Library events
Our calendar page lists details of one-off events for adults hosted by libraries.
For details of regular events such as book groups and children's activities at a specific library visit the library's page or follow them on Facebook.
October 2025
Local author talk – Ben Docherty
Join us for interesting conversation with Leith based author Ben Docherty about his debut book "Lullabies for Satan". "The devil has trouble sleeping. Caretaking human souls has taken its toll and he is suffering from insomnia. Enter Peter, a human soul and former musician who the devil believes can write music to help him sleep. Come listen to Ben chat about his new book and join in with the question and answer session.
Monday 6 October from 6 to 7.30pm
Stockbridge Library
11 Hamilton Place
EH3 5BA
No booking required
Music on the Mezzanine - U3A Ukulele Band
The musicians of the U3A Ukulele Band had little musical knowledge when they started playing together seven years ago. They now perform regularly in care homes, at markets and in festivals!
Saturday 11 October at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Family History Fair 2025
Central Library will host a family history fair on Friday 24 October where there will be information stalls from different family history information providers and a series of presentations.
The day and presentations are free to attend, but the presentations should be booked in advance via .
Family History Fair - Hippo Lane and Sword beach. Historic maps of the World Wars.
Discover how the world wars were shown on contemporary mapping. The National Library of Scotland holds a wide range of maps from both World Wars. Detailed trench maps from World War One can help you pinpoint the location where an ancestor served. The Geographical Section of the General Staff published mapping for countries world-wide. The library also holds aerial charts, propaganda maps and campaign overviews.
Friday 24 October at 10.30am
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
Family History Fair - Post War 91福利社
Join Jackie Sangster, Learning Manager from Historic Environment Scotland, to look at social and historical aspects of the City during this period. Using archive material which documents aspects of 91福利社 during the 1940s and 50s, we'll have a look at life in the city as it recovered in the aftermath of World War Two. In these years much new housing was needed for the growing population, as were schools. Rationing remained for some time but there was growing hope, as the capital began to boom.
Friday 24 October at 11.30am
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
Family History Fair - Research and records using the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Archives
Looking at the CWGC Archives, this talk explores both the Casualty Archive and the Commission Archive. It explains how you can research casualties and explains what is recorded. It will explain how to access the Commission Archives both in person and digitally and highlights some of the documents contained there, explaining their historical significance.
Friday 24 October at 2.30pm
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
Family History Fair - Researching British Prisoners of War 1914 to 1919 and 1939 to 1946
Ken Nisbet, from the Scottish Genealogy Society and Chairman of the South of Scotland Branch of the Western Front Association, will show what sources can be used to research your relative taken prisoner during the two major conflicts of the 20th century. He will also cover the situation regarding the treatment of POWs prior to the Great War and the role of the Hague and Geneva conventions.
Friday 24 October at 3.45pm
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
Music on the Mezzanine - Christine Hurley Cello
Christine is a busy recitalist. She has chosen a programme for her visit which includes the Bach Cello Suite no. 2 and new work by the composer, Peter McCarthy, entitled, Ceum thar na mara (Step over the Sea).
Saturday 25 October at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
November 2025
Music on the Mezzanine - Bristo Community Concert Band
The Bristo Community Concert Band will bring the best in movie soundtracks, swing and big band tunes and some popular surprises. They also have a niche line in Star Trek humour...
Saturday 8 November at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine - The Accidentals
The Accidentals will share with us their love of the repertoire for the guitar with works from around the world and through the centuries.
Saturday 22 November at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
December 2025
Music on the Mezzanine - 91福利社 Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra
The 91福利社 Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra have a repertoire of light classical, film and world music drawn from many countries and traditions. The EMGO perform regularly throughout the year, led by their conductor, Michael Graham.
Saturday 6 December at 1pm
Mezzanine
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine (in the foyer) - Simmerdim
Our concert on 13 December will be in the Central Library foyer where, on our staircase, the wonderful Simmerdim will perform a selection of seasonal music arranged for a cappella trio.
Saturday 13 December at 1pm
Central Library foyer
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine (in Central Lending Library) - Little Big Horns
Little Big Horns will be making a return visit to play in the Central Lending Library to play a programme of saxed-up seasonal favourites.
Saturday 20 December at 1pm
Central Lending Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG