Leith Library

I only ever really come here for the Book Bug Sessions every alternate Tuesday and Wednesday… if you can ever get it right! :) It’s really busy during this time and if you’re here for it I would arrive early but don’t stress if you’re late as you can just slip in at the back totally unnoticed!
If you’re here to borrow books or read them/​study them in peace then perhaps it’s not the right time of day for you :)
In case you’re reading this review and are interested in the Book Bug sessions at Leith then the times are as follows!
First and third Tuesday of every month, 10.30−11.15am
Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 10.30−11.15am
If there’s a 5 week month then all the best as I still haven’t figured out what the system is so I would probably ask the chap at reception.

Leith Public Library is nice because it used to be a theatre, which you can tell from the outside by the crumbling letters that read «Leith Theatre,» and from the inside by the round, atrium-​like shape. It’s a fine piece of civic architecture, but I think most people come here just to get out books and use the computers, not to admire the building, just like any library really.
Because it’s a local library, there’s not the hugest selection, but you can summon books from other libraries in the city for free, which solves that problem. There is a children’s play area here as well, which is a fun idea, although it does kind of shatter that whole tradition of libraries being silent. If you’re after the internet, there’s a whole room of computers just to the right of the main entrance, which any member of the library can use once they’ve registered at the front desk. I’m not sure about printing and photocopying facilities.
You’re unlikely to come here unless you live in Leith. But if you do, all I can do is repeat this mantra: public services are awesome — use them lots

I love this place. They have all the odd magazines that you would love to flick through but would never actually buy. Before I got my first computer (years ago now) it was great to be able to browse with no computer experience and not have those people you get at a internet café peering over your shoulder and shaking their head. There is a small but good kids area and at the other end a good reference section.
Worth a visit.

Leith Library is a lovely wee place. the building is old and charming and inside, the library itself is warm and inviting.
The staff are helpful and friendly, and are knowledgeable about the services the library has to offer.
It has a wide range of books for people of all ages and plenty of computers which are free to use. There is also a little childrens play area to amuse the smaller kids.
I use this library regularly and would recommend it.

Nice to look at from the inside the Leith library on Ferry Road is definitely worth a visit. Before I joined this library I hadn’t used a non-​academic library since I was a child and I felt like a kid in a sweet shop when I was set loose on the shelves. The staff are always incredibly helpful and if you can’t find something they will find it for you or order it in. As well as a brilliant range of fiction, including very recent releases, they also have a pretty sizeable range of foreign language material, catering to the multi-​cultural demography of Leith today. If you want somewhere to sit in peace and read the paper or magazines, this is where to go.

Lovely old building. Lovely library within. As well as usual wide range of reading material for all ages, there’s computers for internet access, and a really nice children’s area. Regular storytimes and Bookstart Rhymetimes for wee ones. Nice library with friendly staff.

I had to do a 10 minute report on this library recently, so I thought I’d share the useful bits with the Qypers!
Access:
The library is easy to get to, being on a main road and with the 7,10,14, and 21 buses stopping right outside. There’s also wheelchair access & bike racks.
Atmosphere:
This is bright and welcoming. Local schoolkids’ art decorates the wall, and there’s a well-​stocked casual reading section with squashy chairs, magazines and even a small careers library!
The stacks look a bit old and could do with a shuffle however, and the carpet is a we bit threadbare in places. There are over 20 PCs for internet use, but these don’t dominate as most are housed in a seperate room, away from the main floor.
Diversity:
There is specialist software for blind users and books are available in many of the languages spoken by the local community. Large print material and a home delivery service is available too.
Welcome:
At times, the library can be understaffed. There is an information desk, but when only 2 library staff are available, both will be tend to be on the main lending desk leaving this unstaffed. It would be good if one staff member could ‘float’ or be available on the info desk at all times.
Lots of new faces are coming to Leith, so it’s good the library tries to engage the community as best it can. I think such a thriving area could do with a new building or at least a renovation to brighten the place up, especially since the tram will be in place soon. That aside, this is a pleasant place to spend time in and should be able to provide most with what they’re looking for.