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. Watch our videos on these events on our YouTube channel.
November 2024
Music on the Mezzanine - Buskin Sharks
The Buskin’ Sharks Big band are large Edinburgh based Jazz ensemble playing a mixture of Jazz standards, funk and re-workings of popular songs.
Saturday 9 November at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
Ideas in Edinburgh - Philosophy Cafe with Donald Smith
Is philosophy about stating our beliefs or exploring new ground through dialogue with others? Come to the Philosophy Cafe to find out! Suitable for ages 14+ and part Edinburgh 900 programme of events.
Tuesday 12 November at 6.30pm
Newington Library
17-21 Fountainhall Road
EH9 2LN
Free event, no booking required. Contact Newington Library for more details.
An evening with Donald Smith, author of Edinburgh: Our Storied Town
Join a special in-person event with, Donald Smith, the founding Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre and of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. Dive into the rich history of Edinburgh as Donald Smith discusses his new book and shares fascinating tales of Edinburgh in celebration of Edinburgh 900 and BookWeek Scotland.
Monday 18 November 2024 at 6pm
Fountainbridge Library
137 Dundee Street
EH11 1BG
Book your free ticket online.
Meet the author with Emma Steele
Join us for an inspiring evening with local author Emma Steele as she reads from her debut novel, "The Echoes of Us". Dive into her captivating story and discover the journey behind the book! There will also be an open question and answer session, so bring your questions and curiosity!
Monday 18 November at 6pm
Stockbridge LIbrary
11 Hamilton Place
EH3 5BA
No booking required.
Edinburgh Printmakers present a Fountainbridge Library talk
Join curator, Alice Strang as she discusses the unique building of Fountainbridge Library. “The Publisher, the Architect and the Sculptor: The Building of Fountainbridge Library” is part of Edinburgh Printmakers' Edinburgh900 project, 900 Stories in Print, aimed at collecting and publishing 900 industrial stories, engaging with communities in Fountainbridge and the west of Edinburgh.
Wednesday 20 November from 6 to 7.30pm at
Fountainbridge Library
37 Dundee St
EH11 1BG
Book your free ticket online.
Alan Taylor and Alistair Moffat in conversation with Rosemary Goring
Join a special event as part of the Edinburgh 900 programme as we welcome authors, Alan Taylor and Alistair Moffat for a discussion chaired by Rosemary Goring. Under discussion will be 'Edinburgh: A New History' by Alistair Moffat, a story of Edinburgh packed with incident and drama, from prehistory to the present day, and 'Edinburgh: The Autobiography', a magnificent portrait of one of the world’s great cities in its many iterations, edited by Alan Taylor
Thursday 21 November at 6.30pm
Reference Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Book your free ticket online.
Music on the Mezzanine - After the Rain
From night classes together, to their first gig in the Forest Road Café, to being regulars on the mezzanine, After the Rain bring another selection of relaxing jazz favourites for you to put your feet up and unwind.
Saturday 23 November 2024 at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
December 2024
Music on the Mezzanine - María López Atanet
Born in Merida, Spain, Maria began learning piano at the age of 5. She studied music in the Esteba Sanchez Conservatoire and in 2020, she joined St Mary's Music School graduating in 2023.
Maria has entered competitions in Spain and Scotland, and has attended masterclasses with Steven Osbourne, Stephen Hough, Danny Driver, Stephen Coombs and Aaron Shorr. Maria will continue her Studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Autumn 2024.
Saturday 7 December at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
Music on the Mezzanine - Little Big Horns
Our Christmas regulars make a return visit. The Edinburgh-based saxophone quartet (quintet or sextet) are a group who enjoy each other’s company and enjoy playing a wide range of music, from jazz to the chart, swinging, classical and TV/film. Along the way, variety and fun are the only constants.
Saturday 21 December at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.