National Library of Scotland unveils centenary exhibition

The Herald Scotland

18-06-2025

To host the organisation, the library's exhibition space at George IV Bridge has been transformed into a reading room filled with recommendations from the public and some of Scotland's best-known faces.
Western Hails librarian Jessi Dimmock reading to Jo Stevenson and three-year-old Sonny (Image: Neil Hanna) Amina Shah, national librarian, said: "Developing this exhibition has been a labour of love for us, as we have chosen to use our centenary year to shine a spotlight on the power of libraries.
"We kicked off our 'Love Libraries' campaign in February, which shouts about all the great work libraries and librarians do.
"This exhibition complements the campaign.
"Libraries change lives.
"They empower individuals and the communities they belong to."
"The library sector has a proud shared history of working together to make sure everyone can benefit from access to information, stories, culture and knowledge – from school libraries to universities, mobile libraries to specialised archives – many of whom have contributed to this exhibition.
"We expect library fans and book lovers will visit this exhibition multiple times – there's so much to celebrate and discover.'
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Credit: Neil Hanna Wester Hailes librarians Jessi Dimmock and Susannah Leake on the main staircase of the National Library of Scotland in celebration of the opening of its centenary exhibition Dear Library (Image: Neil Hanna) As part of the exhibition, the Library has ditched the practice of displaying items in glass cases, instead encouraging people to browse the shelves and examine any item that piques their interest.
The books featured were suggested through a public call-out for the books that shaped people's lives.
They also include recommendations from Damian Barr, Val McDermid, Alan Cumming, Gemma Cairney, Sir Ian Rankin, Lauren Mayberry, and Pat Nevin.
The exhibition also showcases the role of libraries and librarians in popular culture, banners, and badges used in protests against library closures, and vintage film footage of libraries from the past.
There is plenty for children too, with a Bookbug trail, a Lego model of a library, and a makerspace where people can create their own library card or placard.
Kirsten MacQuarrie from CILIPS (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland), next to the protest banner she has loaned to the National Library of Scotland's Centenary exhibition Dear Library (Image: Neil Hanna) Specialist libraries from across the country have loaned items to the exhibition, including: the Glasgow Women's Library, The Nature Library, Making Public's Press (formerly Skye Zine Library), Innerpeffray Library, and the Library of Mistakes.
These items show the variety of things libraries collect, including a bird's nest and rare books from Scotland's first free public lending library.
Angus Robertson, Culture Secretary, said: "The National Library has been a cornerstone of our nation's cultural life for generations.
"This exhibition is a direct reflection of the impact libraries have had, bringing together just some of the books and objects that have helped to shape our country and the people who live here.
"Whether you are a regular borrower or first-time visitor, I would encourage everyone to visit this remarkable exhibition and re-discover the profound impact that libraries have had on our lives and communities."
Teresa Elsmore with a Lego library model which forms part of the National Library of Scotland's centenary exhibition (Image: Neil Hanna) Dear Library opens on Friday, June 20, and will run until April 2026.
Entry is free and the exhibition is open during library hours, Monday to Saturday.
Further details of the Library's centenary celebrations are available to view on the National Library of Scotland website.