Library events
Our calendar page lists details of one-off in-person and online adult events 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.
In the past we've hosted authors such as Val McDermid, Maggie O'Farrell and Ian Rankin. on our YouTube channel.
September 2024
Music on the Mezzanine - The Lost Past Society
The Lost Past Society was incepted in 2021 by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø-based musician and producer, John McRitchie. The sound of The Lost Past Society is a maelstrom of soundscapes and melodies designed to create a sense and feeling of melancholy and nostalgia. The music, created with a blend of modular synthesis, tape loops, obsolete media and prepared samples is inspired by the sounds pioneered at the BBC Radiophonic workshop and takes influence from vintage public information films and 70s folk Horror.
Saturday 14 September at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
Author talk with Lawrence Battersby
The author of Dead Reckoning is giving a talk on the history behind his novel, how it related to refugee internment in Leith and the process of writing historical fiction.
Tuesday 17 September at 6pm
McDonald Road Library
2 McDonald Road
EH7 4LU
Walking like a tortoise - meet the artist
This workshop is based on the Walking Like a Tortoise mixed media exhibition on display at Central Library.
The event with artist, Tamsin Grainger, will consist of a slow walk like a tortoise (a style of marital arts like Tai Chi), an explanation of the project in the context of geography (counter-mapping), anthropology (who lives in Granton now?) and discussion about the changing population from the past to the present (it is one of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø's most multi-cultural areas). There will be an author/artist reading from The Wall (short-listed for a Sound Walk September Award) and a tour of the exhibition.
Wednesday 18 September at 6.30pm
Meet in foyer
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Dave Farries QFSM and the History of the Fire Service in Scotland
Dave Farries is a retired Scottish Fire and Rescue Service watch commander and volunteer at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage. He'll be giving a talk on the history of the Fire and Rescue Service in Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø.
Monday 23 September at 6pm
Music on the Mezzanine - Bristo Community Concert Band
A welcome return for the biggest band we have had on the Music Library mezzanine to date. Bristo Community Concert Band have a regular player list of around 40 members, and they are busy with concerts and events year round. Expect music from the best in movies, swing and big band, and maybe some popular surprises. All the players of the Bristo Community Concert Band are enthusiastic about their music and are happy to share and learn together as well as have a great time in the process.
Saturday 28 September at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
October 2024
Flora Johnston and Helen Graham - family stories in historical fiction
Flora Johnston, author of The Paris Peacemakers, and Helen Graham, author of The Real Mackay discuss their novels in a joint event in conversation with Susan Elsley.
Where do writers find inspiration for their stories?
Whether you enjoy reading or writing historical fiction, come along to this event as two Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø authors discuss the family stories which inspired their latest novels.
Wednesday 9 October at 6pm
George Washington Browne Room
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Music on the Mezzanine - Girls Rock School Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø
The performers appearing will include
, a girl from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø making songs with guitars and too many words in. Her songs revolve around poor decisions and people just generally having a bad time of things. Maybe if she just cheered up a bit she'd be more fun at parties.
, providing garage rocking synth punk - dusty, delicious and nutritious! Songs about political pineapples and illusions on the internet.
and
, Dundee's coolest lefty folk-punk singer-songwriter, singing songs about her world.
Saturday 12 October at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
Music on the Mezzanine - Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø Chinese Community School
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø Chinese Community Orchestra has been composed of a group of fans who love Chinese music, including overseas Chinese, overseas students and foreign friends for more than fifteen years and supported well by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø Chinese Community School. They have been honoured to be invited many times to participate in performances with Chinese elements sponsored by local governments and relevant organizations in Scotland.
Saturday 26 October at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
November 2024
Music on the Mezzanine - Buskin Sharks
The Buskin’ Sharks Big band are large Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø based Jazz ensemble playing a mixture of Jazz standards, funk and re-workings of popular songs.
Saturday 9 November at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
Music on the Mezzanine - After the Rain
From night classes together, to their first gig in the Forest Road Café, to being regulars on the mezzanine, After the Rain bring another selection of relaxing jazz favourites for you to put your feet up and unwind.
Saturday 23 November 2024 at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
December 2024
Music on the Mezzanine - María López Atanet
Born in Merida, Spain, Maria began learning piano at the age of 5. She studied music in the Esteba Sanchez Conservatoire and in 2020, she joined St Mary's Music School graduating in 2023.
Maria has entered competitions in Spain and Scotland, and has attended masterclasses with Steven Osbourne, Stephen Hough, Danny Driver, Stephen Coombs and Aaron Shorr. Maria will continue her Studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Autumn 2024.
Saturday 7 December at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.
Music on the Mezzanine - Little Big Horns
Our Christmas regulars make a return visit. The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏÍø-based saxophone quartet (quintet or sextet) are a group who enjoy each other’s company and enjoy playing a wide range of music, from jazz to the chart, swinging, classical and TV/film. Along the way, variety and fun are the only constants.
Saturday 21 December at 1pm
Music Library
Central Library
George IV Bridge
EH1 1EG
Free event, no booking required.