Promoting Gaelic language
New for Gaelic speakers: Access to almost five million records in translation — the main catalogue in Gaelic / Prìomh chatalog
Picturing Africa
Some of the first images of Africa ever seen by western eyes are on display in our David Livingstone exhibition
Explore the collections
The millions of items in our extensive collections range from medieval manuscripts to photos, films and electronic journals
When you visit
Enjoy drinks and snacks in the café, browse and buy in the shop, and register for a library card in the Visitor Centre
Find details of books and more
Guide to family history
research
Images, biography and early editions
Watch archive footage online
See thousands of digitised maps
Scottish Post Office
directories
Electronic journals, books and more
Short films on how to use
NLS
Nine early books printed in Scotland
An overview of what we have
Popular areas
RSS news feedAccess our world-class collections
The National Library of Scotland is the world's leading centre for the study of Scotland and the Scots. We are a major European research library, with collections of world-class importance.
You can see collection items online, and hundreds more digital resources may be available if you register. Anyone can get a library card to consult material in our reading rooms.
The National Library of Scotland is a registered Scottish Charity. Scottish Charity No. SC011086
