Page updated: 27 September.
Our workshops run regularly throughout the year. You can find future events advertised on this page a few weeks in advance.
When you book an event, your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and our third-party suppliers for the purposes of allowing you to attend the event and for audience research. See our privacy pages, in particular our events privacy notice, for more information.
We expect attendees to behave respectfully towards presenters, guests and other audience members.
See also: Events
Creative writing workshops with Marjorie Lotfi Gill
A series of creative writing sessions led by poet Marjorie Lotfi Gill, drawing inspiration from our Pen Names exhibition. Free and open to all aspiring writers.
Tuesday 4 October, Tuesday 1 November, and Tuesday 29 November
15.00-17.00
George IV Bridge
Free. Book a creative writing workshop via Eventbrite
Family stories and crafts
Storyteller Claire McNicol hosts an afternoon of traditional stories and crafts inspired by the Library's collections.
Suitable for families with children aged 6-11 years.
Friday 7 October and Friday 18 November
14.30-16.00
George IV Bridge
Free. Book 'Family stories and crafts' via Eventbrite
Women's lives and writings: Online resources for Scottish residents
Join library staff in this online session where we will introduce you to several of our subscription databases. We will show you how you can access and search these collections, either in the Library or from home if you are resident in Scotland.
The Scottish residency requirement is due to licensing reasons which are beyond the Library's control.
There will be a question-and-answer session at the end.
Tuesday 11 October
16.00-17.00
Online
Free. Book 'Women's lives and writings' via Eventbrite
Introduction to family history
Our family history workshop will introduce you to the wide range of genealogy resources, digital and physical, available from the National Library of Scotland and beyond.
If you have discovered the outline of your family history, but want to add more details to the story, this is the perfect place to start.
Wednesday 12 October
15:00-16:00
Online.
Free. Book 'Introduction to family history' via Eventbrite
Book making workshop with Rachel Hazell
A hands-on creative workshop with book artist Rachel Hazell. Create your own book of treasures, inspired by our Treasures exhibition. All materials will be provided.
This workshop is free, but donations are welcome.
Wednesday 12 October
11.00-12.30
George IV Bridge
Free. Book Rachel Hazell's book making workshop via Eventbrite
Library Social: Scotland's Stories
Come along to hear some traditional tales as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival and the Year of Scotland's Stories.
Library Social is a free programme of events for people affected by dementia, their families, carers, and supporters.
Friday 14 October
10:30-12:00
George IV Bridge
Free. Book 'Library Socials: Scotland's Stories' via Eventbrite
How to make a myth: Retelling Scotland's legends
Join writer Thomas Clark and illustrator / designer Jordan Hunter for this fun, hands-on creative workshop exploring myths and legends from around Scotland.
Hear some of the traditional stories featured in the new National Library / Google Arts & Culture digital resource. You will get to work with Thomas and Jordan to reimagine and illustrate some of the characters.
All art materials will be provided and the workshop is free to attend.
Tuesday 18 October
14.00-16.00
George IV Bridge
Free. Book 'How to make a myth' via Eventbrite
Family stories and crafts
Storyteller Claire McNicol hosts an afternoon of traditional stories and crafts inspired by the Library's collections.
Suitable for families with children aged 6-11 years.
Friday 21 October
14.30-16.00
George IV Bridge
Free. Book 'Family stories and crafts' via Eventbrite
Zine making workshop
Take inspiration from images in the Library's collections and have fun creating your own zine in this relaxed in-person workshop.
Wednesday 9 November
16.00-18.00
George IV Bridge
Free. Book 'Zine making workshop' via Eventbrite
Introduction to family history
Our family history workshop will introduce you to the wide range of genealogy resources, digital and physical, available from the National Library of Scotland and beyond.
If you have discovered the outline of your family history, but want to add more details to the story, this is the perfect place to start.
Wednesday 9 November
15:00-16:00
Online.
Free. Book 'Introduction to family history' via Eventbrite
Library Social: Hamish Henderson
Join celebrated traditional singer Scott Gardiner to celebrate the life and legacy of folklorist Hamish Henderson.
Library Social is a free programme of events for people affected by dementia, their families, carers, and supporters.
Friday 11 November
10:30-12:00
George IV Bridge
Free. Book 'Library Socials: Hamish Henderson' via Eventbrite
Library Social: Festive Fun
Tunes, songs, poems, and traditions to celebrate the festive season.
Library Social is a free programme of events for people affected by dementia, their families, carers, and supporters.
Friday 9 December
10:30-12:00
George IV Bridge
Free. Book 'Library Socials: Festive Fun' via Eventbrite
Additional
Watch recorded events
Online events and filmed talks are available on the Library Player
Visitor Centre Edinburgh
A café, our shop, and our exhibitions are open to everyone who visits our George IV Bridge building in Edinburgh