Dear Library

To mark our 100th birthday, the National Library of Scotland presents a special exhibition, 'Dear Library'.
Made in collaboration with partners across the country, this love letter to libraries will intrigue, energise, and galvanise you. You'll leave with a whole new perspective on how libraries can help you, and how you can help them.
Browse bookshelves in an open reading room filled with recommendations from the public and well-known Scottish figures. See libraries in popular culture, protest banners and badges, vintage film footage, and more.
Gallery
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Lego model of an imagined library by Teresa Elsmore -
Library collections (about libraries) -
A hand-knitted sweater by 2024 CILIPS Student Medal Winner, Emily Murbach -
Hand-painted bookmarks, a pebble book and nest from the Nature Library -
Children listening to a story at Cumbernauld public library in the 1970s -
A book sculpture, donated by an anonymous artist -
Illuminated artwork by Rabiya Choudhry, 2022 -
An envelope book containing memories of libraries and books made by The Meeting Place community group and artist Cass Baron
Exhibition highlights
Centenary appeal
Find out about how we're celebrating our history and how we can ensure the National Library of Scotland continues to thrive for the next 100 years.
