
Best Bookstores & Libraries in Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom
1. Golden Hare Bookshop
Independent bookstore with a selection of local and international titles, plus a coffee shop.
- Local Favorites: Offers a wide range of books by local authors
- Coffee Shop Integration: Provides the perfect setting for relaxing with your favorite read and a cup of coffee
- Community Engagement: Hosts events like author signings, book clubs, and workshops
2. Blackwell's Bookshop on the Mound
Large bookstore offering a wide variety of books, including rare and antique titles.
- Rare Titles: Has an extensive collection of rare and out-of-print books
- Student Discounts: Offers discounts to students with valid ID cards
- Café and Terrace: Features a café on the top floor with stunning views of Edinburgh
3. Books for Scotland
Specializes in Scottish literature and history, with a focus on independent authors.
- Scottish Literature: Features an extensive collection of books about Scotland's culture and history
- Independent Authors: Supports independent authors by carrying their works
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the books they sell
4. Scottish Storytelling Centre
Library and storytelling venue offering a variety of performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Storytelling Performances: Offers traditional Scottish storytelling performances for visitors
- Workshops and Exhibitions: Hosts workshops and exhibitions related to Scottish literature and culture
- Interactive Learning: Provides interactive learning opportunities for visitors of all ages
5. National Library of Scotland
Houses the national collection of Scotland, including ancient manuscripts and rare books.
- National Collection: Preserves Scotland's written history and culture through its extensive collection
- Digital Archive Access: Allows online access to some of their digital archive collections
- Research Facilities: Provides research facilities for scholars and students
6. City of Edinburgh Council Libraries
A network of public libraries throughout the city, offering books, computers, and study spaces.
- Community Engagement: Serves as a community hub for learning and socializing
- Free Access to Resources: Provides free access to books, computers, and Wi-Fi
- Diverse Collection: Offers a wide variety of books, including bestsellers, classics, and local titles
7. Edinburgh Central Library
The city's main library with a vast collection, offering books, computers, and study spaces.
- Extensive Collection: Holds one of the largest collections in Scotland
- Study Spaces: Provides ample study spaces for quiet, focused work
- Community Engagement: Hosts events, workshops, and exhibitions related to literature and culture
8. The Writers' Museum
A museum dedicated to the lives and works of Scotland's most famous authors.
- Scottish Literary Icons: Highlights the lives and works of Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with the authors' works
- Inspiring Visitors: Inspires visitors to learn about and appreciate Scotland's literary heritage
9. Greyfriars Kirk Library
A library located within a historic church, offering books, study spaces, and research facilities.
- Historic Setting: Provides a unique and atmospheric setting for reading and studying
- Research Facilities: Offers research facilities for scholars and students
- Diverse Collection: Features a diverse collection of books, including theology, history, and fiction
10. St. Giles' Cathedral Library
A library within St. Giles' Cathedral, offering books, study spaces, and research facilities.
- Historic Setting: Provides a unique setting for reading and studying in a historic cathedral
- Research Facilities: Offers research facilities for scholars and students
- Diverse Collection: Features a diverse collection of books, including theology, history, and fiction
11. McGonagall's Close
A bookshop located in the historic Old Town, specializing in books about Scotland, including poetry and humor.
- Scottish Humor: Offers a selection of Scottish humor books for light-hearted reading
- Historic Setting: Located in the historic Old Town, providing an authentic Edinburgh experience
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff is knowledgeable and passionate about Scottish literature
12. Word Power Books
An independent bookshop specializing in language books, dictionaries, and grammar guides.
- Language Enthusiasts: Caters to language enthusiasts with a wide selection of books
- Independent Bookstore: Supports independent publishing by carrying their works
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff is knowledgeable and passionate about language books
13. The Bookshop on the Corner
A bookstore offering a mix of new and second-hand books, plus coffee and cake.
- Second-Hand Books: Offers a wide selection of second-hand books at affordable prices
- Coffee and Cake: Provides a cozy café setting for relaxing with your book and a snack
- Community Engagement: Hosts events like author signings, book clubs, and workshops
14. The Edinburgh Bookshop
An independent bookstore offering a diverse selection of books, plus gifts and stationery.
- Diverse Collection: Features a wide variety of books across different genres
- Independent Bookstore: Supports independent publishing by carrying their works
- Gifts and Stationery: Offers a selection of gifts and stationery related to books and reading
15. The Bookshop Restoration Yard
A bookstore located in the historic Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering a diverse selection of books.
- Historic Setting: Located within the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Diverse Collection: Features a wide variety of books across different genres
- Green Space Integration: Offers a tranquil setting for reading surrounded by nature