I love Edinburgh. Where else do you have a library which has museum like exhibitis and across the…read morestreet from another library! We sought refuge here since it was raining but ended up having a wonderful time taking in everything.

Easy registration even if you haven't already started the process. Just up the entrance steps and…read morearound the corner. Then straight to drop off your outwear and pens. Then it's on to one of the reading rooms. BTW the cafe is quite reasonable after passing through the Royal Mile. And WiFi if you purchase something. At an aside, your academic network connection (eduroam) may work as well. Otherwise it is available upstairs upon application.

If you are looking for a book or if the kids need to use a computer then this is the place to go…read more The staff have a keen eye for helping you to search for whatever your taste in book is. There are various events happening at all times from book clubs to art exibitions and there is always something for the younger kids to do.

I'm not a frequenter of libraries but this summer found myself in need of their services. Dunbar…read morelibrary has been an invaluable support, both staff and facilities. The computer systems they have in place are easy to follow and the staff are always willing to share their knowledge and the assistance is provided in a friendly and positive manner. They have been invaluable in assisting me with paperwork and gathering information. Also this summer I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture in their facilities too. They provided a comfortable well lit and airy environment that was very well suited to the lecturers needs and sign language interpretation was available too. What a wonderful service and community feel this library has it's a privilege to be a member and it's a facility I now feel more likely to use .

a nice place to take the kids to do some reading. however not comfortable enough 2 sit n read a…read morebook myself. it has quite a selection for a small library. the staff r pleasant n friendly

The Scottish Library is in Edinburgh's Central Library and has a stock of all things Scottish -…read morebooks, maps, images, videos and newspapers. Special Collections can be viewed in the library, and the department also has a wide collection of items which are available to borrow. The staff will help with any requests or queries, and can be contacted in person, by phone or email or via the libraries website. Internet access is available in this department.

Having only just rediscovered the joys of having a library card, I found myself here. I have to…read moresay, I do like my local library. I like the extensive cooking selection; perfect for recipe testing and sussing out whether it's just the sort of book that'll sit proudly on your kitchen shelf. And I like that you can just use the self service machine if you're in a hurry. (But staff are always so friendly and helpful that it's difficult for me to pass the service desk by.) You can also extend your loan time online if you need a little bit longer with your book(s). I also like that it feels like a community hub, and that it's a peaceful place to do a little work or get some headspace. I do like this library.

lf it's educational books that you are looking for then really this is not the place to come as…read moreyou're unlikely to have a lot of success due to the fact that this place focuses more on books for the enjoyment they offer rather than for the educational value they offer. The library is almost entirely devoted to fiction and subdivisions of fiction - even its arts section is mostly comprised of musical autobiographies. If you do get a reasonable amount of enjoyment out of reading a good book then this certainly isn't a bad place to spend the afternoon especially with its fairly comfortable reading areas. It is most certainly a library there to entertain.

As far as libraries go there's not a lot wrong with Morningside library. It has books, and lots of…read morethem. It also has telephone directories, audiobooks, internet access and newspapers. Everything really. It even has a massive separate room for children's books, which is great, because let's be fair, children are irritating at the best of times, never mind in a library. Add this to its opulent setting (the ceiling above the main desk is magnificent), with its original pillars and cornicing and you've got the makings of something great. Why only 3 stars then, you cry? I just felt the whole place felt drab, tired if you will. The carpet looks like an enormous piece of baize, and the tables and chairs are old. A little makeover (and it wouldn't take much) and this would be a truly resplendent place to get your literature fix.

Morningside is an area with an above average age. Add to this the fact that older generations tend…read moreto frequent libraries more than younger ones and you start to get a picture of what this library is like - the World War II section is one of the most comprehensive for starters. That said, if you do belong to the two extremes of the age groups or have a young child this is a good set up for you. There is a large print section, massive audio book section (generally tapes) and a good range of children's books including some for sale at 10p each. If you aren't of these age ranges this isn't particularly set up for you, although there are books of interest. It's rarely quiet here and if you want to come out for a quick visit you will be welcomed in, but beware of the predominant age groups if you are one of those people who feels easily out of place.

Situated right next to the Music Library, the Children's Library is really part of the greater…read moreCentral Library complex. Smack back in the middle of town, and next to the other main libraries, this collection of books aimed at kids of all ages, is in the most convenient location. The Children's Library is a large, single room, with shelves bordering right around with a small gap only only for the reception desk. It isn't the biggest of libraries but they do a good job of jam packing the space they have. I first visited when looking for a children's book of Scottish history. I was helped by the staff and came away with what I was looking for. No complaints about the service! The library doesn't really cover teenage or "young adult" fiction, but for that you can pop next door.

The children's department of Edinburgh's Central Library is surprisingly small, and is tucked away…read morein a separate building, which also house the Music Library. That said, they pack a lot in. The Children's Library has story books for all ages, lots of board books for babies, picture books and reference books. There are also books on tape and CD, children's DVDs and toys and games. There are a couple of computers which can be used to access the internet. The Children's Library offers regular Under 5S Storytimes.

In terms of resources and books available, the University Library gets 5 stars. The resources are…read moreworld class, with books about absolutely everything. There is also excellent access to scientific journals online, and a facility to borrow laptops if that's necessary. So in terms of available facilities, excellent! However, actually staying in the library to study is a different story. It's always packed, especially at busy exam periods, and there is insufficient alternative study space nearby. If indeed a computer is free, I've often found it to be out of order. Very annoying. If you need a book for your course, this is the place to go. However, in terms of actual study space, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

Recently refurbished the library is now even more useful for students. On the ground floor you'll…read morefind the cafe should you want to grab a coffee or a bite to eat and a help desk that will be able to help you with any specific needs and point you in the right direction. From walking in, head to the far right corner and you reach the group study pods with a large computer screen. For group work or group studying these are idea, though if working alone it is best to refrain from these pods; when you come to do group work you'll realised how annoying it can be to see people in there working alone. Upstairs the floors all hold a similar pattern - computer areas and desks to work at. Bar at exam time when the Hugh Robson Building across the square is quieter there are usually more than enough computers. The best places for working, however, are the desks. The walls of books on either side close in and form a study cocoon. By this I don't mean that it's claustrophobic, instead it greats an atmosphere of studying that helps keep you concentrated. Generally the library is a good place to study, but in exam time I'd recommend your subjects library instead. At peak times the library has the opposite effect of making you want to study and can be distracting. For the rest of the year it will help you concentrate on your work and limit your distractions.