The City of Edinburgh has 27 libraries that stock a wide range of books, audio tapes, computer games and CDs. As well as operating a lending service whereby you can take out up to 12 books at any one time, the libraries all run a variety of projects, a number of which are listed below.
BBC campaigns |
RaW (Reading and Writing) is the BBC’s national adult literacy campaign. Edinburgh Libraries are supporting the RaW campaign with book collections in all libraries and ongoing events and promotions. Breathing Places is the latest BBC campaign, aimed at getting communities to create and maintain green spaces. Edinburgh Libraries are supporting the campaign by distributing materials and information. |
Book Prize Promotions
Alongside the annual Festival of Scottish Writing, Edinburgh Libraries run a series of promotions based around popular book prizes such as the Orange Prize for Fiction, the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the Richard and Judy Book Club.
Bookbug
Bookbug is the Scottish Book Trust’s Early Years Programme, for children aged birth to five and their families, offering free packs of books to young children with guidance materials for parents and carers. It aims to promote a life-long love of books and is based on the principle that every child in the UK should enjoy and benefit from books from as early an age as possible. Bookbug also offers free action rhyme and song sessions for parents and carers and children 0-3 in every Edinburgh City Library. By picking up a collector card from your local library, collecting a sticker on each visit to the library with your baby and making four visits you’ll receive a free colourful certificate.
Reading Groups
Edinburgh Libraries currently run over 30 reading groups for adults across the city. All are free to join and books are provided by the library service. Contact your local library to find out about your nearest Group.
Summer Reading Challenge
Over the summer holidays, Edinburgh Libraries run the national Summer Reading Challenge for young people. The annual challenge offers the chance to discover great reads and join in fun events, collecting prizes along the way. Full details can be found at your local library or on the libraries website.
The Big Plus
This awareness-raising campaign is designed to encourage those adults in Scotland who need help with reading, writing and numbers to access local support. Edinburgh Libraries actively support The Big Plus with book collections in eight libraries across the city: Craigmillar, Fountainbridge, Gilmerton, Leith, McDonald Road, Muirhouse, Sighthill and Wester Hailes.
World Book Day
Every year, Edinburgh Libraries support World Book Day, a celebration of books and reading. This takes place in early March and events and promotions are held across the city.