Library events
Our calendar page lists details of one-off events for adults hosted by libraries.
For details of regular events such as book groups and children's activities at a specific library visit the library's page or follow them on Facebook.
November 2025
Music on the Mezzanine - Bristo Community Concert Band
The Bristo Community Concert Band will bring the best in movie soundtracks, swing and big band tunes and some popular surprises. They also have a niche line in Star Trek humour...
Saturday 8 November at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
John Muir talk with Tracy Robertson
As a child, John Muir developed a deep love of the natural world. This grew into a lifelong journey of exploration, revelation, hardship and wonder. His introduction to Yosemite Valley, California, resulted in his campaign to preserve wilderness for wilderness’ sake. This led to the establishment of the world’s first national park system and today he is remembered as a pioneer of the modern conservation movement. Tracy Robertson is Steward of Lauriston Castle and previously spent 10 years managing John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar.
Wednesday 12 November at 2pm
Ratho Library
6 School Wynd
EH28 8TT
Free event. Contact Ratho Library for further details.
Balkan Rhapsody book launch as part of Book Week Scotland
Join us for a conversation about historical novels, biographical fiction and literary translation with two Edinburgh-based creatives - Lucy Ribchester, author of Murder Ballad and Iliyana Nedkova-Byrne, translator of Balkan Rhapsody by Maria Kassimova-Moisset.
This special event is not only the book launch for Balkan Rhapsody - the first book in translation from Bulgarian to be published in Scotland, by the independent press Tippermuir Books - but also an opportunity to mark the 10th anniversary of Found in Translation - the book group which has been reading, meeting and reviewing books in translation at Central Library every month since 2015, with Iliyana, just one of the founding members of the group.
The event is part-funded by the Scottish Book Trust as part of Book Week Scotland 2025, with additional in-kind support from Edinburgh Central Library, the Bulgarian Cultural and Educational Centre Scotland, the Consulate of Bulgaria in Edinburgh and Tippermuir Books.
Wednesday 19 November at 6.30pm
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine - The Accidentals
The Accidentals will share with us their love of the repertoire for the guitar with works from around the world and through the centuries.
Saturday 22 November at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
December 2025
Music on the Mezzanine - Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra
The Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra have a repertoire of light classical, film and world music drawn from many countries and traditions. The EMGO perform regularly throughout the year, led by their conductor, Michael Graham.
Saturday 6 December at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine (in the foyer) - Simmerdim
Our concert on 13 December will be in the Central Library foyer where, on our staircase, the wonderful Simmerdim will perform a selection of seasonal music arranged for a cappella trio.
Saturday 13 December at 1pm
Central Library foyer
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine (in Central Lending Library) - Little Big Horns
Little Big Horns will be making a return visit to play in the Central Lending Library to play a programme of saxed-up seasonal favourites.
Saturday 20 December at 1pm
Central Lending Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG