Reading maps reading groups

This April sees the first session in the series “The Poetics of Infrastructure” by the Threadbare Collective.

Threadbare Collective is an art-curatorial collective based in SE London, focusing on architecture, rest and the body. They were recently in residence at Goldsmiths CCA 24/25 where they ran a monthly programme of workshops and a performance night as part of Deptford X.

The opening reading group, “Reading Maps”, gathers around texts that treat cartography as a speculative reimagining of worlds instead of fixing territories. We’ll read excerpts from “The Word for World: The Maps of Ursula K. Le Guin”, published by the Architectural Association. The text brings Le Guin’s maps together with a collection of perspectives to rethink representations of real and imagined worlds. We place this alongside Madeleine de Scudéry’s “Carte de tendre” from her novel Clélie (1654-61). one of the earliest available examples of sentimental cartography.

Across invented geographies, these works approach mapping as something porous and collaborative; a practice shaped by story and feeling toward edges of emotion. Together we will discuss Maps as invitations for us to wander, misread and redraw.

We’ll consider how worlds are mapped into being, and how cartography might be reimagined to trace spaces of relation, care, and collective imagination.

All are welcome!

Access information:

Getting here

To reach The Feminist Library, the closest tube station is Peckham Rye (1.3km away) which is not step-free. The route from Peckham Rye station is step-free but not level throughout. The nearest wheelchair accessible tube station is Queen’s Road Peckham, via a boarding ramp. Bus stops for routes 63, 363, 381, and 78 can all be found nearby. The closest bus stop (for routes 63 and 363 only) is ~330m away, the route is step free and level.

Arrival

The Sojourner Truth Centre which houses the Library is completely step-free with level floors through-out.

Ring the Feminist Library bells at the doorway (at 137cm), or call us in advance and you will be met. There is a slight depression in the floor where the welcome mat meets the floor. The door is 137cm wide, heavy, and is not automated.

A Library Opener will greet you when you arrive and open the door, please let us know if there is any way large or small to make your visit easier. There is no obligation to chat, you can write a message down and show them if you would prefer or email in advance.

There are three doorways to pass through to access the main Library hall. Foyer double door does not stay open on its own. Floors are smooth and may be slippery if wet.

The main Library Hall is a completely step-free space, with level floors throughout. There is a set of double doors into the hall, and typically only one of them is propped open. We will open both on request. We have a variety of chairs including wide seats, and chairs with arm/back-rests. All chairs have back rests. If you need to reserve an armchair or sofa space please get in touch.

There is a narrow kitchen with crockery and cutlery, a mini fridge, and a microwave. You are welcome to bring food into the library, or use the teas and coffee in the kitchen. There is a Londis 72m (~2 mins) away which is step free and level throughout, with a step free route from the library, though please note the pavement may not be level.

Toilets are all gender neutral. There is one accessible toilet, which does not require a radar key, and two toilet rooms, located just across from library hall, offering cubicles and a urinal. Pull-down changing table is available in the accessible toilet.

Children are welcome but we do not have a creche.

Assistance pets are welcome in the Library. There may be dogs in the Library on occasion, please let us know if you are not comfortable with this.

Hand sanitiser and masks are available. Let the Openers know if you would like others to be masked.

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