Initially at least, services will be restricted. As you might expect, numbers within buildings will be limited and social distancing measures will be in place. Face coverings are mandatory in Libraries.
From Tuesday 6 October you can: return your books pick up Hey Girls sanitary products
You will have to book a slot to: browse and borrow books use a public computer apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass) collect hearing aid batteries
We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back.
Edinburgh Libraries are supporting NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect. To stop the spread of Coronavirus we’ll record your name, contact telephone number, date of your visit, time of arrival and departure. We have a lawful basis to process your information. Contacting people who might have been exposed to coronavirus is an important step in stopping the spread. Your information will be held securely, controlled by City of Edinburgh Libraries and will be destroyed after 21 days. Your information will only be used if requested by NHS Scotland or statutory partners. You have the right to have your data erased or corrected. Full Collection of Data Privacy Notice.
There is only a few days to go until the start of this year’s Library Week.
There’s lots going on in Libraries throughout the week with digital drop-ins to help you get started using library online services, digital inspired craft sessions and lots more! Here is a taster of some of the great events taking place next week.
Friday 11th October 2019
3.00 – 4.00pm Stop Motion Animation
Learn the art of stop motion animation. We’ll show you how to create your own animated movies as part of our FUNgineers programme.
( 6 – 10 yrs)
Drumbrae Library
Friday 11th October
2.00 – 4.00pm Game time taster session using playstation, VR gaming console virtual reality or Minecraft.
Monday 7th October 5.30 – 7.00pm Game Programming
Ever wanted to know how to make your own computer game? Curious about what computer programming is? Join us for a quick taster session and tinker with some games to see exactly what is going on under the hood.
(Ticketed, 8+)
Wednesday 9th October
3.30 – 4.30pm Building With Little Bits
Build electronic circuits and crazy devices with Little Bits. A light that automatically comes on in the dark? A musical synth keyboard? A sound activated fan that cools you down when you shout at it? Anything is possible! Just snap the pieces together and create.
(8+)
Monday 7 October
4.00 – 7.30pm & Friday 11 October 1.00-4.00pm Come along to the library and experience VR in collaboration with the BBC VR Hub
13yrs+ Booking essential
Friday 11th October
2.30 – 3.30pm Borrowbox Audiobook Roadshow
Drop-in
These are just some of the events to tempt you into the Library during Libraries Week. Check out what more is on offer at these Libraries and your local library.
Find out about all our digital services at Your Library.
You can pick up a FREE copy of Jeff Kinney’s hugely popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid in the following libraries tomorrow:
Wester Hailes, Ratho, Moredun, Fountainbridge and Kirkliston.
(You can pick up a FREE copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid in other libraries as well, only difference is that you have to bring that one back after three weeks!)
The giveaway is part of the Just Read campaign which you might have read about on social media or seen on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. It’s all about encouraging parents to spend ten minutes reading with their children every day.
A report by Read On. Get On. revealed hundreds of thousands of kids are leaving school without adequate reading skills and that one in seven children aged 8 – 11 years does not own a book of their own at home. Millions of children are readers because of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Jeff Kinney’s work is perfect for turning reluctant readers on to books. With 50% words and 50% cartoons, the books are 100% hilarious and children agree – Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck was voted by children as ‘Favourite Book’ in the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.
As well as the giveaway, children who visit the libraries on 13th September will be able to enjoy other events on the day:
Author Jonathan Meres brings his unique brand of hilarity to Fountainbridge Library’s special hour-long event – the fun starts at 2pm.
Kirkliston Library is hosting a Wimpy Kid Party for ages 7-12 years from 2.00pm-4.00pm. Design your own Wimpy Kid book cover, make a badge to take home, and play our new Wimpy Kid board game!
Moredun Library are hosting a Diary of a Wimpy Kid fun day from 2pm – 3.30pm. There will be different activities for all ages to join in with: create your own character clay head, badge making, Diary of a Wimpy kid mask making and painting, plus a special Diary of a Wimpy kid treasure hunt around the library!
Ratho Library will be having a visit from author Jonathan Meres at 11am (busy man!), and afterwards we’ll be making reading diaries together.
Wester Hailes Library will be hosting author Janis Mackay at 2.30pm and then making a reading diary.
Borders based comic book artist and writer, Chris Kent, will pay a visit to Kirkliston Library on 12th December. The session will provide a great insight into the world of graphic novels and an opportunity to pick up tips on creating comic book art.
Chris launched his career working in a studio team producing the comic book adaptations of the Shakespeare classics Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest and went on to illustrate for publishers such as Michael Joseph and Usborne Books. In 2009 he set up Graphite Fiction, a new publisher for graphic novels through which he published the acclaimed Medusa.
“The style of the Medusa is quite influenced by film,” says Chris, “I like things like Pan’s Labyrinth – magic realism, I suppose – but I also wanted to do something hard-edged where you’re pulled into a story where you’re not quite sure where you’re going. The character in Medusa is kind of haunted… so hopefully the reader will be discovering things along with him.”
Here are just some of our events during October. Check with your local library to find out what’s happening in your area.
1st-6th October
Detective for a Day & make your mark on the library. Come along and pose your questions to Central Library staff 1st October
Meet the author Harry the Polis, Ratho Library, 6.30-7.30 4th October
Super Poetry Bash, workshops and open mic night on National Poetry Day, Portobello Library
Meet the Author of The Blue Suitcase, Marianne Wheelaghan, Ratho Library, 6.30-7.30 5th October
Superhero building for children aged 5-12yrs, McDonald Road Library
Zoolab for children aged 5-12 years at McDonald Road and Moredun Libraries 5th – 7th October
Portobello Book Festival. Contact Portobello Library for more information 6th October
Zoolab for children aged 5-12 years at Granton and South Queensferry Libraries
Superhero Saturday: Super hero building for children aged 5-12 years at Moredun, Kirkliston, Ratho, Muirhouse Libraries
Super Saturday Music with live classical guitar and fiddle music at Morningside Library
Round the world stories with Fearghal McNicoll, for children aged 5-12 years at Leith Library Central Library hosts a day of events including music from St Mary’s Music School, Drew Wright and Wounded Knee and Scottish music group Madeline Brand and Anne Gass. The choir from Tollcross Primary School will perfom Gaelic songs and Queen Victoria will be dropping in for a drawing event 12th October
Zoolab for children aged 5-12 years at Ratho Library 13th October
Zoolab and superhero building for children aged 5-12 years at Portobello Library
We are currently carrying out some work to improve the performance of the libraries’ Peoples’ Network computers. This means there may be no internet access in some libraries for a time.
We need to carry out this work in order to increase bandwidth and speed up the performance of these machines. This will improve response times for logging in and internet page loading.
If you need to know more please contact your local library for details of People’s Network availability.
‘Circus Stars’ is our theme for this year’s reading challenge – so there will be lots of clowning about in libraries this summer! Scroll down to see what’s happening at your local library (if it’s not listed give them a call to find out what’s happening, or ask the next time you’re in).
To find out more about the summer reading challenge take a look at this video or head over to the Circus Stars site.
Big Top Bazaar
Thursday 11 August, 2pm
Ages 6 – 11
This summer we’re also running Comic Life worskhops for 12 – 15 year-olds from 2 – 4pm on Tuesday 12 July, Wednesday 27 July and Monday 8 August. Spaces are limited to 6 per group, so make sure you sign up for a place by contacting the library as soon as possible.
Story telling
Wednesday 6th July, 2- 2.45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5
The Circus Comes to Town: help us decorate our circus wall frieze with all your favourite circus characters.
Thursday 7th July, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 4-12
Polish story telling
Wednesday 13th July, 2.00 – 2-45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5
Crazy Circus Crafts: badge making fun and circus carousel and mobiles to be built
Thursday 14th July, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Conference Room, Central Library
Ages 4 and up
Story telling
Wednesday 20th July, 2.00 – 2-45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5
Juggling Words! Books, reading and circus fun with children’s writer Lari Don and circus stars Oli and Gus
Thursday 21 July, 11.30am – 1.30pm
All ages, but children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Free, but ticketed, pick up a ticket from the Central Lending Library or contact informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 242 8047 to reserve a place.
Come and Paint all the Fun of the Fair: Join in with some messy fun; help us ‘paint’ our clown mural, no brushes allowed! Aprons will be provided; mums and dads can join in too.
Thursday 21st July, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Conference Room, Central Library
Ages 6 and up.
