08/06/2026
Today marks the last day of Belinda Scarlett’s time at the Working Class Movement Library, where she has served as Library Manager for the past four years.
During her tenure, Belinda has been an immensely important figure in the life of the library, helping to shape it as a welcoming, diverse and intellectually challenging space where conversations about class in the 21st century can flourish and inspire future generations. Her commitment to the library’s mission, collections and communities has left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.
Belinda’s achievements have been considerable. Under her leadership, the library achieved Accredited Archive Status from the The National Archives, a significant milestone that recognised the strength and importance of its collections and stewardship. She championed the innovative Big Flame Project, bringing together local young activists and former Big Flame members, while also overseeing an outstanding programme of exhibitions and events that broadened engagement with working-class history and culture. During her time as Library Manager, the collection was enriched through important new acquisitions, and strong relationships were developed with local partners and stakeholders to help secure and sustain the library’s future.
Belinda also played a key role in shaping a number of ambitious projects that will continue long after her departure. These include the Inclusive Histories project, which aligns archive materials with the GCSE History curriculum, and a collaborative PhD partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University exploring the meaning of class and working-class movement history for young people. She helped lay the foundations for Threads of Solidarity, a flagship exhibition opening at Salford Museum and Art Gallery in 2027 that will showcase the library’s remarkable banner collection. She also welcomed and supported a new generation of volunteers whose enthusiasm, insight and dedication have transformed the organisation and will leave a lasting legacy.
Among her final contributions is The Grunwick Strike Revisited, co-curated with university students and exploring the enduring significance of the Grunwick Strike through the lenses of class, race and gender, as well as its continuing relevance to the trade union movement and industrial relations in Britain.
Belinda’s passion for preserving and sharing working-class history has been evident in everything she has done. Having first discovered the library as a student, she brought a deep personal understanding of why spaces like the Working Class Movement Library matter and why they must remain accessible to all.
As she moves on to new opportunities and challenges, everyone at the library extends their sincere thanks for her dedication, vision and leadership. Belinda has made an extraordinary contribution to the organisation, and her legacy will continue through the projects, partnerships and people she has helped nurture.
She will be greatly missed by colleagues, volunteers, researchers and visitors alike. We wish her every success and happiness in her future projects and endeavours, and look forward to seeing all that she achieves next.
Picture- L to R - Belinda & Jane
