Books

7 Best Libraries in Edinburgh for the Book Maniacs!

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland in the southeastern part of the country and is the second most populous country after Glasgow. In this article, we will look out for the top libraries in Edinburgh for all the book maniacs.

Not only is Scotland widely popular for its rich history, flamboyant culture, and various landmarks, there are various gardens, educational institutions, and neoclassical buildings where Coronation takes place in Edinburgh.

The city not only has stunning architecture and beautiful backdrops but also is abode to many educational opportunities in a plethora of fields. Edinburgh is known for its history, literature, and art festivals and is home to many writers.

1. Libraries in Edinburgh

Library culture is a crucial part of Edinburgh’s history and community, as 28 libraries are part of the Edinburgh City Libraries network. There’s a tradition of libraries from olden times to the latest ones.

Image by Eli Digital Creative from Pixabay

The library is there to serve myriads of audiences, and they help in learning, researching, and overall development of a person.

There are events hosted in libraries for leisure, and in this era of digitization, most libraries offer free access to the Internet as well. Let us look at a few libraries to enhance your knowhows.

2. Top Libraries in Edinburgh to Explore

2.1. Central Library

Central Library in Edinburgh was the city’s first public library structure. Lending, Reference, Music, Art and Design, Edinburgh and Scotland, and the Children’s Library are all part of Edinburgh Central Library.

It first began in 1890 and is still going on with a similar amount of energy and excitement and

Source: Central Library in Edinburgh

There are multiple sections of Art and Design, and it’s an excellent time to spend.

The Central Library is capable of providing you with both contemporary and modern-era tastes.

2.2. National Library of Scotland

Being the largest library in Edinburgh, as well as in the country, there are a total of 27 million items, which shows how much they have collected over the past years.

The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh is located on the George IV Bridge; it’s the national legal deposits library and has a vast collection of manuscripts, books, maps, and any resources regarding Scotland.

You will also find a café that has hot drinks for you to enjoy.

Courtesy: National Library of Scotland

2.3. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh library is a large system of academic libraries for students and faculty in there. There are a variety of books, journals, and collections. It is located in George Square, Edinburgh.

Over 3 million physical items are available, ranging from books to manuscripts. Even includes collections from various streams, from humanities to STEM and whatnot!

It includes several sections for research and collections and offers support to faculties and students as well.

Overall this contribution to the University of Edinburgh Library is very important for the nation’s growth and works as a great performing asset.

Courtesy: The University of Edinburgh

2.4. Scottish Poetry Library

Scots have a vivid culture that has produced many literature-oriented people like Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, Hugh MacDiarmid, and many others.

Scotland has a rich tradition of poetry, with many notable poets having emerged from the country over the centuries.

Located at Crichton’s Close, this Library in Edinburgh fixates on the collection, preservation, and promotion of Scottish poetry. It has a wide range of resources for upcoming writers, poets, and readers.

Courtesy: Scottish Poetry Library

2.5. Craigmillar Library: Among the Top Libraries in Edinburgh

Craigmillar Library in Edinburgh is a public library located in the Craigmillar area.

The library offers a wide range of services to its users, including access to books, audiobooks, DVDs, and online resources such as e-books and e-magazines.

It also has a children’s section, which includes a variety of books, storytelling sessions, and other activities for kids.

In addition to its collection of materials, Craigmillar Library also hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, such as author talks, writing workshops, and community events.

Image by Lubos Houska from Pixabay

The library has a dedicated community space, which can be used for meetings, classes, and other events.

Craigmillar Library is open to everyone, and membership is free for residents of Edinburgh.

The library is located at 101 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4DT, and is easily accessible by public transport.

2.6. Royal Botanical Garden Library

The Royal Botanical Garden Library in Edinburgh is the best source for horticulture enthusiasts. The library is located at a herbarium itself with a facility for kids’ tours and also cafes.

Multiple history books date from 1486, and there is always ongoing research on some or other things from the botanical sector.

Courtesy: The Royal Botanical Garden Library

The Royal Botanic Garden is an internationally renowned botanical garden in Edinburgh.

The 62-acre (25-hectare) garden has 35,000 different plant species, including specific collections of rhododendrons, heath family members, and numerous Asian types.

2.7. Fountainbridge Library: One of the Top Libraries in Edinburgh

Let’s cut some slack when we say Fountain Bridge Library isn’t the biggest one. As this has shown a big deal in organizing book events, having a separate kids section, digitization of the library, and so many other things.

Fountainbridge Library on Edinburgh’s Dundee Street is a unique and significant example of contemporary Scottish architecture.

Courtesy: Fountainbridge Library

It was erected between 1937 and 1940 and was conceptualized by John Alexander William Grant (1886/7-1959).

During the WWII blackout, the facility was opened to the public as a state-of-the-art library and served the local community.

3. Conclusion

Evidence shows that people spend more time reading in European nations with more public and community libraries.

Even 30 minutes of reading each week is associated with significant health and wellness outcomes such as increased self-esteem, stress reduction, improved sleep, decreased feelings of loneliness, and increased emotional intelligence.

Libraries, among other things, assist in closing the achievement gap, boosting mental health and wellness, bridging the digital divide, combating social isolation, decreasing disparities, and promoting economic well-being.

With a network of around 500 public libraries in Scotland, they serve an important role in empowering communities to prosper, and the Scottish household survey finds that library is the most common cultural activity to exist in the country.

Not only for locals but it contributes a whole lot to national tourism and, later, the economy as well. As of now, there are 500 libraries in Scotland.

The community of Edinburgh is very enthusiastic when it comes to learning, and both citizens and visitors value the library.

So whenever you visit the city, don’t forget to sit at a library in Edinburgh for a while.

Avatar

biswas

About Author

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

pile of books
Books

2023 Guide Through Hope College Bookstore

Come and explore with us the Hope College Bookstore! Welcome to the best unofficial guide of the Hope College Bookstore!
Books Education

26 Best Management Books to Help You Lead Like a Pro

Books about management can provide guidance on how to approach typical managerial circumstances. For instance, conducting interviews and employing new