National Library of Scotland

Adopt a Library treasure

Last updated
5 November 2026
Estimated reading time
4 minutes

Support the books and maps that tell Scotland's story.

Looking for a meaningful gift that doesn't take up shelf space? Adopt one of our treasured books or maps and help us keep our nation's stories alive.

For a donation of £35, you'll receive a digital Certificate of Adoption featuring your chosen item and the story behind it. Whether you're treating yourself or buying for a book lover, history enthusiast or Munro bagger, it's a special gift that makes a real difference. Your support helps us to preserve collections, provide public access, and inspire curiosity and learning across Scotland and beyond.

How it works

  1. Choose your treasure – select from a curated collection of 10 iconic books and maps in the gallery below.

  2. Make your donation – adopt an item for £35, or make a larger donation if you'd like to provide additional support. To personalise your Certificate of Adoption, please include the name you want to feature on it in the box provided on the donation form.

  3. Receive your certificate – We will email you an instant digital Certificate of Adoption featuring your chosen treasure and information about its significance. If you chose to personalise your certificate, then a personalised digital Certificate of Adoption will also be emailed to you within 7 to 10 working days.

Choose your treasure

Browse the collection and choose one to adopt. Each item has been selected for its strong Scottish connections, visual character and enduring appeal.

Robert Burn's book resting closed on a stand.

Robert Burns's 'Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect' (1786)

Known as the 'Kilmarnock Burns', this first published collection introduced Robert Burns to the world.

Adopt 'Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect'

Three volumes of 'Marriage' by Susan Ferrier, two closed and standing up, and one open to the first page.

'Marriage' by Susan Ferrier (1818)

A sharp and entertaining portrait of early 19th-century society which paved the way for other Scottish women writers.

Adopt 'Marriage'

A map of Scotland showing the areas associated with each clan according to colour.

Map of the Highland Clans (1822)

This beautifully coloured map reflects the 19th-century fascination with Highland culture and clan history.

Adopt this Highland Clans map

A drawing showing the highest mountains in Scotland and comparing their heights. At the top there is a panorama of the Grampian mountains.

Scottish mountains panorama from Thomson's Atlas of Scotland (1832)

A stunning visualisation of Scotland's hills and mountains engraved by William Home Lizars.

Adopt this Scottish mountains panorama

A drawing showing the main rivers in Scotland from largest to smallest running from their source to the sea. There are two vignettes of the Fall of Foyers and Corra Linn.

Scottish rivers panorama from Thomson's Atlas of Scotland (1832)

Scotland's longest rivers, and the bridges and towns along their banks, engraved by William Home Lizars.

Adopt this Scottish rivers panorama

Book cover of Walter Scott's 'Poetical Works'. It is blue with gold embellishments and an illustration of an angel.

'The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott' (1881)

A richly decorated Victorian edition of the poems that helped shape Scotland's literary and cultural identity.

Adopt 'The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott'

Open spread of 'Treasure Island' showing a map on the left and the title page on the right with illustrations of people on ships and people fighting.

'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson (1885)

The first British illustrated edition of a tale which continues to capture imaginations around the world.

Adopt 'Treasure Island'

Book cover of 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. The cover is blue with the title in gold and an illustration of a street scene that says 'The Strand Library'.

'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892)

The first collection of Conan Doyle's short stories, which helped define the detective story as we know it today.

Adopt 'Sherlock Holmes'

The book 'Peter Pan and Wendy' opened to the title page on the right and a colourful illustration on the left of Peter Pan sitting outside a hut surrounded by fairies.

'Peter Pan and Wendy' by J.M. Barrie (1921)

Mabel Lucie Attwell's charming illustrations in this edition of the children's classic helped shape Peter Pan's visual image.

Adopt 'Peter Pan and Wendy'

Black and white photo of Muriel Spark lying on the floor holding a pen on a note pad and looking up.

'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' by Muriel Spark (1961) (Image copyright © London Evening Standard. Used with kind permission)

This iconic Edinburgh-set novel remains one of the defining works of modern Scottish literature.

Adopt 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'

Example of the Certificate of Adoption

An example of a blank 'Adopt a treasure' certificate and an information page laying on top of each other.

  • All donations raised from Adopt a Library Treasure are unrestricted and will be used by the Library to support our charitable purposes.

  • Adoptions are not exclusive; the same item may be adopted by multiple people. 

  • Adopting an item is a symbolic way to connect with our collection and support the Library's work. Adoption does not imply or confer ownership, possession, copyright, naming rights or any other legal interest in the item.

  • You can arrange to view your adopted book or map in person in one of our Reading Rooms at the relevant library site. To do so, you need to join the Library (a free process) and request the item in advance. Items may occasionally be unavailable for viewing for operational or conservation reasons.

  • Eligible UK taxpayers are invited to make a Gift Aid declaration. It is the donor's responsibility to ensure they meet HMRC Gift Aid requirements.

  • Donations will not be refunded, except in exceptional circumstances or to comply with charity law. If you have any queries about your donation, please contact us by email on development@nls.uk

  • Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Notices (Donating Online Privacy notice and privacy notices).

  • The Library may amend, suspend or discontinue the adoption scheme at any time. Any changes will not affect donations already received.