Best Bookstores & Libraries in Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom

Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Culture & Entertainment, Best Bookstores & Libraries

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