National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW

Details

Accessibility

"Off-street parking is available at nearby NCP sites.

Blue-badge-holders can park on the double yellow lines on George IV Bridge. There is also parking for blue-badge-holders 24 hours a day at the top of Victoria Street (south side) opposite the Library. Blue-badge holders can park on the single and double yellow lines on George IV Bridge. 

Check on-street signage for any temporary closures, changes or updates.

Accessibility: We aim to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all our visitors and the widest possible access to our buildings, exhibitions and collections. 

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Library_of_Scotland

"The National Library of Scotland (NLS; Scottish Gaelic: Leabharlann Nàiseanta na h-Alba; Scots: Naitional Leebrar o Scotland) is one of the country's National Collections. It is one of the largest libraries in the United Kingdom. As well as a public programme of exhibitions, events, workshops, and tours, the National Library of Scotland has reading rooms where visitors can access the collections. It is the legal deposit library of Scotland and is a member of Research Libraries UK (RLUK)[2] and the Consortium of European Research Libraries (CERL).[3]

There are over 24 million items held at the Library in various formats including books, annotated manuscripts and first-drafts, postcards, photographs, and newspapers. The library is also home to Scotland's Moving Image Archive,[4] a collection of over 46,000 videos and films. Notable items amongst the collection include copies of the Gutenberg Bible, Charles Darwin's letter with which he submitted the manuscript of On the Origin of Species, the First Folio of Shakespeare, the Glenriddell Manuscripts, and the last letter written by Mary Queen of Scots. It has the largest collection of Scottish Gaelic material of any library in the world.

The Library's main public building is in Edinburgh city centre on George IV Bridge, between the Old Town and the university quarter. This building is Category A listed.[5] Exhibitions are frequently held here, with past examples including 'Northern Lights: The Scottish Enlightenment' (21 June 2019 – 18 April 2020), a display which explored Scotland's contribution to the progress of Enlightenment,[6] and 'The International Style of Muriel Spark' (8 December 2017 – 13 May 2018), a celebration of her life and literary achievements.

As the library is a not a lending library, this building is one of several venues where the public are able to visit and consult primary materials in the reading rooms. There are two reading rooms in the George IV building, and a third Multimedia Room for consulting non-written materials:

• General Reading Room – a space for people to conduct research using materials like journals, newspapers and newer, post-1850 books.
• Special Collections Reading Room – a room where the public are able to access old and rare materials, such as rare books and manuscripts.
• Multimedia Room – a space to consult non-written materials, such as microforms and photographs."

Address

National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW

Email

https://auth.nls.uk/contact/ask-a-question/

Phone

0131 623 3700 (main switchboard) + https://contactscotland-bsl.org/deafcallers/

Website

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly2l119zlpo

https://www.nls.uk/visit/visit-george-iv-bridge/

Directions

"Off-street parking is available at nearby NCP sites.

Blue-badge-holders can park on the double yellow lines on George IV Bridge. There is also parking for blue-badge-holders 24 hours a day at the top of Victoria Street (south side) opposite the Library."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Dec. 2024: "Monday: 10am to 7pm

Tuesday: 10am to 7pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 7pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed

View our seasonal hours"

Transport

2024: "Bus

Lothian buses 9, 23 and 27 stop outside the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge. Visit the Lothian Buses website for further information.

Train

The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley and the Library is a 10-15 minute walk away up a steep hill. Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland

Tram

The nearest tram stop is on Princes Street and the Library is a 10 to 15 minute walk up The Mound, which is a steep hill.

Bike

Cycle racks are available on George IV Bridge, Victoria Street and Chambers Street to park your bike."

Amenities

"Take a break and enjoy refreshments and snacks in our café on the ground floor.

You'll find:

• Superior quality Fairtrade coffee and fine teas.
• Fresh sandwiches, snacks and homemade cakes.
• Drinks and snacks to take away.

There's also a computer by the café for anyone to use to find online reference material and see material digitised from Library collections.

The gift shop is on the ground floor and sells books, stationery and unique gifts.

You can also browse the shop online.

Family friendly area

The café on the ground floor has an area with a soft play mat, a selection of children’s books, a chalkboard with chalk, and children’s toys. There is also a tub chair for breastfeeding. 

Baby changing

The baby changing facilities are on the ground floor in the unisex accessible toilet.

Breastfeeding

Feel free to breastfeed in any of our public spaces. You are welcome to use the comfortable chairs provided in the Discovery Room and family-friendly cafe space. You can use the Contemplation Space if you would like a private room to breastfeed.

Reading rooms

The reading rooms are for research and tend to be quiet spaces. If you are bringing babies or very young children in pushchairs, you may prefer the more relaxed Discovery Room.

Find out about children under 16 using the Library."