Polish story telling
Wednesday 27th July, 2.00 – 2.45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5
Elmer Packs His Trunk and Heads to the Circus: Elmer has lost his patches, help us find them (we’re also making fun clown plates)
Thursday 28th July, 2-3.30pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 4 and up
Story telling
Wednesday 3rd August, 2.00 – 2-45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5
Roll Up and Meet the Stars of the Circus: make ringmasters and clowns.
Thursday 4th August, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 5 and up
Polish story telling
Wednesday 10th August, 2.00 – 2.45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5
Clowning Around: face painting fun and crafts
Thursday 11th August, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Conference Room
Ages 5 and up
Introducing Corstorphine’s big top: come along and help create a 3d wall frieze
Monday 11 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5-12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Zoolab Circus Workshop: meet nature’s very own contortionists, acrobats, clowns and weight -lifters
Monday 18 July, 11.00am – 12 noon
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Explore Learning Circus Stars Workshop
Thursday 21 July, 4.00 – 5.00pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
The biggest little show on earth: create a miniature ‘ant’ circus and bring it to life
Monday 25 July, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Clowning around: make a clown head and dress up with fun clown accessories
Monday 1 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Circus party: all the fun of the circus! Dress up and win a prize for the best costume
Monday 8 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Circus collage: help make a circus themed collage to display in the library
Monday 4 July, 3.00 – 4.30pm
Ages: 5 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Clowning around: face painting and making clown hats
Friday 15 July, 3.00 – 4.30pm
Ages: 5 -11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Zoolab Circus Workshop: meet nature’s very own contortionists, acrobats, clowns and weight -lifters Monday 18 July, 3.00 – 4.00pm
Ages 5 – 12 You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Circus skills workshop: practice juggling, hula hoops and stilts
Wednesday 27 July, 2.30 – 4.00pm
Ages: 5 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Comic Life: use the Comic Life computer programme to make a circus-themed comic book
Thursday 4 August, 2.30 – 4.00pm
Ages: 10 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Circus Felt: make a huge clown’s face to display in the library
Thursday 11 August, 3.00 – 4.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Roll up, roll up! Reading challenge launch including registration, quizzes and a treasure hunt
28 June – 1 July
Ages 4- 12
Clown around: make a start at creating the library’s circus clown
Friday 5 July, 2.00 – 2.30pm
Ages 4- 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Juggle and read aloud: tell a joke while juggling pom-poms
Thursday 21 July, 11.00 – 11.30am
Ages 4- 12
Big feet: cut out, colour in and stick up big clown feet round the library
Monday 8 August, 2 – 3pm
Ages 4- 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Celebrity circus carnival
Friday 19 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages 4 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Clown biscuits and door hangers craft event
Friday 1 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 8 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Circus rhymes and crafts
Friday 15 July, 10.30 – 11.30am
For under fives
Clown hats and badgemaking
Thursday 9 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 10
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Popcorn bags and balloon decorating
Tuesday 16 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 7 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Clowning around for under fives – stories, rhymes and a snack!
Every Monday throughout July and August, 10.30 – 11.15am
Box of tricks! Circus-themed items to play and dress up with from the Darroch Centre PLUS colour-ins, quizzes, word searches and more
Every Friday throughout July and August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 10
Tricky Ricky the Magician (and Bingo the Dog!)
Thursday 14 July, 2pm
Ages 5 – 10
Contact the library 2 weeks beforehand to book a place
Giant Big Top Collage – have fun making a collage to decorate the library
Tuesday 26 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 10
Zoolab Circus: meet nature’s very own contortionists, acrobats, clowns and weight-lifters
Wednesday 3 August, 3.30 – 4.30pm
Ages 5 – 12
Free but ticketed. Call Leith library on 0131 529 5517 to book a place
We’ve got lots of Circus Crafts events this summer:
1st July Come and help us decorate the library for the Summer Reading Challenge
8th July Make your miniature circus tent
15th July Create a clown hat
22nd July Design a huge clown tie
29th July Design a picture of your favourite circus book
5th August Make animal masks
12th August Design a poster for your dream circus coming to town
19th August Make a circus tiger
26th August Elephant competition
All these events start at 3pm and finish at 4pm
Ages: 4 – 12
It’s Showtime: Circus Stars Party
Sunday 31 July, 2.30 – 4.00pm
Ages: 6 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Circus Stories for the under fives
Tuesday 12 and 19 July, 3.30 – 4.00pm
Ages: 2 – 5
All our Circus Stars events will take place in Morningside Parish Church Hall in Cluny Gardens – this is because the library is currently closed for refurbishment.
