Gladstone’s Library
Hello Reader,
So, today I find myself in the awe inspiring building that is, Gladstone’s Library. Built in 1902, following the bequest of four times Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladston, the library houses his personal collection of over 20,000 books, amongst other great works. The building is magnificent, and they even have accommodation on site, which I’ve been told is perfect for any writers looking for a weekend writing retreat. It’s also free to become a reader, so there really is no excuse not to come and see it for yourself.
This is my first visit to Gladstone’s, so there is a certain sense of pride in knowing that I now have a readers card sitting snugly in my wallet. However, there is also a sense of the ever present imposter rising in me, almost like I’m expecting someone to walk into the silent reading room, point to me sitting in the corner of the 1st story balcony, and usher me outside, as if I don’t belong here. The feeling is silly I know, but unfortunately the subconscious works like that - It shouts the things our consciousness fear most.
As I look around the historic library though, I am reminded of a single fact. Every writer has to start somewhere, every book in this library was once written by someone who was probably in the same position as myself right now, who felt unsure of themselves, or doubted that their words would serve any real purpose.
Yet, even though the library is quite, it is also filled with the words and wisdom of more than 150,000 books, and each one of those authors is here in spirit, looking over our shoulders as we think, and write, lending us their words, if but for a brief moment. I like to think of it as my writers support network, that I can just reach out and connect with at whim. Having said that, if the worst comes to the worst, I can also just remember that no one has read everything in the room, let alone everything in the world. So, the likelihood of anyone reading anything I have to say (an unpublished nobody) is as close to a factor of zero as you could probably get, so what have I really got to fear?
Right, I’m going to go and do some serious writing now… I’m currently working on a poem about our recent trip to the Isle of Skye, so keep a look out for that.
All the best, R.A.S
p.s. For anyone wanting to visit the library, just visit their website https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org.
