We offer general group visits to the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall for community and membership groups, e.g. local history groups, Rotary Clubs, Guilds, etc.
Types of tours
Our group visits are tailored to help you get the most out of our facilities, and they include:
- A welcome and introduction
- A tour of the Access Centre
- A 30-minute film screening or a 30-minute 'Getting Started at the Moving Image Archive' workshop
- Time for questions, and help with using of computers in the research area.
We aim to tailor each visit to your needs and interests. If you are interested in a particular topic, it might be possible to show related items from the Moving Image Archive if you wish to have a 30 minute film screening as part of your visit. Please note that this is dependent on staff and room availability.
See also: Learning and outreach visits.
Maximum size of group
We welcome groups of up to 10 participants. If you would like to bring a larger group, it might be possible to divide the group and to offer two different activities or to stagger the start times of the tour. Please contact us to discuss these options.
Booking
film and video content.
We can accommodate group visits on one day a week, alternating between Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Once we have your booking request we will advise you of which date is available.
Please note: We will do our best to meet requests for tours on the day requested, but due to high demand we cannot always guarantee availability and may have to offer you alternative dates.
For availability and booking information about our general group visits at Kelvin Hall, please contact the Access and Enquiries Team:
Email: kelvinhall@nls.uk
Tel: 0845 366 4629.
What to tell us
To confirm your visit, your will be asked to complete a booking form asking for information such as:
- Estimated number attending
- Any areas of special interest
- If anyone in your group has mobility problems or additional needs.
- Preference of film screening or workshop.
This will help us to make any necessary arrangements — for instance, confirming the availability of relevant collection material.
Cost
at Kelvin Hall.
These tours are free of charge, although any donations are gratefully received.
Duration
Our group visits take approximately 60 minutes.
Introductory workshops
We offer a regular programme of free workshops and tours for people who are interested in finding out more about the Library. These include:
- Getting started at the Moving Image Archive
- Discovering family history
- Films for family and local history
- Introduction to maps at the Library
- Maps for local and family history.
See our Kelvin Hall events page for further information.
Learning and outreach
If you wish to arrange a group visit in an educational capacity, please email our Learning and Outreach Officer for further information: movingimagelearning@nls.uk
We can arrange visits for schools, colleges and universities, as well as community and adult learning groups.
We look forward to your visit!