Christmas Message from Warden Andrea Russell
Dear Colleagues, Friends and Supporters,
The Christmas Newsletter this year is a chance for me to say thank you to you all for your support and commitment to the Library.
As 2022 draws to a close we are aware that this has been a momentous year for us here at Gladstone’s Library. As the year began, the Library was still recovering from the effects of the closures which were a result of the pandemic, and the new team was learning how to work well together.
Peter Francis’ retirement in July, the summer months without a Warden and my arrival in October meant that change was a daily reality. The fact that the Library continued to prosper and flourish and was still a place of welcome, learning and conversation is a tribute in itself to the absolute dedication of the staff team and volunteers who have pulled together through these exciting but often tumultuous times.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Team publicly for their passion and dedication: those who clean the rooms (always with a smile), the night porters (just how do they keep awake?), the kitchen and restaurant teams (for their sheer patience under pressure), the Reading Room team (for their passion, knowledge and ability to whisper – something I am working on ), Reception (how they do so many things at once I will never know), and the team who work in marketing, communications, fundraising and finance – all behind the scenes but so key to our flourishing. Thank you all!
And talking of behind the scenes, I want to thank the Trustees of the Library for the welcome they have given me and for their continued support that ensures that this unique place can develop and flourish. In October the Trustee body was reshaped and a new Advisory group was created – do look at the website for more details. Patrick Derham took up the role of Chair of Trustees and I am in awe of his energy and drive. He is also a fount of knowledge about Gladstone and his passion for the Library shines through. He is a frequent visitor so do say hello to him.
During the seven weeks I have been here I have loved meeting so many of you: UK Friends of Gladstone’s Library – both in person and on Zoom; US Friends of Gladstone’s Library - on ZOOM but hopefully one day in person; volunteers who come and tend the flower beds, help with the archives, assist with marketing, meet and greet at our events and probably much else I don’t know about yet – and I want to say thank you to you all for your financial support this year, but also the gift of your time, energy and ideas.
It has also been a huge pleasure and privilege to speak with our guests and over the past few weeks many of you have been ‘first-timers’ here at Gladstone’s. Listening to folk as they share their first impressions, whether it is the sheer delight of being in the Reading Room as evening draws in and the fairy lights come into their own, or the excitement of finding a book they have been looking for, or just being able to settle down in an armchair with a random book from the shelves, has been a joy to hear. And for those of you who are regular supporters and guests, we so love seeing you return again and again - you are part of the family.
2022 has given us some fabulous memories – not least Gladfest, Hearth, getting to know the Writers in Residence, an afternoon with Alice in Wonderland (complete with themed cakes) and the wonderfully atmospheric evening of storytelling as we gathered in the Reading Rooms to hear the stories of M.R. James acted out so beautifully (thanks to actor Robert Lloyd Parry and sponsors Canda Copying). And in between there have been rich conversations, laughter and times of stillness, friends met, and friends made. A great deal to be thankful for.
We are very much looking forward to 2023 – with all of our usual events, the reintroduction of our courses, times for Friends of Gladstone’s to gather online and in person (and if you aren’t yet a Friend do think about joining – link here). In May 2023 we will begin a year that marks 125 years since Gladstone’s death, and we will draw upon his extraordinary life and the values he held dear and lived by in various ways – and we will let you know about these events shortly.
But for now, everyone at Gladstone’s wishes you a joyful Christmas, a peaceful new year and we very much look forward to welcoming you again in 2023.
Until next time,
Andrea
(Revd. Dr Andrea Russell, Warden of Gladstone’s Library)