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Last updated:14 November 2023

Visiting the Library

wcml exterior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Find Us and Access

The Working Class Movement Library can be found at 51 Crescent, Salford M5 4WX, just opposite Salford University.

We are short walk from Salford Crescent train station and buses 36, 37, 38, 50, 67 and 100 stop just outside our building. There are bike racks to the left of our building and a car park round the back. If you are driving, then ask for a parking permit on arrival.

There are a couple of steps into our main building at the front entrance and we have wheelchair access round the back, along with a disabled toilet. If you do have any access requirements, then please let us know in advance so we can make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Our events space can be accessed through the double gates on Aldred Street which is to the right of our building.

Search for the words lots.gosh.vocal on what3words.com to find the double gates. 

 

Exhibitions and Displays

The library is open to drop in visitors on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1.00pm to 4.30pm. Entry is free. Come and explore our display spaces that show a selection of objects from our archive. Our displays give a taste of some of the themes from our collections including: 

  • The story of our founders, Ruth and Eddie Frow
  • Trade unionism and the fight for better working conditions
  • The Spanish Civil War
  • Race and immigration
  • Land access and mass trespass
  • The Irish collection
  • No Conscription Fellowship and the CND
  • Women's suffrage movements 
  • Chartism
  • Unemployment struggles

We also have a small temporary exhibition space where you can see exhibitions that explore a topic in more depth. You can find out more about our current exhibition on our what`s on page. 

Reading Room appontments 

Our reading room is open by appointment Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am and 4.30pm and is open to everyone. You can use our beautiful reading room to read any of the material in our library and archives collections and we always have a member of staff on hand who will help you and try and answer any questions you have.  Anyone wishing to book a place can do so by emailing us on enquiries@wcml.org.uk. 
 

Tours and group visits 

We run regular tours of the library on Friday afternoons at 2pm. Tours last around 45 minutes and includes all levels of the building.

To book a place on a tour please visit our Eventbrite page. Please note that only the ground floor of Jubilee House is wheelchair accessible. 

Tours of the library are available for groups on request, please email - enquiries@wcml.org.uk to find out more. 

A self-guided virtual tour of the library building is now available online - head to www.wcml.org.uk/virtualtour.

Accessing the library collection from home

We are digitising material to share with you online as part of our developing of ways you can engage with us remotely, including online exhibitions, podcasts and blog posts. Please keep an eye here on our website, and sign up for our free ebulletin or follow us on social media for the latest updates. 

Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest on @wcmlibrary. Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/wcmlibrary.   

Supporting the library

The library is a charity and we rely on the support of our generous friends and supporters to keep making our work and our collections accessible to everyone. If you're not already a Friend of the Library you can become one here. We are also of course happy to receive one-off donations (click here).

Take care, in solidarity, WCML

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Admission to the library is free and open to everyone. Our staff are always willing to help and advise. We are a reference library and all material can be studied on site. A photocopying/scanning service is available. You can use your own digital camera as long as you abide by our policy on photography.

Click here for how to find us and a map to our location

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Opening Hours

 

Day Opening Closing
Monday Closed  
Tuesday 10.00am 4.30pm
Wednesday 10.00am 4.30pm
Thursday 10.00am 4.30pm
Friday 10.00am 4.30pm
Saturday - we are currently not opening on Saturdays Closed  
Sunday, and all Bank Holidays Closed  

 

 Access

Wheelchair access to reading room and ground floor is via a ramp at the rear of the building. People with restricted mobility can phone in advance to arrange parking.

Community Policy

The history of the groups, campaigns and individuals who make up our collection at the Working Class Movement Library has a wide range of positions and the Library is committed to ensuring that this range is available for people to explore for themselves. Although respectful debate is encouraged, we will not tolerate sexism, homophobia, racism, transphobia, nor oppressive language or behaviour based on any structural inequality, including disability, socio-economic status, sexuality, age, education, religious affiliation, or gender expression. All who use our space, both the physical Library and its virtual spaces, share responsibility for maintaining it as a safe and welcoming one.

Research 

The library is a 'closed access' library which means the staff fetch material for visitors - the layout of the building means it is not possible for readers to browse the shelves themselves.  To save yourself time therefore, before you visit, please use our online catalogue to locate material you wish to use. Give an initial list to the staff when you book your appointment.

Genealogical enquiries

While we welcome requests for information, we regret that we do not have the staff to answer directly more than the most straightforward questions. The potential information is limited by the individual's level of activity/office within their union or party. Older union records may have lists of ordinary members and sickness payments, arrears or resignations. Otherwise the more significant the individual, the more chance that we have any notable information. See our family history page for more details.