We’re excited to be launching the Scotland-wide Love Libraries campaign to celebrate our libraries and library staff.
Our libraries are at the heart of our communities.
Books are just the beginning – they also offer access to clubs and classes, literacy programmes, social groups and much more!
Learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved:
Streetreads Library, a vital community space, based in Nicholson Square in Edinburgh, which serves 150-200 people experiencing homelessness every week, is facing closure after unexpectedly being served an eviction notice.
The well-used independent service, operated by Simon Community Scotland and solely reliant on donations and fundraising, provides not just books but a sense of belonging and hope to those who visit. It currently costs around £75,000 a year to run.
Fiona Williamson, Head of Service for Simon Community Scotland in Edinburgh, said: “We are devastated and deeply concerned about the impact this will have on people who use the library.
“Streetreads opened in 2021 and has grown exponentially alongside the people we support. There will be a huge gap in services and support while we seek new premises, as our appeal for more time to find an alternative site has sadly been declined.
“At very little cost, Streetreads creates immeasurable value for the city. Losing this space is not just a blow for the most vulnerable and isolated people in our city — it’s a setback for Edinburgh as a whole.”
Michelle, a regular visitor to the space, said: “Streetreads is more than a library— it’s a sanctuary. It’s the only place where I feel human.”
With up to 100 people rough sleeping in Edinburgh and over 5000 people living in homelessness accommodation, the need for safe spaces has never been greater.
Simon Community Scotland is urgently seeking a new location to ensure no one is left without this lifeline service.
The charity needs funds to help secure the right space that will meet the needs of the people being supported, including mental health support, creative writing and arts, educational opportunities, advice, community and hope, as well as the opportunity to find a quiet, warm, safe space to read, get a cup of tea and have a chat.
Lorraine McGrath, CEO for Simon Community Scotland, said: “The need for safe places, support and hope has never been greater.
“This eviction underscores the growing challenges facing people in Edinburgh who are increasingly at risk of homelessness and all the related harm and trauma. We need urgent support to find a new home for Streetreads. We have been advised that alternative premises are likely to add an additional £20,000 a year to running costs.”
Award-winning authors Ian Rankin and Michael Pederson have voiced their support for the charity.
Rebus creator Ian Rankin, said: “I’ve known and supported Streetreads from the very beginning and always enjoyed visiting the library and drop-in centre.
“I’m so hoping that suitable accommodation can be found for this crucial enterprise. Streetreads means the world to its many users.”
Michael Pedersen, writer in residence at The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s Makar (Poet Laureate), said: “Streetreads Library is an incredible, crucial, and vital resource to Edinburgh and Scotland beyond.
“It’s refuge and salvation, it’s connection and inspiration, and so so much more. I’ve been awe-struck by the work they do, their warmth and innovation, and the enthusiasm their clients have for the space, its people and the facilities.
“Quite frankly, it’s invaluable. And all this from a library that’s only in its infancy (in the grand scheme of things). We need to be growing it, supporting it, championing it and celebrating it. It’s a model for others to learn from, to follow, but only if we rally behind them now and henceforth.
“What a formidable loss this location would be, a beacon of hope taken from the chest chamber of our capital city.”
Fiona Williamson added: “This isn’t just a library—it’s a lifeline. This is a chance for Edinburgh to show its spirit and solidarity. We’re asking landlords, businesses, and community members to help us to secure the right space which requires investment and funding.
“I am excited that together, we can ensure no one is left without the safety, opportunities, learning and hope that is provided by this vital service.”
If you can help, please contact Simon Community Scotland immediately via hello@simonscotland.org or visit www.simonscotland.org.
If you would like to donate please go to:
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the seventh cohort of Ignite Fellows, a prestigious award which supports established writers working on a significant project. The 2025 Fellows include Edinburgh-based writers Katie Goh and Carol Farrelly.
Ignite Fellows receive a £2,500 bursary and creative support tailored to suit their individual projects. Gaelic writer Seaonaidh Charity, based in the Highlands, has also been awarded an Ignite Fellowship this year.
Katie Goh is a writer and editor. Katie’s award-nominated essays, journalism and criticism have appeared in publications including Port, The Guardian, Wasafiri, i-D, Dazed and Gal-dem, and she is an editor for Extra Teeth and Gutter magazines.
Katie is the author of The End: Surviving the World Through Imagined Disasters, which was shortlisted for the inaugural Kavya Prize in 2022, and Foreign Fruit, their debut memoir, which will be published by Canongate in 2025.
Katie grew up in the north of Ireland and now lives in Edinburgh.
Katie Goh said: ‘I am delighted and honoured to be the recipient of an Ignite Fellowship.
“The Fellowship will support a creative non-fiction project, and I am grateful to Scottish Book Trust for this opportunity to further develop my writing as I take the plunge with a new book.’
Carol Farrelly is a fiction writer from Glasgow. Her short stories have appeared in journals such as Granta, Stand and New Writing Scotland, and have been commissioned by BBC Radio 4.
In 2021, her story ‘Turnstones’ won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize for the Canada & Europe region.
She has been shortlisted for the Society of Authors’ Tom-Gallon Trust Award, the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, the Bridport Prize and the Alpine Fellowship. She is a previous Scottish Book Trust New Writer and Robert Louis Stevenson Fellow.
Carol holds a DPhil on Thomas Hardy’s fiction and is a graduate of the University of Glasgow’s MLitt Creative Writing programme. She is currently working on a novel, which travels from Dublin to Dumfries and Galloway.
Carol Farrelly said: ‘I am thrilled to receive an Ignite Fellowship: it’s such a gift. I cannot thank Scottish Book Trust enough for giving me the resources and support to focus on my work.
“Let the new year begin!’
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Congratulations to our three new Ignite Fellows, who are very deserving of this award.
“The Ignite Fellowship provides writers with essential mentoring, financial assistance and practical support that will help them reach new heights in their careers.
“We’re thrilled to support these writers on their next chapters and look forward to seeing how their projects progress.’
Corstorphine Library is hosting Iona Lee for Book Week Scotland.
If you’d be interested in attending this poetry workshop on 18th November, and/or joining their Corstorphine Library’s fortnightly Writers Group, please ask at the library desk or telephone 0131 529 5506.
You can also get in touch via email at corstorphine.library@edinburgh.gov.uk
In October 2004, Edinburgh was designated the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, a permanent title celebrating Edinburgh’s status as a literary capital and pioneer in the UNESCO Creative Cities network.
The concept of a City of Literature was devised in Edinburgh by the Trust’s founding members Jenny Brown OBE, Catherine Lockerbie, James Boyle and Lorraine Fannin, trailblazing the way – there are now 53 UNESCO Cities of Literature across the world.
To mark the occasion, 60 representatives from Cities of Literature destinations across the global network came to Edinburgh for a four day conference as part of The Scottish International Storytelling Festival last week (21-25 Oct 2024).
The conference helped mark the achievements of the past two decades and to make plans for the future – ensuring that Edinburgh continues to stay firmly on the literary map.
As part of this conference the Cities of Literature attending from all over the globe carried on the annual tradition of donating a selection of books to the hosting city. This year’s donations sees a range of diverse and beautifully illustrated children’s books in the original language of each of these UNESCO Cities gifted to the Central Lending Library in Edinburgh.
Keira Brown, Communications and Community Manager for Edinburgh City of Literature Trust, said: ‘It’s a wonderful initiative that the Cities of Literature decide to donate picture books from their city, showcasing the range of talent from this global network, giving back to Edinburgh for welcoming these delegates to the city for the week, such a beautiful idea reflecting the international connection that is so beneficial for the sector here in Edinburgh.’
Keira Brown from Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust and UNESCO Cities of Literature Coordinator, Hannah Trevarthen, with a selection of the donated books.
Nottingham’s City of Literature Director and UNESCO Cities of Literature Chair, Hannah Trevarthen, said: “It’s a fantastic tradition, donating children’s books to the city hosting the meeting every year, and one we hope will long continue.
“It’s our thank-you to the city for all of the hard work that goes into hosting the Cities of Literature delegates.’We hope that the children of Edinburgh will be inspired by the books from other Cities of Literature from around the world.’’
Within Edinburgh City of Literature Trust’s twenty year span, they have helped grow a global network of international literary cities, for the benefit of writers and literature professionals, bringing opportunities for paid commissions, supporting creative practice and broadening literary networks internationally.
At a more local level in Scotland, the Trust’s work has ranged from high profile campaigns to community-based Edinburgh projects, with bold, innovative work bringing communities together – connecting readers and writers as well as literary organisations in the Scottish literature scene.
The Trust has also long partnered with Edinburgh Library service, working to advocate the importance of librarians and libraries across the city.
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: ““Donating children’s books is a wonderful tradition within the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network. Through our ongoing partnership we are thrilled to see this meaningful gesture from such a diverse network of cities.
“As the founding city of this international cohort of UNESCO Cities of Literature, we take immense pride in celebrating our 20th anniversary, and I truly hope this wonderful tradition continues for many years to come.”
Edinburgh City of Literature Trust birthday also contributes to the on-going Edinburgh 900 celebrations; marking the 900 year anniversary of Edinburgh – a city-wide celebration of Edinburgh’s history, culture and future.
PICS: Neil Hanna
BROUGHTON High School library is looking to expand the selection of stock and we are looking for donations of good quality books; non-fiction texts for age 10+; David Walliams books, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, Roald Dahl, Dog Man, Captain Underpants, Tom Gates books, football books, books about dance, Horrible Histories/Maths/Science, etc and books suitable for dyslexic learners of all abilities.
If you can help.with these, or any other suitable books for high school ages you might have and be able to pass our way, please contact our librarian, Robbie.loosemore@broughton.edin.sch.uk
We hope you’re as excited as we are for our opening next week!
Here’s what’s on in the new Muirhouse Library (!) next week – we hope to see lots of you there, for Bookbug, kids’ craft sessions after school, and coffee mornings.
See you soon!
Dedicating just 20 minutes a day to reading could offer significant benefits, including reducing your risk of a heart attack.
This simple habit not only enriches the mind but also contributes to heart health in several profound ways.
Mubin Ahmed from Awesome Books tells us how:
Stress Reduction
One of the primary ways reading helps reduce the risk of heart attacks is through stress reduction. Stress is a significant risk factor for heart disease. When you immerse yourself in a good book, your mind is transported away from the worries and anxieties of everyday life. According to a study by the University of Sussex, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. Imagine the compounded benefits of dedicating 20 minutes daily to this relaxing activity!
Improved Sleep Quality
Poor sleep is another risk factor for heart attacks. Reading before bed can help improve sleep quality, leading to better heart health. Instead of engaging with screens, which emit blue light and disrupt sleep patterns, opting for a physical book or e-reader with a warm light setting can signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Better sleep means your body can repair and rejuvenate, reducing strain on your heart.
Mental Stimulation
Reading keeps your brain active and engaged, which is beneficial for overall mental health. Mental stimulation has been linked to lower levels of stress and anxiety, both of which can negatively impact heart health. By regularly challenging your brain, you help maintain its functionality, potentially staving off conditions that can indirectly affect your heart, such as depression and cognitive decline.
Lower Blood Pressure
Relaxation from reading can also help lower blood pressure. When you are engrossed in a book, your body relaxes, and this relaxation can lead to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, so maintaining a lower blood pressure through regular reading can contribute to heart health.
Social Connections
Reading, especially fiction, enhances empathy and social understanding. These improved social connections and empathy can lead to stronger relationships and social support networks, which are essential for emotional well-being. Emotional well-being and strong social connections have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.
Encourages Mindfulness
Reading requires concentration and presence, which are key aspects of mindfulness. Mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment, has been shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Regular practice of mindfulness through reading can improve your overall emotional health, thereby reducing the risk of heart-related issues.
How to Incorporate Reading into Your Daily Routine
Set a Specific Time: Choose a consistent time each day for your reading session, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.
Create a Cosy Space: Designate a comfortable spot for reading, free from distractions.
Choose Enjoyable Material: Select books or articles that genuinely interest you to make the habit enjoyable and sustainable.
Limit Screen Time: Opt for physical books or e-readers with non-glare screens to reduce eye strain and improve relaxation.
Join a Book Club: Engaging with others about what you’re reading can enhance your enjoyment and provide additional social benefits.
Mubin Ahmed from Awesome Books says: “Incorporating just 20 minutes of reading into your daily routine can offer significant benefits for your heart health.
“From reducing stress and improving sleep to lowering blood pressure and fostering mindfulness, this simple habit is a powerful tool in reducing the risk of heart attacks.
“So, grab a book, find a cosy spot, and start reading your way to a healthier heart today!“
The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge is kicking off in Scotland with an exciting event featuring award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller.
On 29 June at 10.30am, Edinburgh Central Library will host Making Marvellous Stories with Danyah Miller, an interactive storytelling experience that celebrates the power of imagination and creativity.
Danyah Miller, an international solo performer, writer, and story trainer, will lead an engaging spontaneous storytelling hour. Through story games and collaborative storytelling, children and families will embark on a journey to spark their imaginations and create lasting memories together.
Oral storytelling is a fundamental component of literacy development, enhancing fluency, vocabulary acquisition, writing skills, recall, and memory. By participating in this event, children will not only have a fun and interactive experience but also develop essential literacy skills.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in story games, make up fresh, new stories together, and learn tips and tricks for endless storytelling fun. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, igniting the imaginations of children and families alike.
“We left full of ideas and inspiration,” said a mum of boys aged 7 and 9 after attending one of Danyah’s previous storytelling events.
In addition to the storytelling experience, the Summer Reading Challenge, developed in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing creative arts to those in need, offers a range of exciting activities and resources that bring reading and creativity together throughout the school holiday. Children are encouraged to explore their creativity through various outlets, including junk modelling, music, dance, drawing, and painting.
The Making Marvellous Stories with Danyah Miller event is free and open to the public. Families are invited to join this unforgettable experience and embark on a journey of storytelling and creativity at Edinburgh Central Library.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://readingagency.org.uk/our-work/events/making-marvellous-stories-with-danyah-miller/
New report reveals reading for enjoyment is at it’s lowest in nearly 20 years
More than 190 Edinburgh children have taken part in storytelling sessions designed to inspire a love of reading, as new research reveals that reading for enjoyment among 8 – 18-year-olds in the UK is at its lowest since 2005 – for almost two decades.
According to the National Literacy Trust, reading for enjoyment is proven to build a child’s confidence as well as make them feel happy and relaxed, yet only 41.5% of children and young people from Scotland say they enjoy reading in their free time.
The events have been organised by Fort Kinnaird as part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative between its co-owner British Land and the National Literacy Trust, that aims to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.
Children from Castleview, Niddrie Mill, and Brunstane primary schools enjoyed a performance from a professional storyteller and took part in a range of fun activities including a bookmark making workshop. Each child was also given a book of their choice to take home for free, the third book this year gifted as part of the wider programme.
2024 marks the thirteenth year of British Land’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and since the programme launched at Fort Kinnaird, it has supported more than 2,700 school children and seen more than 8,200 books donated across Edinburgh.
The Young Readers Programme is especially designed to provide additional support and help with the development of children in under privileged areas by giving them better access to books.
The National Literacy Trust research revealed that fewer young people who received free school meals (FSM) said they enjoyed reading when compared to their peers who did not receive free school meals (39.5% FSM vs 43.8% non-FSM).
Liam Smith, centre manager at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, so we are incredibly proud of the Young Readers Programme and all the local children and families we have been able to support over many years.
“It’s such a rewarding initiative, hearing how the children are inspired by the stories and activities and seeing just how excited they are to take their own book home. This is a programme that really makes a difference and we’re so pleased to be a part of it for another brilliant year.”
Martin Galway, Head of School Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: “Sparking a love of reading can change a child’s life. It can inspire children’s imagination, provide comfort and escape, build confidence, and support improved literacy skills which are the foundation for all learning.
“Through the Young Readers Programme, we have partnered with British Land for the last 13 years – giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting storytelling events, and to choose and keep books that speak to their interests and passions.
“Our goal is to inspire a love of books and reading that will stay with them forever, which in turn will provide them with essential literacy and life skills they need to succeed and reach their own goals.”
