BRLSI GOES VIRTUAL WHILE QUEEN SQUARE IS CLOSED!

BRLSI LIFE DURING LOCKDOWN: VIRTUAL BRLSI STEPS UP ACTIVITY AS LATEST LOCKDOWN STARTS
As you cannot come to BRLSI during lockdown then BRLSI must come to you and 2021 sees us powering ahead with an exciting programme of virtual talks, lectures and get-togethers to keep members and visitors stimulated and entertained: providing high quality original content across a wide range of areas from philosophy and science to world affairs, business, economics, literature and culture, and a whole heap of fun on top. So why not use this enforced period of being stuck at home to explore the world of the BRLSI through our comprehensive virtual programme?
The BRLSI building will be shut for the duration of lockdown and BRLSI would very much like to thank all volunteers, members, staff, and everyone in the wider BRLSI community for their patience and support during this rather strange interlude! Please be assured that though none of you can get into Queen Square, BRLSI can be reached by telephone (01225 312084) between 9 and 12 on weekdays or by email reception@brlsi.org,  and note that staff are currently furloughed and it may take just that little bit longer to get back to you than normal-it doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten you!

All memberships can be purchased online (www.brlsi.org) and will be processed ASAP but if you find it difficult to join or renew online email membership@brlsi.org and we will be more than happy to help. If you wish to subscribe by cheque, you can send your cheque and details to 16 Queen Square as the mail is being collected.

Most importantly, keep an eye on the BRLSI website, social media channels and newsletters for details of upcoming virtual events – there are typically at least two or three new live online lectures every week as well as other virtual events such as coffee mornings and our ‘Big Read’ book club – free to members and open to those just dropping by. To be kept up to date with our free virtual schedule and booking links subscribe to bobsbulletin@brlsi.org

This season, BRLSI have live talks about the pioneering scientist Mary Anning, an account of a 4,500-mile trek through India in search of the https://localgiving.org/appeal/virtualbrlsi/ story behind that country’s independence, a lecture on how life after Covid will affect business and economics and a talk about the human side of AI. And this is just for starters!

You can also browse through more than 100 videos on our Virtual BRLSI YouTube Channel (located here): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmSry14NpKQtLhGtIcr4oUQThe BRLSI YouTube channel hosts previous online talks and events, including some behind-the-scenes features about our wonderful Collection, poetry readings and talks by figures as widely known and respected as Alan Rusbridger, Barton Gellman, A.C Grayling, Robert Morrison and Amelia Gentleman, on topics as riotous as Regency England and as contemporary and important as the Windrush scandal. We even have a playlist on the channel dedicated to our online “Rediscovering Jane Austen at the BRLSI” week that took place last Autumn celebrating one of the greatest Bathonians ever (you can find it by clicking on ‘Playlists’ in the menu underneath the image of Queen Square).

Of course, If you like what you see and have digital or media skills you could contribute to help spread the word about our exciting new venture or expand our programme then we would love to hear from you volunteer@brlsi.org And if you don’t have the time to get involved in a hands on way, but would like to support BRLSI create this content for the future and maintain our rich and diverse collection at a time when small arts institutions and museums are under increasing pressure then we would love for you to make a donation, and you can do so by visiting our donations page  https://localgiving.org/appeal/virtualbrlsi/ on the BRLSI website. Every donation is hugely valued by us – no matter how large or small!  Many thanks for your continuing support. Enjoy your time indoors and your daily walks as much as you can, and we look forward to seeing you at some of our exciting upcoming virtual events, and fingers crossed for being together for some real ones later in 2021.Regards Betty Suchar Chair of the Board