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Libraries in Scotland are a cornerstone of community life, offering access to books, digital resources, cultural activities, and more. From historic libraries housed in grand architecture to modern public facilities, they provide vital services to local communities and visitors
Historic Libraries
- National Library of Scotland – George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW
Located in central Edinburgh, this is Scotland’s largest library and legal deposit library, meaning it holds copies of every publication in the UK. It offers extensive collections, including rare manuscripts, maps, and digital archives.
NLS hosts exhibitions, lectures, and workshops on Scotland’s history and culture.
- The Advocates Library – Edinburgh – The library of the Faculty of Advocates.
- Royal College of Physicians Library – the oldest and largest medical library in Scotland.
- Mitchell Library – Glasgow
- Innerpeffray Library – Crieff, Perthshire – Scotland’s first free Public Lending Library
Local Authority Libraries
Scottish University Libraries
- Sir Alex Ferguson Library – Glasgow Caledonian University
- RGU Library – Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
- Andersonian Library – University of Strathclyde