Visitor Centre, Edinburgh

• Our Edinburgh reading rooms are now open for limited service. See our reopening page for more information.

The majority of our Visitor Centre services in the George IV Bridge building are closed until further notice, although we will reopen them as soon as we can. At present, you can:

• Register as a reader
• Visit the Reading Rooms on a pre-booked basis. See the reopening page for more information
• Shop online.

You will not be able to access:

• Café
• Shop
• Exhibitions and events.

Planning your visit

Readers' Registration

We have now reopened Readers' Registration in the George IV Bridge building for those who have pre-booked their visit to the reading rooms:

• We are issuing new readers with their library card
• Existing card holders can renew their card or replace a lost card.

To minimise the number of people in the building at any one time, we are only issuing cards when people arrive for their pre-booked session.

To speed up your registration, you can start the process by registering online. The 'How to register' guide will take you through the various stages of registration.

Remember to bring evidence of identity and address when you come to get your library card.

See the reopening page for booking, preordering and health and safety information.

Opening hours

Readers' Registration, the General Reading Room and the Special Collections Reading Room are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00 to 16.00.

You must pre-book your visit.

Library opening hours and public holidays

Health and safety

Wearing a face covering is mandatory when you are inside the Library, unless you are exempt under government guidelines.

Please stay home if you're unwell.

We appreciate you observing all conditions of entry during your visit, including:

• Following physical distancing guidelines
• Complying with health and hygiene measures, including physical distancing, washing your hands, and using the hand sanitiser provided.

Read more about the health and safety measures currently in place.

View large George IV Bridge Google map

By bus: Several buses go via the city centre and stop outside the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge and nearby South Bridge and Chambers Street. Visit the Lothian Buses website for further information.

By train: The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley and the Library is a 10-15 minute walk away up a steep hill. Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland

By tram: The nearest tram stop is on Princes Street and the Library is a 10-15 minute walk up The Mound, which is a steep hill. Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland

By bike: Edinburgh is a cycle-friendly city. There are many dedicated cycle lanes and many junctions have advance cycle stop lines. Bike hire is available across the city: visit the Edinburgh Cycle Hire website for details. Cycle racks are available on George IV Bridge, Victoria Street and Chambers Street to park your bike.

By car: Follow signs to the city centre. Off-street parking is available at nearby at NCP sites.   See also: Edinburgh City Council parking information.

Park and Ride: Park and Ride options are available by tram and bus. Leave the tram or bus in the city centre on Princes Street and the Library is a 10–15 minute walk away up a steep hill.

Contact us

If you have a query about our Visitor Centre in Edinburgh, or about collections and services in general, ask a question online.

Using the Library