National Library ramps up 100th birthday celebrations

The National Library of Scotland’s centenary celebrations are well under way at its main building at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh with free activities, installations and displays. 

Visitors to the National Library can step into the past with the Centenary Time Machine Trail – an audio tour with accompanying booklet. This trail guides visitors through the building to discover fascinating facts, amusing tales and surprising secrets, featuring voices from the Library’s past and present. People can also view archival material documenting the design, construction and opening of the building, which is situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This display also includes historic photographs of the Library and its staff.  

Director of Engagement Jackie Cromarty said:  

“It is 100 years since an Act of Parliament created the National Library of Scotland and we invite everyone to join in our celebrations. We are pleased as punch. Our displays and activities talk about us and our history, which is fascinating in itself. We also have on display unique and rare pieces of history that can only be found at our Library.  

“Regulars to the Library may have already noted a more colourful vibe upon entry to the building. We commissioned design students from Edinburgh College to come up with ways to enhance the building’s interior, and we’re delighted to present these vibrant murals in the entrance archways. Whether you’re new to the Library or a lifelong member, there’s something for you here this summer.” 

Designed by Claire Clifton Coles, Paul Early, and Damian Ferenc, the murals are inspired by 1920s art deco style and the Hew Lorimer sculptures which adorn the facade, and reflect the Library’s evolution between 1925 and today. 

In the much-loved Treasures exhibition, a display tells the story of how the National Library was established, featuring the 1925 Act of Parliament, alongside the first ever reader's ticket. Two nationally significant documents which were gifted to the Library in the 1920s are also on display – the Glenriddell Manuscripts which comprise one of the greatest collections of Robert Burns's handwritten work, and the Order for the Massacre of Glencoe, written in 1692, which resulted in one of the most notorious events in Scottish history. Entry to the Treasures exhibition is free and suitable for all ages.  

There are just weeks left to see the exhibitions ‘Renaissance: Scotland and Europe 1480 to 1630’ (until 21 April) and ‘Tusitala: Pacific perspectives on Robert Louis Stevenson’ (until 10 May). After that, the exhibition spaces will be transformed for a special centenary exhibition ‘Dear Library’, from 20 June. 

The Library has special events taking place across its sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with more to be announced including partnership events with Edinburgh International Book Festival in August and special tours in collaboration with the Faculty of Advocates in October. The National Library’s Centenary will feature celebratory events everyone can get involved in through 2025 and beyond. 

To find out more about what’s on at The National Library of Scotland in its centenary year, please visit https://www.nls.uk