Major exhibition a ‘love letter to libraries’

The National Library of Scotland continues its centenary celebrations with a major exhibition celebrating all kinds of libraries, and the books that shaped us.

The exhibition is named after ‘Dear Library’, the poem by former Makar Jackie Kay, whose literary archive was acquired by the Library last year.

In a first for the National Library, its exhibition spaces at George IV Bridge have been transformed into a veritable reading room, filled with recommendations from members of the public and some of Scotland’s well-known faces.

National Librarian Amina Shah said:

“Developing this exhibition has been a labour of love for us, as we have chosen to use our centenary year to shine a spotlight on the power of libraries. We kicked off our ‘Love Libraries’ campaign in February, which shouts about all the great work libraries and librarians do. This exhibition complements the campaign.

“Libraries change lives. They empower individuals and the communities they belong to. The library sector has a proud shared history of working together to make sure everyone can benefit from access to information, stories, culture and knowledge – from school libraries to universities, mobile libraries to specialised archives – many of whom have contributed to this exhibition. We expect library fans and book lovers will visit this exhibition multiple times – there’s so much to celebrate and discover.”

Aside from a handful of items, the Library has dispensed with displaying items in glass cases for this exhibition. Instead, people are encouraged to browse bookshelves and examine any item that piques their interest. Books include a sample of the many titles suggested to the Library through a public call out seeking the books that shaped people’s lives. Titles have also been selected by well-known faces including Alan Cumming, Gemma Cairney, Sir Ian Rankin, Lauren Mayberry and Pat Nevin, as well as the Library’s Centenary Champions Damian Barr and Val McDermid.

Beyond the books, the exhibition also features librarians and libraries in popular culture, protest banners and badges reflecting libraries under threat, vintage film footage bringing past libraries to life, and lots more. There is a Bookbug trail for children, library cards collected by former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho during his Library Marathon, a fantastical library Lego model, and a makerspace where people can make their own library card or placard.

Treasured specialist libraries from across the country have loaned items to the exhibition: Glasgow Women’s Library, The Nature Library, Making Public’s Press (formerly Skye Zine Library), Innerpeffray Library and the Library of Mistakes. These items – which include everything from a bird's nest to rare books from Scotland’s first free public lending library – will demonstrate the different kinds of items libraries collect, including the completely unexpected.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:

“The National Library has been a cornerstone of our nation’s cultural life for generations. This exhibition is a direct reflection of the impact libraries have had, bringing together just some of the books and objects that have helped to shape our country and the people who live here.

“I can’t think of a more fitting tribute for one of our most precious national institutions in its centenary year. Whether you are a regular borrower or first-time visitor, I would encourage everyone to visit this remarkable exhibition and re-discover the profound impact that libraries have had on our lives and communities.” 

‘Dear Library’ opens on Friday 20 June and runs until April 2026, during Library opening hours (Monday to Saturday). Entry is free.

Details of the Library’s centenary celebrations are available via the ‘What’s On’ section of the website: nls.uk