Our buildings remain closed for events due to coronavirus (COVID-19), but you can take part in an online talk or workshop. Update on Library opening
Page updated: 19 January.
Online events
See also: Online workshops
Signals from the Abyss: Navigating depression with Debi Gliori

Celebrated writer and illustrator Debi Gliori discusses her book 'Night Shift', an illustrated exploration of depression.
Monday 18 January
17.00-18.00
Free. Book 'Signals from the Abyss' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
The Brothers Grimm: living a fairy tale?

Dr Anette Hagan discusses the fascinating lives of Jacob and Wilhelm, better known as the Brothers Grimm.
Tuesday 19 January
17.00-18.00
Free. Book 'The Brothers Grimm' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
Broad Scots + humour = A match made in yon place cried heaven

Susan Cohen, writer and director of the Wee Book Company, takes a look at why humour and the Scots tongue go so well together.
Thursday 21 January
17.00-18.00
Free. Book 'Broad Scots + Humour' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
Sketch-along with illustrator Carol Baines

Join Carol Baines, local artist and illustrator, for an online sketching session.
Our theme for this session is 'home'. All levels welcome.
Wednesday 3 February
14.00-15.00
Free. Book 'Sketch-along' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
Time to talk: Sharing stories and supporting mental health

Cheryle Brown, writer and mental health awareness advocate, discusses the psychological benefits of sharing and standing in our truth.
Thursday 4 February
17.00-18.00
Free. Book Time to Talk' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
Weather and climate: The challenges

Meteorologist Scott Duncan joins us to consider weather in the time of climate change.
Tuesday 9 February
17.00-18.00
Free. Book 'Weather and Climate' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
The Shepherd and the Shirra: James Hogg and Walter Scott at 250

of James Hogg, 1770-1835',
painted by Sir William Allan.
Image courtesy of
National Galleries Scotland
Award-winning writer James Robertson and cultural critic Valentina Bold reflect upon Scottish writers James Hogg and Walter Scott.
Thursday 11 February
17.00-18.00
Free. Book 'The Shepherd and the Shirra' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
Attacking Scotland: Five centuries of maps by our enemies

Explore some highly detailed maps of Scotland created by external aggressors over the years with Maps Curator, Chris Fleet.
Thursday 18 February
17.00-18.00
Free. Book ‘Attacking Scotland’ via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning: The making of a pioneering poet

Professor Fiona Sampson, author of a new biography on poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, joins us to discuss this pioneering writer.
Thursday 4 March
17.00-18.00
Free. Book 'Elizabeth Barrett Browning' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
The sky's the limit with mountaineer Vicky Jack

Vicky Jack discusses her remarkable quest to climb the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each of the seven continents, in this online talk.
Monday 8 March
17.00-18.00
Free. Book 'The sky's the limit' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.
Edith Wharton and genre

Dr Laura Rattray from the University of Glasgow joins us for a talk on American author Edith Wharton (1862-1937).
Thursday 11 March
17.00-18.00
Free. Book 'Edith Wharton and Genre' via
Eventbrite.
When you book, you will receive a link to join the session, delivered on the Zoom video conferencing service. Your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and Zoom for the purposes of allowing you to join the event. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see our privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice.