Next Monday, 24th August we will be starting Mindful Colouring In at Blackhall Library. These are casual sessions for anyone to join, no need to book, just come along.
For more information contact Blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
John Grisham, Diana Gabaldon, Matt Haig, Maggie O’Farrell, Douglas Stuart, Lyse Doucet and David Olusoga among major names reaching audiences worldwide, as free library screenings bring Book Festival conversations to communities across Scotland.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is making its 2026 programme more accessible than ever before, with nearly 90 events set to be livestreamed direct from Edinburgh, allowing audiences around the world to experience one of the world’s leading literary festivals wherever they are.
From bestselling novelists to leading thinkers, campaigners, historians, politicians, podcasters and children’s authors, the extensive livestreaming programme opens up the Book Festival to readers, writers and curious minds unable to attend in person – whether due to geography, cost, caring responsibilities, disability or health considerations.
Most streamed events will also remain available to watch on demand after broadcast, creating greater flexibility for audiences across different time zones and making it easier for viewers to enjoy events at a time that suits them.
The expanded programme builds on consistent and increasingly global demand for online access to the Book Festival. In 2025, online audiences joined events from 63 countries worldwide (including Vatican City), generating more than 20,000 online event views, demonstrating the global appetite for Edinburgh’s literary conversations, and the chance to hear from some of the world’s biggest literary stars.
Among the major names appearing as part of the livestreamed programme are legal thriller phenomenon John Grisham, Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart (longlisted once again for the prize in 2026 for John of John, the topic of his Book Festival event), Outlander creator Diana Gabaldon, alongside global literary stars Ann Patchett, Maggie O’Farrell, Elif Shafak, Colson Whitehead, Colm Tóibín, Matt Haig, Kae Tempest and many more.
The programme also features BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet on global affairs, acclaimed political economist Ann Pettifor on the economic forces shaping our future, and bestselling psychotherapist Philippa Perry on relationships, wellbeing and modern life. Audiences can also enjoy conversations with influential public figures and leading commentators including Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, tech critic Cory Doctorow, New York Times diplomatic correspondent Edward Wong and Lewis Goodall of The News Agents, historian and broadcaster David Olusoga, philosopher A C Grayling, and historian Tom Holland.
Families and young readers can also enjoy a rich programme online, with events featuring beloved creators including Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson, Katherine Rundell, Liz Pichon, Harriet Muncaster, Catherine Rayner and Paul Linnet.
Alongside online access for audiences at home and overseas, 22 libraries across Scotland will host free screenings of selected events, helping bring Book Festival conversations to communities far beyond Edinburgh. Library streaming is emerging as one of the Book Festival’s strongest tools for democratising access, opening up opportunities for audiences across Scotland to take part collectively, locally and free of charge. The screenings build on the Book Festival’s wider work with libraries through initiatives including Paper Trails, and follow strong audience interest in shared viewing experiences, with more than 700 people attending library watch parties during previous Book Festival programmes.
The initiative reflects the Book Festival’s ongoing commitment to ensuring as many people as possible can take part in the conversations, ideas and stories that define each year’s programme.
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “One of the wonderful things about the Book Festival is that our audiences have always extended far beyond Edinburgh. Every year we hear from readers around the UK and across the world who would love to be part of the Book Festival but aren’t able to travel here in person.
“Last year audiences joined us online from 63 countries around the world, demonstrating the global appetite for the conversations that take place here in Edinburgh. This year’s expanded livestreaming programme means even more people will be able to experience the Book Festival as it happens, wherever they are.”
“We’re also delighted that audiences will be able to access events through 22 partner libraries across Scotland. Combined with on-demand viewing for most events, we’re creating more ways than ever before for people to engage with the Book Festival, regardless of where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Many of the livestreamed events connect with the Book Festival’s 2026 theme, Changing Your Mind, bringing together writers, thinkers and public figures from across continents and disciplines to explore how stories, ideas and conversation can challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives.
Online tickets are available now. The majority of livestreamed events will also be available on demand following the live broadcast, enabling audiences across the world to enjoy the Book Festival regardless of time zone.
A small number of events, including the John Grisham event, are livestream only. Additional events will be added to the on-demand offering throughout the autumn, extending access to Festival conversations beyond August.
To watch livestreamed events, visit: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/events?eibf_main_production%5Btoggle%5D%5BonlineEvent%5D=true
Drumbrae Library and Leith Library in Edinburgh have launched a new initiative which will deliver free, impartial advocacy to members of the public through a new partnership between the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and national charity Advice Direct Scotland.
The Edinburgh libraries will be included in the first phase of the programme, which will see trained advocates from Advocacy.scot – run by Advice Direct Scotland – offer in-person support in select public libraries throughout the country to help people access and deal with Social Security Scotland benefits, ensuring their voice is heard.
The new in‑library service will offer an accessible, face‑to‑face option for those who prefer a more personal interaction or who may face barriers to accessing online services.
The first phase of the programme will also launch in the following libraries:
By embedding these services within trusted, familiar community spaces, the partnership aims to make it easier for people to access the help they need, while also strengthening engagement with local library services.
Visitors will be encouraged to become library members, connecting more people with books, digital resources, learning opportunities and community activities.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Libraries are trusted public spaces that sit at the heart of communities, offering connection, learning and support to people of all ages. By partnering with Advice Direct Scotland, we can extend that support even further, ensuring that anyone who needs advice can access it easily, locally and without barriers.
“This collaboration strengthens the role of libraries as essential community anchors and helps build a more inclusive and resilient Scotland. Through their participation in the partnership, Edinburgh locals will have easier access to trusted advice, advocacy and guidance whenever they need it.”
