Blackhall Library - Library locations and opening hours
Name
Blackhall Library
News
Blackhall Library - temporary closure
Blackhall Library is currently closed due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). On 25 January 2024 a report was presented to the Finance and Resources Committee which explained that the RAAC has been assessed as being in poor condition and this needs to be addressed before the library can reopen.
An external team of architects and cost consultants have been undertaking an options appraisal process. The options which have been considered are as follows:
• replacing all the RAAC
• replacement of all the RAAC and retrofit of the building to reduce energy use
• a new library on the existing site
• a new library on the Davidson’s Mains Primary School site.
All of these options are being explored in detail with a full update report to be presented to the Council’s Finance and Resources Committee in September. To ensure customers can access an improved service and recognising that the above long-term solutions will take some time to deliver, it was recommended that a temporary library is provided as a stand-alone facility. Following consideration of possible locations for the temporary facility, it was determined that the most suitable site would be the area to the front of Davidson’s Mains Primary School where temporary units for the school have previously been located. It is intended to progress this as quickly as possible.
Further progress updates will be made available here.
Interim arrangements
The work highlighted above will continue to be further developed and in the meantime, a mobile library is providing services in the car park of Davidson Mains Church and there are alternative arrangements in place for the Blackhall Library groups and activities. The library team will deliver outdoor Bookbug sessions at Davidson Mains Church, weather permitting.
The mobile bus service will be situated in the car park of Davidson Mains Church, 1 Quality St, Edinburgh, EH4 5BB.
You will be able to return loans, borrow a limited selection of books, apply for bus passes, collect hearing aid batteries and free sanitary products.
The mobile bus service times for week beginning 1 July are
Monday 1 July from 2.30 to 7.30pm
Tuesday 2 July June from 10.30am to 3pm
Wednesday 3 July from 10.30am to 3pm
Thursday 4 July – no service or Bookbug
Friday 5 June from 10.30 to 3pm
Outdoor Bookbug sessions
Wednesdays at 11am, fortnightly
Thursdays at 2pm, fortnightly
Bookbug will take place outside next to the mobile bus at Davidsons Mains Parish Church. No booking required.
Dependent on weather and availability of the bus – check Blackhall Facebook page for updates.
Alternatively, you can visit any other Edinburgh Library for any of your library services (including returning books). Your nearest libraries are:
• Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive, Edinburgh, EH4 7FE
• Muirhouse Library at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE
During Blackhall Library's temporary closure, many of the library's regular activities have moved to alternative locations. Please contact Blackhall Library for any further information.
Tuesday
11.30am to 1.30pm Hearing Link Services – drop-in sessions every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Currently held at Drumbrae Library.
6 to 7.30pm - Writers Group, fortnightly. Currently being held at Drumbrae Library.
Wednesday
Library Link, fortnightly, currently being held at Drumbrae Library.
Thursday
1 to 2.30pm, Knit & Natter. Now being held at Sycamore café, 1 Quality St, Edinburgh EH4 5BB.
Friday
Library Link, fortnightly, currently being held at Drumbrae Library.
Book groups
Book Group meetings and collections have moved to Drumbrae Library.
