National Library of Scotland

Life in the Library

Discover the hidden stories about the Library with behind-the-scenes tales, insights, and experiences that bring a working library to life.

From Matilda to Buffy: Libraries in pop culture

Writer Katie Goh looks at how fictional libraries in books, film, and TV become spaces of change, connection, and discovery.
A montage of close ups four characters from different films, featuring Holly Golightly, Matilda, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Claire Standish.

From morse code to Shirley Temple: Unboxing hidden collections

Why did 17th-century Royal Proclamations share a box with Foxy Grandpa comics? Uncover the mystery of the Library's unusual 'Series 7 collection'.
A collection of vintage items including comic books ("Pip," "Roisin," "Percy"), a vinyl record, a Shirley Temple book, "British Air Forces," and a "Moscow News" newspaper, all arranged together with other printed materials.

From clues to collections: A puzzle in the Library

The delicate balance between engagement and preservation explored through puzzles.
An orange crossword puzzle book superimposed on one of the black and white crosswords within.

A life in libraries

From childhood visits to finding solace as a teen, Amina's journey is a testament to the transformative power of these "lighthouses for the mind".
Amina Shah standing in front of the National Library of Scotland. In the corner is the Library's centenary logo.

Archive detectives: Tracing family history clue by clue

Liz Carter takes us on a journey of discovery via an enquiry she recently worked on.
Colour photo of a close-up of some twine-bound letters and out of focus vintage photographs.

Box clever: Inside our innovative boxing workshop

Innovative solutions preserving literary treasures, safeguarding history against time's relentless march.
Storage room with metal shelves filled with boxes and files on the left, cardboard boxes on the floor, a transparent plastic strip curtain with a red center strip in the middle, and a table with papers and plastic trays on the right.

Dear Libraries, this is why you matter

A reflection on what libraries make possible inspired by hundreds of letters shared by visitors to our 'Dear Library' exhibition.
A baby sitting on an adult's lap while they read them a story.

How shopping catalogues shaped our homes and memories

Before online shopping, there were catalogues. Step inside the pages that shaped homes, habits and daydreams.
Close-up of vintage catalogue spreads of toys and homewares.