Edinburgh University Library, Edinburgh

Name: Edinburgh University Library
Address: George Sq, Edinburgh, EH8 9LJ, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 131 650 3409

#293 among attractions in Edinburgh

Library

Gallery (2)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

Edinburgh University Library is the main library of the University of Edinburgh and one of the most important libraries of Scotland. The University Library was moved in 1827 to William Playfair's Upper Library in the Old College building. The collections in Edinburgh University Old College were moved in 1967 to the purpose-built eight-storey Main Library building at George Square, one of the largest academic libraries in the world. Today, Edinburgh's university-wide library system holds over 3.8m books, e-books and e-journals in total. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 55°56'34"N, 3°11'22"W

Address

George SqSouthside (Newington)Edinburgh EH8 9LJ United Kingdom

Contact

+44 131 650 3409

Website

Social media

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Edinburgh

Day trips

Edinburgh University Library – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Greyfriars Kirkyard, National Museum of Scotland, Subway Cowgate, The Meadows.

~1610 ftNW
Reportedly haunted, Cemetery
Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's bustling Old Town lies Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery that is as rich in history as it is in atmosphere. Established in the late 16th century, this graveyard is renowned for its connection to the city's past and its...
~1530 ftN
Natural history and industrial exhibits
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic landscape, the National Museum of Scotland stands as a beacon of culture and knowledge. This impressive institution is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Scotland's past, its contributions to the...
0.4 miN
Dancing, Nightlife
Subway Cowgate, Edinburgh
10 min walk • 65 Cowgate is a multi-storey building situated on the historic Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, which is used each August as a venue complex for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest open access festival.
~670 ftSW
Park
The Meadows, Edinburgh
4 min walk • The Meadows is a large public park in Edinburgh, Scotland, to the south of the city centre. It consists largely of open grassland crossed by tree-lined paths, but also has a children's playground, a croquet club, tennis courts and recreational sport pitches.
~1250 ftN
Nightlife
Sandy Bell's, Edinburgh
7 min walk • Sandy Bell's is a music pub in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known locally and internationally for its live traditional music sessions, it was frequented regularly by folklorist Hamish Henderson prior to his death in 2002, indeed there is a bust of Henderson displayed above the bar.
~1760 ftNE
Museum, Science museum, History museum
Surgeons' Hall Museums, Edinburgh
9 min walk • Surgeons' Hall in Edinburgh, Scotland, is the headquarters of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. It houses the Surgeons' Hall Museum, and the library and archive of the RCSED. The present Surgeons' Hall was designed by William Henry Playfair and completed in 1832, and is a category A listed building.
~1090 ftNE
Mosque, Architecture, Sacred and religious sites
Edinburgh Central Mosque, Edinburgh
6 min walk • Edinburgh Central Mosque is located on Potterrow near the University of Edinburgh central area and the National Museum of Scotland. The mosque and Islamic centre was designed by Dr. Basil Al Bayati, and took more than six years to complete at a cost of £3.5M.
~1500 ftNW
17th-century active church and arts venue
Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh
8 min walk • Greyfriars Kirk is a parish church of the Church of Scotland, located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is surrounded by Greyfriars Kirkyard. Greyfriars traces its origin to the south-west parish of Edinburgh, founded in 1598. Initially, this congregation met in the western portion of St Giles'.
~1670 ftE
Nightlife, Music and shows, Theater
The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh
9 min walk • The Queen's Hall is a 900-capacity music venue, situated on Clerk Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. Originally built in 1823 as Hope Park Chapel, it was converted to its current role in 1979 and was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 6 July 1979.
~1560 ftNE
Reportedly haunted, Theater, Concerts and shows
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
8 min walk • The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is a performing arts venue located on Nicolson Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is used primarily for performances of opera and ballet, large-scale musical events, and touring groups.
~260 ftNW
Church, Modernist architecture
St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy, Edinburgh
2 min walk • St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy is the Roman Catholic chaplaincy for the University of Edinburgh. It started in 1931, when the Dominican Order moved into the house. It is located at 23 and 24 George Square, south of the city centre, and north of The Meadows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Edinburgh University Library open?

Edinburgh University Library is open:

Monday 7:30 am - 2:30 am
Tuesday 7:30 am - 2:30 am
Wednesday 7:30 am - 2:30 am
Thursday 7:30 am - 2:30 am
Friday 7:30 am - 2:30 am
Saturday 7:30 am - 2:30 am
Sunday 7:30 am - 2:30 am

Which popular attractions are close to Edinburgh University Library?

Nearby attractions include St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy, Edinburgh (2 min walk), George Square, Edinburgh (2 min walk), George Square Theatre, Edinburgh (2 min walk), The Meadows, Edinburgh (4 min walk).

How to get to Edinburgh University Library by public transport?

The nearest stations to Edinburgh University Library:

Bus

Chapel Street • Lines: 41 (5 min walk)
Lauriston Place • Lines: 23, 27, 47 (5 min walk)

Train

Edinburgh Waverley (17 min walk)
Haymarket (30 min walk)

Tram

Princes Street • Lines: Edinburgh Trams Eastbound, Edinburgh Trams Westbound (18 min walk)
St Andrew Square • Lines: Edinburgh Trams Eastbound, Edinburgh Trams Westbound (21 min walk)