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.
In the past we've hosted authors such as Val McDermid, Maggie O'Farrell and Ian Rankin. on our YouTube channel.
April 2025
Music on the Mezzanine with Ed Chris White
Fusion violinist Ed White is joined by Senegalese singer-songwriter and guitarist Sylvan Ayité, percussionist Eilijah Ayité and bassist Greg Lawrence to present a medley of original and cross-cultural music blending African, Arabic, European and Indian elements.
Saturday 26 April at 1pm - Ed Chris White
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
or contact the Music Library on 0131 242 8050.
May 2025
Music on the Mezzanine with Ben Kearsley
Join solo guitarist, Ben Kearsley for wonderful music from the Harry Lime Theme and Classical Gas, to Lennon and McCartney and Flamenco passion.
Saturday 10 May at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
or contact the Music Library on 0131 242 8050.
Found in Translation book group, author event with Renato Cisneros and translator Fionn Petch
All are welcome to join this special book group event as they celebrate the publication of Renato Cisneros's new book, entitled The World We Saw Burning, and mark ten years since the formation of Central Library's Found in Translation book group.
The World We Saw Burning is a striking account of war and a reflection on identity and uprootedness in a time when everything seems on the verge of exploding or disappearing forever.
Wednesday 14 May at 6.30pm
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine with Vintage Chorus
The Vintage Chorus is an informal Community Choir bringing together older people 'with time on their hands and a song in their heart'. They sing a selection of songs ranging from traditional folksong to show tunes, and whatever else they fancy in between!
Saturday 24 May at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
or contact the Music Library on 0131 242 8050.
June 2025
Music on the Mezzanine with SoulMelodica
SoulMelodica, is a neoclassical band bringing together three passionate musicians, Bruno (handpan), Ching (violin) and Giuseppe (classic guitar). They are united by a shared vision to foster connections between people and their deepest emotions. With each performance, they invite you to embark on a transformative journey of the soul and mind, guided by the evocative melodies and harmonies that define their music.
Saturday 7 June 2024 at 1pm
Music Library, Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
or contact the Music Library on 0131 242 8050.
The Bombing of Edinburgh and Leith: 1939-1942
Enjoy an evening with writer and former Senior Police Officer, Tom Wood, as he explores the bombing of Edinburgh and Leith between 1939 and 1942.
When the Edinburgh Police Historical Society uncovered a rare 1944 document detailing German bombing raids on the city, it revealed a story often overlooked. Though not ‘Blitzed’ like London, Edinburgh was repeatedly attacked from October 1939 to 1942, and Tom Wood will share this history using original crime scene photographs from the City Police Archives.
Wednesday 11 June at 6pm
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Make Music Day
Make Music Day will be a programme of music from early to late, with performances from guests old and new. The full programme will be released nearer the day.
Saturday 21 June
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
or contact the Music Library on 0131 242 8050.
July 2025
The Bombing of Edinburgh and Leith: 1939-1942
Another chance to enjoy an evening with writer and former Senior Police Officer, Tom Wood, as he explores the bombing of Edinburgh and Leith between 1939 and 1942.
When the Edinburgh Police Historical Society uncovered a rare 1944 document detailing German bombing raids on the city, it revealed a story often overlooked. Though not ‘Blitzed’ like London, Edinburgh was repeatedly attacked from October 1939 to 1942, and Tom Wood will share this history using original crime scene photographs from the City Police Archives.
Wednesday 16 July at 6pm
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG