Working Class Movement Library

The image used is of an issue of Gay Left, a journal that was published in the 1970s by a group of mainly gay men. Search the library catalogue to see what other LGBT+ material we have, including other issues of Gay Left!

#LGBTHistory #LGBTHistoryMonth #WCML

Issue Number 8, from Summer 1979 of Gay Left. 'GAY LEFT' is written at the top, in red thick block capitals, with both the issue number on the left, and price on the right. Below this is a black and white image on a broken jigsaw of people protesting for gay rights. At the bottom in black thick block capitals is 'PERSONAL POLITICS'

Today marks the first day of LGBT+ History Month 🏳️‍🌈.
LGBT+ History Month was founded in 2004, first occurring in February 2005. This year’s theme is Science and Innovation. To learn more about this month and the organisation, visit the LGBT+ History Month website here:
lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk

BOOK LAUNCH: 16th February 6.30pm!
We are delighted to be joined by Manifesto Press and Manchester Morning Star Readers and Supporters Group to celebrate the launch of Doc Ritchie’s excellent and timely new volume, Friedrich Engels in the 21st Century. Find out more: wcml.org.uk/event/book-l...

To learn more about MacColl’s radical approach to creative media, take a trip down to our library. Featuring a plaque in commemoration of MacColl, the library continues to preserve the commitment to working-class unity that he worked to celebrate. Listen to his tapes and browse our MacColl archive.

Black and white photograph of Ewan MacColl speaking and smoking in front of an audience

#OTD folk singer-songwriter and Labour activist Ewan MacColl was born. A well-loved member of Salford’s working community and friend of the founders of our archive, MacColl spent his career creating music underpinned by his political sensibilities.

Explore more at the Working Class Movement Library! We hold taped talks, posters and lots of books by and about Gramsci and other material on the wider fight against fascism throughout history.

#OnThisDay #Gramsci #ItalianCommunism #AntiFascism #WorkingClassHistory #Marxism #RadicalHistory #WCML

A black and white sketch of Gramsci, with a red border

#OTD in 1891, Antonio Gramsci was born – one of the most original political thinkers of the twentieth century and a founder of the Italian Communist Party.
Gramsci became a Marxist and a leading figure in the working-class movement in Turin, a rapidly industrialising city after World War 1.

#OTD in 1893, the Independent Labour Party (ILP) was founded at a conference in Bradford. Most of the 120 delegates were young, working-class males from the industrial north of England and Scotland, but it represented all working people.

Home - Salford 100 – Ewan MacColl

From local heroes and hidden histories to big cultural moments and neighbourhood celebrations, Salford centenary is about our people, our pride and our future.
👉 Sign up to the newsletter to find out what’s coming up, how to get involved and how to share your Salford story at: www.salford100.org.uk

100 Days to Go until Salford turns 100! 🎉

On 21 April 2026, Salford will mark 100 years since being granted city status by a Royal Charter by King George V - and the countdown starts now!

Let’s make it a year to remember!
#Salford100 #SalfordCentenary

@SalfordCouncil

#OTD in 1901, CLR James was born, a Trinidadian historian and Trotskyist activist whose
writings shaped the fundamentals of Pan-Africanism, and bridged a new connection between
Marxism and Black politics, inspired by his time spent in the Lancashire town of Nelson.

The name Abasindi originated from the Zulu or survivor – to emphasise the strength, resilience and competence of Black women. In our archive, there are a wide range of fascinating resources including banners, badges, pamphlets.

#OTD The Moss Side People’s Centre was the centre of community operations for the Abasindi Black Women’s Co-operative that was established by Kath Locke, Elouise Edwards and other Moss Side activists on 1st January 1980.

Merry Christmas to all our users and supporters!

We have had a fantastic year here at the Working Class Movement Library, celebrating working class history and inspiring the next generation of class activists. None of this would be possible without our amazing volunteers and supporters. Thank you!

Two badges, the one on the left features a snowman family and reads, 'Light Up Christmas for Mining Families' and the one on the right has the same message, but this time delivered in a photo that features Father Christmas.

The library will be closed to the public, staff, and volunteers from Wednesday 24th December to Tuesday 6th January.

From everyone at the library, we hope you all enjoy a wonderful end to the year and a joyful festive season.

Engels Memorial Lecture: ‘Engels and Historical Optimism’ with Dr. Manfred Sohn - Working Class Movement Library Attend the 2025 Engels Memorial Lecture, “Engels and Historical Optimism,” with Dr Manfred Sohn of the Marx-Engels Foundation. Explore the evolution of Marxist thought and its relevance to modern Brit...

Join us tomorrow from 11am for the Engels Memorial Lecture, which is this year being delivered by Dr. Manfred Sohn. The event is online, follow the link to book your spot.

wcml.org.uk/event/engels...

YouTube video by GFTU Educational Trust The Matchwomen’s Strike with Louise Raw

📺Catch up and share our third session of the #tradeunion and working-class #history series 2025-2026, featuring @louiseraw.bsky.social and Bob Kelly.

This series is delivered in partnership with Marx Memorial Library & @wcmlibrary.bsky.social.

youtu.be/5pBcng9BTjM?...

#TUed #TradeUnionEducation

Radical Readings 2025 - Working Class Movement Library Step into an afternoon of inspiration and resistance with Radical Readings, which brings together powerful performances, traditional folk music and bold storytelling that shine a light on working clas...

just over a week away until our annual fundraiser, Radical Readings. Follow the link to book your ticket and help us put class back on the agenda!

wcml.org.uk/event/radica...

thank you so much for joining us!

YouTube video by GFTU Educational Trust New Unionism & Eleanor Marx with Dana Mills

📺Catch up and share our second session of the #tradeunion and working-class #history series 2025-2026, featuring
Dana Mills.

This series is delivered in partnership with Marx Memorial Library and @wcmlibrary.bsky.social.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dOG...

#WorkersHistory #EleanorMarx #NewUnionism

Save the date!

We'll have materials to share from @wcmlibrary.bsky.social and @aiucentre.bsky.social and a roundtable discussion with folks sharing their reflections and experiences from the time. Should be a lively and participatory discussion!

@cperguom.bsky.social @thejohnrylands.bsky.social

Two of our Little Flames spoke to Yeliz Zaifoglu, archivist at the Museum Of Youth Culture, about their experiences working with the Big Flame archive and the importance of this work for future working class activists! 🔥

Read here: www.museumofyouthculture.com/working-clas...

👀 What can we do about the far right?

Join our Virtual Town Hall for updates on new courses + a live space to ask questions.

@gawainlittle.bsky.social & @sarahwoolley1.bsky.social

✊ Become a #Friend: gftuet.org.uk/friends

📌 Register: actionnetwork.org/events/frien...

#GFTUET #FriendsofET

YouTube video by GFTU Educational Trust Women in radical movements 1780-1850 with Prof. Katrina Navickas

📺Catch up and share our first session of the #tradeunion and working-class #history series 2025-2026, featuring @katrinanavickas.bsky.social.

This series is delivered in partnership with Marx Memorial Library and @wcmlibrary.bsky.social.

youtu.be/BqKIXJS2u-E?...

#TUed #Education #GFTUET

Today's the day! Join us on Zoom at 3pm: peoplespapers.eventbrite.co.uk
@cperguom.bsky.social @wcmlibrary.bsky.social @rememberlop.bsky.social @writerlytone.bsky.social

Please note that the library will be closed to the public tomorrow due to staff leave and illness.
We will reopen next week with our normal opening hours.

wcml.org.uk/visit/openin...

Join us for an online People's Papers research project workshop to learn about the history of 1970s alternative newspapers, their archival preservation & their continued relevance for today. All welcome! Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/archiving-...

Radical Readings 2025: An Afternoon of Inspiration & Resistance

Join us for an afternoon of powerful performances, traditional folk music, and bold storytelling that celebrate working class voices.
🗓️ Sunday 16th November, 2PM
📍 Maxwell Hall
🎟️ Follow the link wcml.org.uk/event/radica... to book

Are you a young person aged 16-24 interested in working with archival material and co-curation?

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grunwick Strike, we are collaborating with the University of Manchester on an exciting new project

For more info, visit the link wcml.org.uk/news/we-are-...

A big well done as well to Little Flame, Ley, for doing such a great job chairing the discussion.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next event in our series, running alongside the Keep the Flame Burning exhibition, which runs until April.