- Name
- Central Library
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- Regular activities for children and young people
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Saturday
10.30 to 11am, Storytime for 3 to 5 year olds, in the Children's Library. No booking required.
During school holidays
Children’s Art Club for 8 to 12 year olds, meets during the school holidays. Places are limited and advertised before the event in the library and on Eventbrite. - Bookbug sessions
- Find Bookbug sessions at Edinburgh Libraries.
- Regular events and activities for adults
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Tuesday
2 to 4pm, Library2go help session on the mezzanine. Get help getting started with our downloadable ebook, audiobook, magazine and newspaper services. Places must be booked in advance via email: informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk
Wednesday
1 to 2pm, Book Café, third Wednesday of the month, in the Boardroom. Please check https://edcentrallib.eventbrite.com for details and to book a place. Read along with this month's choice, then join in the discussion. Tea, coffee and biscuits are on offer.
Please note, Book Café is a women-only event with inclusivity as per the principles of founders, the Glasgow Women's Library.
2pm, Knit and Natter on the mezzanine, free, drop-in.
6 to 7.30pm, Music Jamming Group, meets fortnightly in the Music Room, all welcome.
Thursday
2 to 3.30pm, Family history - getting started sessions, last Thursday of the month in the George Washington Browne Room. Find out about the free library resources which can help you start tracing your family tree. Places must be booked in advance via email: informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk
Saturday
1 to 2pm, Music on the Mezzanine, a regular programme of live concerts at Saturday lunchtime. - Book groups
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Monday
6 to 7pm, Found in Translation monthly book group for adults, reading fiction translated into English. Meets on the first Monday of the month. Places are limited, currently with a waiting list in place. For further information, please get in touch via email.
Tuesday
6pm, Teen Book Group (S1-S5 pupils), fortnightly. Please get in touch via email for more information.
Friday
2 to 3pm, Central Library Book Group meets on the first Friday of each month in the Boardroom. This is a drop-in group, no need to book. Lending has a number of copies of each month’s set title available to borrow at the Enquiry desk. - Macmillan Cancer Support
- Read about the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service.
- Address
- George IV Bridge
- Postcode
- EH1 1EG
- Telephone
- 0131 242 8000
- libraries@edinburgh.gov.uk
- Catch up with the latest news on our Facebook page
- @edcentrallib on Twitter
- @edcentrallib on Instagram
- Opening hours
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Monday: 10am – 8pm
Tuesday: 10am – 8pm
Wednesday: 10am – 8pm
Thursday: 10am – 5pm
Friday: 10am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm - Services
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Visiting Central Library, you can
- browse and borrow books
- return your books
- pick up free period products
- use a study space
- use a computer
- use the photocopier
- collect hearing aid batteries
- apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass). - Dog friendly day
- Read about bringing your dog with you when you visit Central Library on Thursdays.
- Art and Design Library
- Find out about the services, collections and activities in the Art and Design Library
- Central Children's Library
- Find out about the services, collections and activities in the Children's Library
- Central Lending Library
- Find out about the services, collections and activities in the Lending Library
- Edinburgh and Scottish Collection
- Find out about the services, collections and activities in the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection
- Music Library
- Find out about the services, collections and activities in the Music Library
- Reference Library
- Find out about the services, collections and activities in the Reference Library
- Facilities
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Public toilets are available.
There is an accessible toilet in the Children's Library. - Bus routes
- Lothian 23, 27, 41, 45, 67
- Room hire in Central Library
- Hire a room at Central Library for your meeting or training course
- Libraries home page
- Find out all about libraries including borrowing, reserving and renewing books