Circus Stars Bookbug
Thursday 7 July, 10.30 – 11.00am
Ages: up to 3 years
Horrid Henry afternoon: stories and games featuring Horrid Henry and friends
Thursday 28 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 -10
Street games of days gone by (peever, jacks, whip and peerie…)
Friday 22 July, 2.15 – 3.45pm
Ages five and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Musical Animal Extravaganza
Thursday 11 August, 11.00 – 11.30am
For under fives
Zoolab Circus Workshop
Tuesday 9 August, 3.00 – 4.00pm
Ages 4- 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Zoolab circus workshop
Tuesday 19 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 4 – 11 (and families)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Creative writing workshop with Explore Learning
Thursday 21 July, 10 – 11am
Ages 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Circus Frieze arts and crafts
Sunday 24 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
All children and families welcome
Tricks with award-winning showdog Flora
Two shows onTuesday 24 July: 2.00 – 2.30pm AND 3.30 – 4.00pm
All children and families welcome
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Street games of days gone by (peever, jacks, whip and peerie etc…)
Monday 1 August, 10.30 – 12.30pm
For children over 5 and their families
Oxgangs’s Got Talent party
Thursday 11 August, 2.30 – 4.00pm
Ages 4 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event, and entrants must register beforehand. Contact the library for details.
Arts and crafts
Every Friday starting 8 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
All children and families welcome
Circus Storytelling for children
Wednesdays, 10.30 – 11.00am
Tiger tales
Saturday 9 July and 6 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
For children aged 4 -8 and their parents
Make a clown puppet
Thursday 14 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
Circus themed colour-in competition Tuesday 19 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
Pin the nose on the clown Wednesday 20 July, 11am – 12pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
Circus cookie decorating
Thursday 21 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
Paper plate clown masks Tuesday 26 July, 11am – 12pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
Circus box
Wednesday 27 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
Build a clown car from recycled rubbish
Thursday 28 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
Circus biscuit decorating
Tuesday 2 Aug, 3pm – 4pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
Circus themed colour-in competition
Wednesday 3 Aug, 11am – 12pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
Circus craft event
Thursday 4 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
Circus Costumes Tuesday 9 August, 11am -12pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
ECFI healthy eating to make you strong Wednesday 10 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
Circus fridge magnets
Thursday 11 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)
Marvellous Model Circus – Make your big top
Monday 4 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Marvellous Model Circus: Week 1 – Ringmasters
Thursday 7 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Crazy Clown Hats
Monday 11 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Clown Puppet Making
Tuesday 12 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Marvellous Model Circus: Week 2 – Clowns
Thursday 14 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Zoolab Circus Workshop
Friday 15th July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Make your own juggling balls
Monday 18 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Circus cookie decorating
Tuesday 19 July, 2 – 3pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Marvellous Model Circus: Week 3 – Animals
Thursday 21 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Balloon workshop with Magic Ian
Friday 22 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Mad Strongman Moustaches
Monday 25 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Marvellous Model Circus: Week 4 – Horses
Thursday 28 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Circus Smoothies with Edinburgh Community Food
Friday 29 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
The Amazing Paper Plate Elephant
Monday 1 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Marvellous Model Circus: Week 5 – Monkeys
Thursday 4 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Circus Story Adventure with Beth Cross
Saturday 6, Sunday 7 and Saturday 12 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Circus Face Painting
Monday 8 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Circus Fridge Magnets
Tuesday 9 August, 2 – 3pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Circus Skills with Jim Balloch
wednesday 10 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Marvellous Model Circus: Week 6 – Acrobats
Thursday 11 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Circus in a jar
Tuesday 2 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details
Facepainting workshop
Tuesday 5 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!
Thursday 7 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Clown around
Tuesday 12 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7- 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Sweet Treats
Wednesday 13 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Badgemaking
Friday 15 July, 1.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 6 and up
Badgemaking
Monday 18 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
Elmer’s elephants
Wednesday 20 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: under fives
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Big top crafts
Monday 25 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Fairgound Food
Thursday 28 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Circus costume design
Monday 1 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Crazy creatures
Wednesday 3 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
The Cube
Tuesday 9 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
My little circus pony
Tuesday 9 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Facepainting workshop
Monday 4 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Lions and tigers and bears oh my!
Wednesday 6 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Clown around
Monday 11 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Harry Potter Day Drop-In Event
Thursday 14 July, 11am – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up
Badgemaking
Tuesday 19 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
Elmer’s Elephants
Thursday 21 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: under fives
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Fairground Food
Monday 25 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Big top Crafts
Tuesday 26 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
‘All the fun of the fair’ afternoon
Friday 29 July, 1pm – 4pm
Ages: 7 – 11
Circus costume design
Ttuesday 2 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Crazy Creatures
Thursday 4 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
The cube
Monday 8 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
My little circus pony
Tuesday 9 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Circus star gazing: colour in and cut out your favourite circus performers and animals
Tuesday 28 June, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
American Circus Razzmatazz: mix the stars with the stripes at our circus carnival
Monday 4 July, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Big nose: can you stick the nose back on the clown’s face with your eyes closed?
Tuesday 19 July, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
There’s an elephant in my bedroom: decorate your own ‘do not disturb’ door handle sign
Friday 5 August, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
Crazy circus bookmarks
Tuesday 23 August, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.
All our events are mainly for anyone aged 8 – 12. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by a parent or carer over 12.
Circus School: each week we’ll learn a new circus skill and on the last day we’ll bring our skills together to put on a talent show
Monday afternoons from 4 July until 15 August
Just a quick reminder that libraries will be closed on Good Friday (22nd April) and Easter Monday (25th April). However, during the Easter weekend, libraries will be open on Saturday 23 April and Sunday 24 April if they are usually open on a Sunday.
We’ll also be closed for the Royal Wedding on Friday 29th April. To set the mood take a look our Royals in Edinburgh exhibition, featuring pictures of city streets and buildings festooned in decorations and bunting to welcome kings and queens to Edinburgh.
See the crowds thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of their monarch and check out some lovely pictures of a community in Gorgie celebrating the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 with a street party and dancing. There are also earlier images of the Queen, when as Princess Elizabeth, she visited the city with her parents in September 1945 to celebrate the victorious end of World War Two.
We’re busy planning lots of craft events for kids this Easter. Keep your eye on this page as we’ll be adding more events in the next few days and weeks…
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory workshop” Explore Learning Literacy Workshop for 5-11 year olds. Come along and design your own chocolate bar complete with magical powers and wrapping design. Places limited, to book a place contact the Library. Tuesday 12th April 5.00pm-6.00pm
“Spring Songs and Rhymes”. Join us for Bookbug Sessions for 0-4 year olds (Drop in event). Thursday 14th April 10.30am-11.30am or 2.00pm-2.30p
“Spring stories” for under 5’s (Drop in event). Saturday 16th April 10.00am-10.30am
“Crafty Cards and Bonkers Baskets” Easter crafts event for 5-11 year olds. Places limited, to book a place contact the Library. Tuesday 19th April 2.30pm-3.30pm
Myths, Stories & Mysteries: Re-staging the Easter Drama: Monday, 11 April until Friday, 22 April
Easter Frieze Craft Session – paint a rainbow, tree blossom, bunnies & butterflies, flowers & frogs: Monday, 11 April @ 2.00 pm until 2.30 pm (ask the library for a ticket for this event)
Eggstravaganza – design a giant Easter Egg, go on an eggword hunt, make bookmarks and egg door handles, pin the tail on the bunny: Friday, 15 April @ 11.15 am until 12.00 pm (ask the library for a ticket for this event)
Daddies, Mummies and Bunnies Come for Afternoon Tea – enjoy a selection of egg cressheads, choco cupcakes, egg sandwiches. Also easter egg colouring-in competition: Thursday, 21 April @ 3.15 pm until 3.45 pm
Cute and cool Easter baskets – have fun making and filling! Friday 15th April, 2.45-3.30pm, ages 5 – 10
Bunny Jewellery – design and make your own bracelets and necklaces – colour-ins and Easter quizzes too! Thursday 21st April, 2.30 – 3.30pm, ages 5 – 10
Stop Motion Animation: Get involved in this exciting stop motion project and help to make your own short film!
Mondays 11th, 18th and 25th April (2.30pm) Age range: 7 – 12
Fluttering Finger Bugs: Learn how to make your own fluttery finger bug puppets at Moredun library
Tuesday 12th April (2.30pm)
Age range: any
Cube Craft: Colour in and make your own rabbit and chick cube craft models
Wednesday 20th April (6.30pm)
Age range: any
Our Easter activities and events suitable for 5 and over, under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available from Portobello library, please ask staff for details.
