us in advance and you will be met. There is a slight depression in the floor where the welcome mat meets the floor. The door is 137cm wide, heavy, and is not automated.

A Library Opener will greet you when you arrive and open the door, please let us know if there is any way large or small to make your visit easier. There is no obligation to chat, you can write a message down and show them if you would prefer or email in advance.

There are three doorways to pass through to access the main Library hall. Foyer double door does not stay open on its own. Floors are smooth and may be slippery if wet.

The main Library Hall is a completely step-free space, with level floors throughout. There is a set of double doors into the hall, and typically only one of them is propped open. We will open both on request. We have a variety of chairs including wide seats, and chairs with arm/back-rests. All chairs have back rests. If you need to reserve an armchair or sofa space please get in touch.

There is a narrow kitchen with crockery and cutlery, a mini fridge, and a microwave. You are welcome to bring food into the library, or use the teas and coffee in the kitchen. There is a Londis 72m (~2 mins) away which is step free and level throughout, with a step free route from the library, though please note the pavement may not be level.

Toilets are all gender neutral. There is one accessible toilet, which does not require a radar key, and two toilet rooms, located just across from library hall, offering cubicles and a urinal. Pull-down changing table is available in the accessible toilet.

Children are welcome but we do not have a creche.

Assistance pets are welcome in the Library. There may be dogs in the Library on occasion, please let us know if you are not comfortable with this.

Hand sanitiser and masks are available. Let the Openers know if you would like others to be masked.