The Women’s Library celebrates 100 years with exhibition and year of events
The Women’s Library at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is celebrating its 100th anniversary during 2026 with a landmark exhibition and year of free events.
As the UK’s oldest and largest collection documenting the history of feminism, campaigning and activism from the late 19th century to the current day, the Library will open its centenary exhibition, The Women’s Library at 100: Celebrating a Century of Collections, on 2 March 2026, during Women’s History Month.
Featuring around 60 carefully selected items, the exhibition showcases some key pieces from the Library’s vast archives - spotlighting stories of activism, resilience and social change.
Several pieces from the archive will be on display for the first time, including a drawing of women industrial workers by Sylvia Pankhurst and a portrait of Vera Douie, the Library’s first full‑time librarian, giving visitors an exciting opportunity to see rare items.
Curators will also present new research inspired by the collections, exploring themes such as gender‑equality campaigning, feminist publishing, anti‑ and post‑colonial activism, peace movements and cultural history. Drawing on archives, print media and material culture, the exhibition highlights how the Library’s collections continue to inform contemporary scholarship.
Throughout 2026, the centenary will be accompanied by a programme of free events which are open to everyone. These include talks, workshops, panel discussions and film screenings, all designed to bring the Library’s rich collections to life.
The first of these will be an exhibition reception event on 12 March. Attended by the exhibition’s curators, this opening event will be an opportunity for visitors to ask questions about the exhibition and the collections held at the Library.
Commenting on the Women’s Library centenary and celebrations, Nancy Graham, Associate Director, Collections and Academic Services at LSE Library said: “We are extremely proud custodians of The Women's Library. This world-renowned collection is a unique treasure trove for research into women's progress and activism. In its 100 year history, The Women's Library has reflected monumental milestones in women's rights and citizenship and will continue to support ongoing, cutting-edge scholarship well into the future.”
Founded in 1926 as the Library of the London Society for Women’s Service, the Women’s Library was created to preserve the history of the suffrage movement and to support newly enfranchised women stepping into public life. Its early collections reflect the activities and interests of women shaping political and professional life in the early 20th century. The Library has been housed at LSE since 2013.
The Women’s Library centenary coincides with LSE’s 130th anniversary, during which the university will be celebrating its impact, past and present.
For more information about the Women’s Library and exhibition, please visit: The Women's Library at 100 | LSE Library - LSE