Feminist Librarianship Webinar
Monday 11th May 2026 (Online on Zoom from 7 pm to 8 pm)
Free Event
(The event will be recorded and attendees will have 4 weeks access to the recording after the event).
Join Kirsten MacQuarrie, editor of Feminist Librarianship, along with four of her contributors, to discuss the diverse roles, impact and challenges of women in the LIS workforce, particularly school libraries.
From Feminist Librarianship, published by Facet: Women constitute 75% of library and information workers and yet their achievements and contributions to the LIS sector are often unspoken, overlooked and undervalued in every sense.
This agenda setting book – the first of its kind in the UK – combines case studies from libraries of all sectors to illuminate the feminism-infused principles and practices that shape the profession. With powerful, thought-provoking contributions from more than twenty feminist thought leaders and librarians, the book articulates the strong link between libraries and female empowerment, evidencing the case that investment in libraries is an investment in women.
Kirsten MacQuarrie – Feminist Librarianship Author: Kirsten MacQuarrie is an author and chartered librarian. Kirsten is the editor of Feminist Librarianship (Facet, 2026), the UK’s first book dedicated to feminist principles, practices and provocations in LIS. As Sector Development Manager at CILIP Scotland, Kirsten leads CPD opportunities and advocates for members across Scotland and beyond. In November 2021, she founded Winspiration, CILIP Scotland’s ongoing programme of feminist events, interventions and provocations for library professionals. Amongst other achievements, Winspiration has highlighted the hidden herstories of iconic LIS women like decolonising cataloguer Dorothy Porter and, through the #NotOurJob campaign, made CILIPS the first professional association in Europe to take a public stand against sexual harassment in libraries. Kirsten was honoured to appear on the CILIP125 list, which marked the 125th anniversary of CILIP’s Royal Charter by highlighting a new generation of librarians, information and knowledge management professionals who drive positive change, make a difference and have an impact across all sectors.
Anaïs Cayzac – Lighting Up Lives: A Feminist Librarian’s Response to Toxic Masculinity – Anaïs Cayzac is a school librarian with over 10 years’ experience, having started her career with the Alliance Française network in Estonia, Ecuador, India and Scotland. She later worked in a secondary school in Glasgow, where she transformed an underused library into a welcoming, inclusive space for reading and creativity. She now works across two schools in South Ayrshire. She is an active member of the CILIP UK School Libraries Group and its Scottish branch, and was recently appointed to the IFLA School Libraries Section. She is particularly interested in library advocacy, feminism, inclusion, and amplifying library voices, which she does through her Instagram @a_nice_bookosphere.
Pamela McLean – Safe and Seen in the School Library: Attachment Theory, Feminist Practice and Giving Girls What They Need to Thrive – Pamela McLean is a librarian with a passion for sharing stories. She has worked for over twenty years across different library sectors, including public, academic and schools. Her safe space has always been the library, where she has been able to develop her interests in reading, writing, drawing and storytelling.
Leah Higgins – History Her Story/Interview on Imposter Syndrome – Leah Higgins is currently the Digital Officer for CILIP Scotland, in this role she has established the CILIPS podcast, writing, editing and promoting the real voices of the library and information sector in Scotland. In 2022, Leah graduated with an MA in History of Art from the University of Glasgow. Before completing her degree, Leah earned a HNC in Media and Journalism from City of Glasgow College. Leah organised the Women’s March for Scotland in 2016 at age 16. This protest saw over 5,000 supporters create a united and public front against misogyny in Scotland. It inspired Leah to continue advocating for women, holding intersectional feminism as a core belief which guides her work and life. In 2025 Leah was named as one of the Young Women’s Movement 30 Under 30 in Scotland.
Francesca Boyd-Thorpe – Child-Led, Librarian-Held: Early Empowerment of Tomorrow’s Feminists Through the Serious Work of Play – Francesca Boyd-Thorpe works in special education, supporting children and young people with intellectual disabilities, alongside studying for her Master’s in Play Therapy. She was previously a school librarian and remains closely involved in the library world. Francesca is a former Chair of the Youth Libraries Group (YLG) Scotland and currently sits on both the YLG Scotland and YLG National committees. She has a particular interest in diversity and representation in children’s literature and is passionate about making sure every young person feels seen and understood in the spaces that surround them.
Everyone who registers for this webinar will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a copy of Feminist Librarianship.
Book your place for this webinar by clicking on the Book Now button below.