Marjorie Gibson, operation director at Advice Direct Scotland, which runs Advocacy.scot, added: “Our mission is to ensure everyone in Scotland can access free, impartial advocacy when they need it most.
“Libraries are welcoming, familiar environments and bringing our advocates into these spaces will help us reach even more people in a way that feels comfortable and accessible.
“We’re proud to work with SLIC to expand our support and connect communities with the right guidance at the right time.”
To learn more, visit www.advocacy.scot or call 0808 196 8901.
Children and teens now have their own Libby site!
Find out how to borrow ebooks, audiobooks and magazines today.
Existing loans and holds
Please email informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk if you have any questions regarding this service.
Access 1000s of brilliant ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and comics for children and teens!
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks with Libby
• Borrow ten titles at a time for up to 21 days
• Borrow unlimited magazines
• Books return automatically so no fines
• Borrower card categories restrict loans to age-appropriate material
Use Libby Kids & Teens on:
• the Apple or Android Libby app on your smartphone or tablet
• the Kindle Fire OverDrive app
• a PC or Mac
• a Nook, Kobo or Sony eReader for ebooks (incompatible with Kindles except the Kindle Fire)
Get started:
• Join the library and sign in with your card number and PIN
• See our app or computer “How to use” guides and find out how to get started
• Problems? See our help pages
• Use our Digital Stock Suggestion form to suggest new ebooks and audiobooks
School holidays start on Friday and we have a full program of events for the summer break!
Here is a list of next week’s events.
Everything is free with no need to book
*children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult
Scotland’s recent election tells us something important about the national mood (writes ALISON NOLAN).
The return of an SNP-led administration under John Swinney, the rise of the Greens, the fragmentation of traditional party loyalties, the emergence of Reform UK at Holyrood, and low voter turnout together point to a political landscape that is more divided, volatile and uncertain than at any point since devolution began.
At the same time, COSLA’s recent white paper on strengthening local democracy argues that Scotland must rebuild democratic participation and place power closer to communities. These are not separate conversations. The central question facing Scotland’s new administration is not simply how to govern, but how to rebuild trust, participation and civic confidence in an age of fragmentation.
That is where libraries matter.
For too long, libraries have been framed narrowly: as cultural amenities, repositories of books, or discretionary local services under financial pressure. Those roles remain important, but they no longer capture the full significance of libraries in modern Scotland. Libraries are democratic infrastructure.
In communities across Scotland, libraries remain among the very few public spaces that are free, trusted, accessible and open to everyone. You do not need money to enter. You do not need an appointment, a referral or permission. At a time when many civic spaces have disappeared from public life, libraries remain embedded in communities across the country.
The election exposed a growing sense of democratic disconnection. Turnout fell in many parts of the country. Political loyalties are becoming more fluid and polarised, while public debate is increasingly shaped by social media algorithms, misinformation and distrust. At the same time, Scotland’s new government faces enormous pressures, from public service reform and child poverty to digital exclusion and growing demands for more local decision-making.
Libraries can help Scotland respond to all of these challenges. Democracy is strongest when decisions are made closest to communities but local democracy requires more than changes to governance structures. It also requires trusted local spaces where people can access information, build confidence, participate in discussions and connect with one another. Libraries already provide that infrastructure.
Every day, libraries help people access digital public services, apply for jobs, develop literacy skills, connect with their communities and navigate increasingly complex information environments. They host community groups, youth activities and public events, while increasingly helping people understand online information, artificial intelligence and the digital systems shaping modern life.
In practice, libraries already do the work of democratic participation. We simply do not always describe it that way.
Imagine if libraries were recognised formally as civic participation hubs in every community: places where citizens’ assemblies, local consultations and participatory budgeting discussions could happen; where young people could develop media literacy and critical digital skills; and where communities could engage with regeneration, climate transition and public service reform.
Much of this is already happening quietly across Scotland’s library network. The challenge now is whether national policy catches up with that reality.
If Scotland is serious about prevention, community empowerment and democratic renewal, libraries cannot continue to sit at the margins of policy discussions. They should be recognised as part of Scotland’s democratic and social infrastructure, alongside schools, health services and community organisations.
Democracy depends on more than elections and institutions. It depends on trust, participation, shared spaces and equal access to information. Libraries provide all four. In the Scotland emerging from this election, that may make them more important than ever.
Alison Nolan
Chief executive, Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC)
It’s almost time for the annual Summer Reading Challenge!
‘Read to the Beat’
From Saturday 20th June join up at Drumbrae Library Hub and begin your Summer reading adventure…
How it works…
1. Sign up:
Visit your local library and ask to sign up – we will give you a special collector folder when you start your Challenge.
2. Pick six goals to work towards your challenge, the options are listed in the collector folder or can be chosen from our lucky dip box!
3. Earn rewards:
Each time you complete a challenge, visit the library to collect special stickers and rewards!
TODAY is #DiscoverYourLibrary Day!
Why not pop in and see what you might discover?
2026 is the National Year of Reading – #GoAllIn
Save the date!
As part of the #NationalYearOfReading2026, we’re inviting you to celebrate your local library this #DiscoverYourLibrary Day on 4 June.
Libraries are so much more than shelves of books, they’re places to connect, learn, create and discover.
Whether you’re a lifelong member or haven’t visited in years, this is your invitation to rediscover everything your library has to offer.
@CILIPinfo
@goallin2026
We’re busy finalising the set up at our new temporary library building at Davidson’s Mains Primary School, and we’re looking forward to opening and sharing the space with the community.
Unfortunately we’ve experienced some delays with finishing the building works and installing some of the furniture. This means we’ve had to postpone the planned opening of the library by a few weeks.
We’ll announce the opening date via our website in the coming weeks:
