National Library of Scotland events are free and take place in our George IV Bridge Building, unless we state otherwise.
August events | September events
List updated: 13 August.
August events
See also:
Workshops and tours
Kelvin Hall events
Back to the future: 1979-1989
Edinburgh Festival Fringe pop-up video installation
As part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we are showing a video installation that takes a reflective look back at key themes and developments of the 1980s. Setting text from our collections and images from the decade to music, this video montage takes you back through key moments in our recent history.
The installation lasts an hour and is being screened on a loop, every hour on the hour in the Library's Boardroom.
Thursday 1 August to Saturday 24 August (not Friday 9, Saturday 10, and Thursday 22 August, and closed on Sundays.)
10.00-16.00
Free. No need to book, just drop in.
September events
See also:
Workshops and tours
Kelvin Hall events
The financial ruin of Sir Walter Scott and how he got out of it
In 1825 Sir Walter Scott was a famed author and poet both in Britain and abroad. He was also the owner of a New Town house and a country estate at Abbotsford. A year later he was financially ruined and facing huge debts. Author and journalist Ray Perman explains how Scott's fortunes were reversed. He describes how Scott avoided bankruptcy and repaid his creditors, portraying him as a man of honour who worked until his death to redeem his reputation.
Tuesday 3 September
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
Why did the Scottish Enlightenment happen in Edinburgh?
Murray Pittock explores what made Enlightenment possible in the Scottish capital. His book 'Enlightenment in a Smart City' uses urban innovation data, models and Smart City theory to reveal the drivers of cultural change. Newspapers, printing, the gentry's political power, patronage networks, pub and coffee-house life, and the unusually dense population of Edinburgh's Old Town were all contributing factors. Linking today's data to data from Edinburgh in 1700, Murray shows how the Enlightenment happened and how it is happening now.
Thursday 5 September
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
Easy-Peasy
Pru Irvine and Mary Contini bring their wealth of experience of working with food and talking with families, children, educators and politicians to this discussion. Join them as they speak frankly and openly about the disgraceful state of children's food education and the lack of support within schools. They also discuss the disconnect between the 'five a day' message and the teaching on how to feed and care for each other. It's time to talk back.
Tuesday 10 September
17.30
Free. Book 'Easy-Peasy' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
150th 'People's Friend'
Established in 1869, the 'People's Friend' magazine holds a special place in the popular literary culture of Scotland. As it celebrates its 150th anniversary, the magazine is now the subject of academic research by Charlotte Lauder, PhD student at the University of Strathclyde and National Library. At this in-conversation event, Charlotte introduces her research and discusses the important role of women in the magazine's history. She is joined by Professor Juliet Shields and current 'People's Friend' editor Angela Gilchrist.
Thursday 12 September
17.30
Free. Book '150th 'People's Friend'' on Eventbrite or phone 0131 623 3734.
On the British lighthouse trail
For centuries lighthouses have not only guided mariners to safety but also inspired artists, photographers, seekers of solitude and lovers of the great outdoors. In this illustrated talk, Sarah Kerr describes her attempt to visit all the lighthouses in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Describing her discoveries about the changing face of these treasured landmarks, she explains how her journey led to the publication of 'The British Lighthouse Trail: A Regional Guide'.
Tuesday 17 September
14.00
Free. This event is fully booked.
Paolozzi at large in Edinburgh
Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005) was one of the greatest Scottish and European artists of the 20th century. Born in Leith, Edinburgh into an immigrant Italian family, his talent was exceptional, drawing on culture in all its forms. The book 'Paolozzi at large in Edinburgh' pays homage to his Edinburgh-based masterpieces, and includes poems written in tribute to his work. In this talk, authors Christine De Luca and Carlo Pirozzi discuss the creative processes of the 'grandfather' of the Pop Art movement.
Thursday 19 September
17.30
Free. This event is fully booked.
David Hume on God
David Hume was one of the most influential minds of the Scottish Enlightenment. His writing on history, politics and philosophy continues to shape thought to this day. Author David Purdie clarifies some of Hume's most challenging texts about religion in his new book with Peter Fosl, 'David Hume on God'. Exploring Hume's writings on religious affairs, he considers a subject which was of central importance to him, adapted for a modern audience.
Thursday 26 September
17.30
Free. This event is fully booked.
