Scottish Poetry Library

The Scottish Poetry Library is a poetry library in Edinburgh's Old Town that houses approximately 45,000 items across its collections. The facility contains both lending materials and reference resources, allowing visitors to explore poetry from various periods and styles.

The library was founded in 1984 and relocated to its present location in 1999, where it occupies a purpose-built structure. This move allowed the institution to provide better access to its expanding collection and serve its audience more effectively.

The library showcases works in Scottish Gaelic and Scots, showing visitors how these languages shape the region's literary voice. Walking through the collections, you encounter texts that reflect how these languages remain central to Scottish identity today.

The library sits on Crichton's Close, a quiet passageway in the Old Town, making it easy to find on foot. Admission is free and the doors stay open throughout the week, fitting different schedules and allowing flexible visits.

Early in the 2010s, intricately crafted book sculptures by an anonymous artist were quietly placed among the shelves. These mysterious works remain part of the collection and remind visitors of this surprising artistic gesture.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Inception: 1984

Founders: Tessa Ransford

Address: 5 Crichton's Close, Edinburgh, EH8 8DT

Phone: +441315572876

Email: librarian1@spl.org.uk

Website: https://scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 55.95140,-3.17810

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01