- Our Edinburgh reading rooms are open for limited service. See our reopening page for more information.
The Maps Reading Room is available to library card holders for consulting maps and atlases.
It is located in the Library's Causewayside Building, 33 Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 ISL.
Visits to the Maps Reading Room are by pre-booked appointment. Appointments are available Tuesday to Thursday between 10.00 and 13.00, or between 14.00 and 16.00.
To consult other collection material, you will need to book a seat in the General or Special Collections Reading Rooms in our George IV Bridge building using the seat booking form on LibCal.
How to book your visit
You can book an appointment for the Maps Reading Room online through our self-service booking system.
To use this system, you first need to join the National Library of Scotland by completing the online membership form. We will issue you with a library card on your first visit to the reading room.
Please use the 'additional information' area on the appointment booking form if you have any queries or if you have any additional support needs. Please also ensure a slot is booked for each person intending to visit.
Consulting maps during your visit
If you know which maps you wish to consult during your visit, you can request these in advance using our map request form. Alternatively, staff can advise you on relevant maps for your research during your visit to the Maps Reading Room.
Group visits
Due to social distancing guidelines, group visits are unavailable until further notice.
If your group is interested in learning more about the collection, please contact us to discuss options for a virtual talk.
Contact us
If you experience any problems with the self-service booking system or the registration process, ask a question online or phone 0131 623 4660.