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    National Library of Scotland

    Overall rating

    About

    Home to over 30 million printed items, around 100,000 manuscripts and more than two million maps, the National Library of Scotland is a treasure trove of information and a must-visit for all looking to discover more about Scotland’s history and culture. By registering visitors can gain free access to our rich collections, including rare historical documents, films, music, maps and manuscripts, either in person or online.

    Reviews

    Overall rating

    4.21

    (7 reviews)

    Overall rating breakdown

    5

    2

    4

    3

    3

    2

    2

    0

    1

    0

    Access (avg.)

    3.08

    Parking (avg.)

    2.16

    Toilets (avg.)

    3.92

    Staff (avg.)

    3.33

    User profile picture

    mrsmollyc

    Jun 2026

    star

    5

    Interesting exhibits and lovely shop and café

    As a big book and library fan, I had to visit the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh when I found myself in the area. It’s a huge building and it’s said to have over 24 million items in its collection in various formats. The archives themselves aren’t open to the public but there are regular exhibits on, a café, a gift shop and a reading room where you can sit and work. There are two platform lifts that were available to bring me from the entrance to the level above where all this was located. The staff helped with the lift and then also directed me to the exhibits and even showed me some of the items in the archives via pictures on an iPad. The exhibits I saw when I visited were called Treasures and Paperback Revolutions and I found them both really interesting. It was a really lovely space and I would visit again.
    User profile picture

    toilet_warriors

    May 2026

    star

    3

    National Library of Scotland - accessible toilet signposted from the main internal route near the stairs and lift access

    The accessible toilet was clean and well lit, with clear signage from inside the venue. The route includes lift access, with signs for wheelchair lift access visible near the stairs. The toilet room is quite narrow, and the bins are positioned close to the toilet, restricting the transfer space.
    User profile picture

    toilet_warriors

    Aug 2024

    star

    3.5

    National Library of Scotland accessible toilet

    Good toilet, although the floor was wet. Hand dryer opposite the sink rather than next to it. Very spacious.

    Disabled Access Information Provided by National Library of Scotland

    Disabled Access at National Library of Scotland

    At the National Library of Scotland we are committed to reducing the barriers faced by people with disabilities. We aim to ensure that everyone is treated equally, as far as this is possible. If you have a disability, we recommend that you contact us before your visit. We can then make sure that the material you want is available, and that we have suitable evacuation procedures in place. For information on our facilities and access please go to our website at www.nls.uk/using-the-library/people-with-disabilities/
    Disabled access

    Accessible parking at National Library of Scotland

    Blue-badge-holders can park on the double yellow lines on George IV Bridge. There is also parking for blue-badge-holders 24 hours a day at the top of Victoria Street (south side) opposite the Library.
    Dedicated on site parking

    Toilets features at National Library of Scotland

    There is a unisex accessible toilet on the ground floor and on the first floor.
    Accessible toilet icon
    Accessible toilet

    A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.

    Accessible services at National Library of Scotland

    Audio Description

    Audio description is available to describe visual information.

    Assistive listening system - Hearing Loop

    There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.

    Other features at National Library of Scotland

    Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi is available for customers.

    More Information

    For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: enquiries@nls.uk

    Contact

    Opens in a new windowhttps://www.facebook.com/NationalLibraryOfScotland
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    Location

    George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH1 1EW

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