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.
March 2025
Music on the Mezzanine with Geek Musica
Geek Musica's mission is to share the beauty of classical music with as many people as possible by performing classical music through the lens of video games, television and film, and especially to inspire aspiring musicians of every age to meaningful careers in the classical music arena. Their performance at Music on the Mezzanine will consist entirely of music from the Tolkien universe - Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit!
Saturday 1 March at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.
The Caiy Stane, "a rude upright monolith”, a talk by Dr Alex Hale
Come and learn about the history and significance of this ancient monolith in a talk by Dr Alex Hale from Historic Environment Scotland. This event is a great opportunity to delve into the past and uncover the secrets of this intriguing local monument.
Monday 3 March at 6.30pm
Fraser Room
Oxgangs Library
343 Oxgangs Road North
EH13 9LY
Book your free ticket online.
An Illustrated history of the North Bridge and surrounding area in Edinburgh
Discover the rich history of Edinburgh’s North Bridge and the surrounding area at this free illustrated talk by Neil Fraser from Historic Environment Scotland. Join us as Neil explores the bridge’s evolution through a stunning collection of plans, drawings, and photographs, showcasing its transformation over the years. This talk will not only explore the architectural significance of the North Bridge, currently under a restoration scheme due to finish in 2025, but it will also explore the history of the buildings and businesses that the bridge connects.
Monday 10 March at 6.30pm
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Book your free ticket online.
Music on the Mezzanine with performers to be confirmed
Saturday 15 March at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.
Royal Observatory - Dark Matters
Join us for the last of our Astronomy for All talks of the season, brought to us by our friends at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh astrophysicist, Nisha Grewal will be talking about dark matter - the mysterious invisible matter that makes up 26% of the universe!
Tuesday 18 March at 6pm
McDonald Road Library
2 McDonald Road
EH7 4LU
Tickets available soon via Eventbrite
Whales Tales
‘The Whales’ Tale, Herring and Sail’ is Joss' latest musical performance, intertwining short stories with songs of Scotland’s coastal regions, from past to present day.
A collaboration between local musician and storyteller Joss Cameron with composer and multi-instrumentalist, Amy Dudley, and musician, Steve Tyler.
Wednesday 19 March at 6pm
McDonald Road Library
2 McDonald Road
EH7 4LU
Tickets available soon via Eventbrite
Live Literature with S.G MacLean
Join us for a Live Literature author talk with the bestselling author of The Bookseller of Inverness, S.G MacLean!
Monday 24 March at 6pm
McDonald Road Library
2 McDonald Road
EH7 4LU
Tickets available soon via Eventbrite.
Music on the Mezzanine with The Outros
The Outros are a dynamic female three-part harmony group known for their unique spin on a wide range of genres, from soul and rock to pop and indie. They first came together at the Phoenix Soul and Gospel Choir, where they debuted as a trio in 2023. Despite their relatively short time together, their bond (both musical and personal) is undeniable. Prepare to be swept away by their lush, intricate harmonies and ethereal arrangements.
Saturday 29 March at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.
April 2025
Music on the Mezzanine with Wesley Hua and Ciaran McKinven
Wesley Hua is a classical guitarist. He is a 3rd year music student at the University of Edinburgh. Alongside performance, Wesley has spent time composing a range of music, including chamber music, orchestral music, and choral music. He has enjoyed teaching music and taking part in community music. During the summer, he would spend time in his hometown giving lessons and arranging some traditional Chinese songs into guitar ensembles.
Ciaran McKinven, originally from Edinburgh is a classical guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. His main musical interest is composition and songwriting.
Saturday 12 April at 1pm - Wesley Hua and Ciaran McKinven
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.
Music on the Mezzanine with Ed Chris White
Fusion violinist Ed White is joined by Senegalese singer-songwriter and guitarist Sylvan Ayité, percussionist Eilijah Ayité and bassist Greg Lawrence to present a medley of original and cross-cultural music blending African, Arabic, European and Indian elements.
Saturday 26 April at 1pm - Ed Chris White
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.
May 2025
Music on the Mezzanine with Ben Kearsley
Join solo guitarist, Ben Kearsley for wonderful music from the Harry Lime Theme and Classical Gas, to Lennon and McCartney and Flamenco passion.
Saturday 10 May 2025 at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.
Music on the Mezzanine with Vintage Chorus
The Vintage Chorus is an informal Community Choir bringing together older people 'with time on their hands and a song in their heart'. They sing a selection of songs ranging from traditional folksong to show tunes, and whatever else they fancy in between!
Saturday 24 May at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.
June 2025
Music on the Mezzanine with SoulMelodica
SoulMelodica, is a neoclassical band bringing together three passionate musicians, Bruno (handpan), Ching (violin) and Giuseppe (classic guitar). They are united by a shared vision to foster connections between people and their deepest emotions. With each performance, they invite you to embark on a transformative journey of the soul and mind, guided by the evocative melodies and harmonies that define their music.
Saturday 7 June 2024 at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.
Make Music Day
Make Music Day will be a programme of music from early to late, with performances from guests old and new. The full programme will be released nearer the day.
Saturday 21 June
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, contact the Music Library for more information.