The Homeless Library exhibition at Central Library, Manchester.
31 Jan-31 March.
I stopped counting after our audience filled all the seats and
started standing at the back. They'd come to welcome The Homeless Library to
Manchester, where it all started. What can't be counted is the affection, the
interest shown, the kindness and courtesy. This was quite a homecoming; but of
course this Library can and should never actually arrive home. It is an account
of lives in movement, with precious little rest.
Danny, Lawrence and Gary read a scattering of the poems from the
many we've gathered during the project. It's a delight to hear them breathe
life into these words, transforming the page into a dance of voices. Danny is
measured and precise as he reads, Laurence sparks with mischief,
Gary is gently modest. I feel bursting pride for them. Their
extraordinary lives, packed with experiences both harsh and happy, are present
in their faces, in their every movement and of course in their words. They
command the space. When they read, the big room goes absolutely quiet for them.
Then, a wonderful speech by John Garrard, a director of The BoothCentre, who's also a historian, advising us through this project, editing and
supplying footnotes. He describes The Homeless Library as a moment now that's
been flash-frozen, for future historians. It is "a treasure trove, a
complete world", a rich and deep source of stories. He says in his
experience it's unique, the stories held within The Homeless Library invited
him into places that he didn't know existed. A society with its own rules and
ranks and beliefs.
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| John Gerrard speaking at The Homeless Library opening event |
Professor Jeffrey Robinson has come from Glasgow to be here for
this day and to read two Victorian poems discovered by researcher Kirstie Blair
and kindly offered to us. One is by a man who died in the workhouse, the other
imagines living rough. Both of them are ancestors of the Homeless Library. As
Jeffrey reads them, he carries us into a sadness that's 150 years old. But told
elegantly, with humour and music in the words. Jeffrey's reading is quick,
darting, like a tough little boxer.
I say a few words. And then suddenly it's the time for thank you’s.
Lois is thanking the many, many people who've been involved, those who could
come today and those who couldn't make it. The living and the dead. People have
moved on, been deported, been arrested, been rehoused. The audience, the
amazing supporters of many sorts, the funders. And most of all the Homeless
Librarians themselves, who opened the book of their lives and so bravely, so
graciously shared their stories.
These little words we have to offer in exchange are not enough.
But they are from the heart. Thank you.
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| Gary, Lawrence and Andy and other audience members |
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