Crafts for Easter, make something fun for Easter: Wednesday 13th April, 3.30pm
Special Easter Storytime: Thursday 14th April, 3.30pm
Easter Badgemaking Fun: Tuesday 19th April, 3.30pm
Children are also invited to contribute to our Easter Frieze over the holiday period with a special prize for the best picture! Ask staff for details.
There will also be a special Easter Bookbug Rhymetime on Saturday 16th April at 3.30pm for under 5’s and their parents/carers. All welcome, no ticket required.
YSTEP (Young People Smoking Tobacco Education and Prevention) launch a new smoking prevention toolkit at Kirkliston Library on Wed 9th Feb.
The resource features visual aids, manuals, DVDs and games which will support educators and health professionals engage young people in discussion about tobacco, smoking and related issues. The kit will be free to borrow from the library.
YSTEP staff will be on hand to guide you through the resources and answer any questions you have. The event will begin at 6pm and refreshments will be available.
For more information contact: Emma Crawshaw Phone: 0131 554 4300 E-mail:emma@fastforward.org.uk
Digital TV switchover is coming to Edinburgh and the Lothians in June 2011. Are you ready?
The Switchover Help Scheme – which has been set up to help older people and people with disabilities make the switch to digital TV – are visiting a couple of libraries on Tuesday 15th February:
Next month we’re starting some building work at Kirkliston Library in order to combine the library with the local office which deals with enquiries and payments for council services.
We’ ll remain open while the work is going on, but for health and safety reasons part of the building will be inaccessible, and some items of library stock may be unavailable. There will also be a slight reduction in the number of computers available for public use during this period.
The building work will commence on Wednesday 5th January and be completed during the week beginning 24th January. The local office will be closed for relocation on Wednesday 26th January and will re-open in the joint facility on the 27th.
Kirkliston will not open today due to weather conditions.
The other public libraries in Edinburgh will close at 4pm today
The situation may change – if we have to close some libraries even earlier we will update you here.
Our advice remains to phone ahead if you are thinking of visiting a library to make sure it will be open when you get there. Remember you can also renew books by logging on to your account or over the telephone (contact details on our web site)
Good news! Almost all our libraries will be open as normal this weekend (Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December).
The only exceptions are Kirkliston and Ratho Libraries, which will be closed.
As we’ve been saying all week – things could change depending on the weather. Our advice remains to phone ahead if you are thinking of visiting a library to make sure it will be open when you get there.
Our colleagues from Waste Services are visiting libraries across the city to tell us all about the Love food, hate waste campaign and discuss how we can all cut down on the amount of waste we create.
A Careers Adviser from Careers Scotland will be at Kirkliston Library this afternoon (Thursday 8th July) from 2 pm – 4 pm and Tuesday 10th August from 2pm – 4pm.
Get advice on careers, job hunting, writing a CV and filling in an application form, interviews, training opportunities, college and university courses.
WRVS will close operations for a two weeks’ holiday over Christmas and New Year. They will finish on Friday 18 December and resume on Tuesday 5 January 2010.
PEP – Pilton Equalities Project (Library Link transport provider to Kirkliston and Muirhouse) will close from Tuesday 22 December and resume on Wednesday 6 January 2010
SEAG (South Edinburgh Amenities Group Library Link transport provider) will close from Thursday 24 December and resume on Tuesday 5 January 2010.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers!
If you’d like to find out more about Library Link, our door to door minibus service, or our Home delivery service for housebound readers call Access Services on 0131 529 5683.
Graphic novelists Metaphrog are bringing their comic workshop for 10 – 15 year olds to Kirkliston Library on Friday 23 October 2009, 2.30 – 3.30pm. Come along, learn all about comics and even create your own character!
Numbers for this events are limited – collect your free tickets in advance from Kirkliston Library.
If you are between S1 age and 25 and living in Edinburgh, then why not vote for the people who can act as your voice on the issues you care about in the Scottish Youth Parliament elections? Polls are open all week from 7-11 September at schools and libraries throughout Edinburgh. Check out the candidates at www.youngedinburgh.org. Go on – make yourself heard! You can vote at these libraries:
Tales of One City 