Library events
Our calendar page lists details of one-off events for adults hosted by libraries.
For details of regular events such as book groups and children's activities at a specific library visit the library's page or follow them on Facebook.
In the past we've hosted authors such as Val McDermid, Maggie O'Farrell and Ian Rankin. on our YouTube channel.
August 2025
VJ Day 80 event
The Royal Scots Museum Outreach Team will hold a VJ Day 80 event to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day and commemorates the ending of the Second World War.
The Family Research Area will be staffed by Museum research volunteers, National Records Scotland, Scottish Genealogical Society, and Commonwealth War Graves Commission who will have access to:
- Regimental War Diaries
- Regimental Journal, “The Thistle”
- Royal Scots World War Two Attestation Books
- documents and photographs from the Royal Scots Museum Archive
- and much more…
There will also be a small display of Royal Scots-related items and memorabilia and display boards.
Tuesday 12- Friday 15 August 10am to 4.30pm each day.
Free to attend
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Unearthed: The Power of Gardening Quiz
A special gardening themed quiz, celebrating Unearthed: The Power of Gardening exhibition.
Gather your friends, family, gardening/allotment buddies, or just bring yourself and join a team. Have fun and win some great green fingered prizes.
Tuesday 19 August at 6.30pm
Leith Library
28 to 30 Ferry Road
EH6 4AE
Register for yourself or your team to take part by emailing leith.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5517.
Visit the
Music on the Mezzanine - Django’s Swing
Django's Swing kick off the Autumn season of Music on the Mezzanine. Django's Swing are an Edinburgh-based Gypsy Jazz Guitar duo, playing Gypsy swing in the style popularised by Django Reinhardt in Paris in the 1930s.
Saturday 30 August at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
September 2025
Music on the Mezzanine - Buskin Sharks
We'll be joined by the wonderful Buskin Sharks, playing a mixture of jazz standards, funk and re-workings of popular songs. If you like your jazz, Big Band style, come along!
Saturday 13 September at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Trams and Railways in Edinburgh’s Southside
Come along and hear Kenneth Williamson tell the story of Edinburgh's Trams and railways in Edinburgh Southside.
Thursday 11th Sept at 2pm
Newington Library
17-21 Fountainhall Road
EH9 2LN
or phone 0131 529 5536
Music on the Mezzanine - Alex and Jane
Alex and Jane bring their middle-of-the-road range of classic pop to Central Library. Expect some country tunes, some humorous songs and an easy-going mixture of guitar and harmonies.
Saturday 27 September at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
October 2025
Music on the Mezzanine - U3A Ukulele Band
The musicians of the U3A Ukulele Band had little musical knowledge when they started playing together seven years ago. They now perform regularly in care homes, at markets and in festivals!
Saturday 11 October at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine - Christine Hurley Cello
Christine is a busy recitalist. She has chosen a programme for her visit which includes the Bach Cello Suite no. 2 and new work by the composer, Peter McCarthy, entitled, Ceum thar na mara (Step over the Sea).
Saturday 25 October at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
November 2025
Music on the Mezzanine - Bristo Community Concert Band
The Bristo Community Concert Band will bring the best in movie soundtracks, swing and big band tunes and some popular surprises. They also have a niche line in Star Trek humour...
Saturday 8 November at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine - The Accidentals
The Accidentals will share with us their love of the repertoire for the guitar with works from around the world and through the centuries.
Saturday 22 November at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
December 2025
Music on the Mezzanine - Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra
The Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra have a repertoire of light classical, film and world music drawn from many countries and traditions. The EMGO perform regularly throughout the year, led by their conductor, Michael Graham.
Saturday 6 December at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine (in the foyer) - Simmerdim
Our concert on 13 December will be in the Central Library foyer where, on our staircase, the wonderful Simmerdim will perform a selection of seasonal music arranged for a cappella trio.
Saturday 13 December at 1pm
Central Library foyer
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine (in Central Lending Library) - Little Big Horns
Little Big Horns will be making a return visit to play in the Central Lending Library to play a programme of saxed-up seasonal favourites.
Saturday 20 December at 1pm
Central Lending Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG