About this Event
Songs can be a powerful way to stay connected: to our lands, our families, our local areas, and each other.
In this workshop, we invite everyone to join voices together and listen to each other's stories, travels, and anchor points. We will create a map of each other’s songs and sounds, and create our own song together.
Feel free to attend with any songs you are connected to, any recordings of places that you want to share with us, or just bring yourself. No music or singing experience needed!
Facilitators: Fatima Lahham & Jess Hui
Bios:
Fatima Lahham is a Lambeth-based recorder player, vocalist and improviser. Her work brings people together through listening, voice and improvisation. She is currently a Hallsworth Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, leading a community music project with Muslim communities in London and Greater Manchester. Her debut album bulbul (2022) and her book Improvising Otherwise (2025) are both inspired by her love of sound and story.
Jess Hui is a researcher, educator, and community musician based in London and Hertfordshire. Her work explores how emerging technologies, culture, and sound come together to shape the ways we create and experience music. She is a Lecturer and Early Career Researcher at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and works with local communities to explore music’s place in collective wellbeing.
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.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Feminist Library, 161 Sumner Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
