Mary Shelley's time living near Dundee on the "blank and dreary northern shores of the Tay" fired her imagination 💭 It was here her "true compositions, the airy flights of my imagination, were born." Discover how Scotland shaped her novel, Frankenstein, in our article by Professor Daniel Cook.

Did you know Mary Shelley once had to correct Sir Walter Scott for crediting her novel, Frankenstein, to her husband? 🔍 For one day only, see this story on paper at the National Library: ➡️ Mary Shelley's letter to Sir Walter Scott ➡️ Rare early editions & items from our archives ➡️ and more!

We've just added more historic Ordnance Survey maps of Ireland to our website. You can now compare first edition one-inch to the mile maps dating from the 1860s to 1870s with second edition maps published between 1898 and 1902. maps.nls.uk/os/one-inch-...

This #GreenLibrariesWeek we are celebrating the amazing ecosystems of trees and forests with the Open Shelves display in the General Reading Room. Meet remarkable trees or explore the interconnected life of our woodlands. www.nls.uk/whats-on/ope...

We're excited to be taking part in the Family History Fair at Edinburgh Central Library today. Come and find us on the balcony to hear how @natlibscot can help with your family history research - and browse maps from the World Wars.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Christopher Smith as the new Chair of the National Library of Scotland Board. Learn more about the appointment > media.nls.uk/news/new-cha...

We're heading to Aberdeen! 🗺️🎞️ National Library Live, on 8 November, is a free day of talks, stories & activities. Discover maps, film, treasures & more with us and Aberdeen City Libraries. #NationalLibraryLive #Aberdeen #NLS100

This #MapMonday, explore historic maps of #Ireland! We've added new georeferenced map layers to our Maps Images Website. View first and second edition one-inch to the mile Ordnance Survey of Ireland maps in our georeferenced and side-by-side viewers 🗺️ Explore the maps > maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/...

A place for self-discovery, dancing, school-rule-breaking, romantic meet-cutes (oh, and *the* hot location for finding out the secrets of the universe). Yes, it’s the library in pop culture! Writer and editor Katie Goh explains everything from Buffy to Matilda in our latest long-read.

We have improved our links with the Allmaps project, so that any of our maps can be freely, collaboratively georeferenced and then brought back into our Georeferenced Maps viewer 🗺️ Learn more > maps.nls.uk/view/help/ #Georeference #MapMonday #Maps

Are you feeling crafty? Drop by our George IV Bridge building 2 - 4pm today for autumn crafts for all ages. Make a pinecone bird feeder, try some autumn leaf craft or relax with mindful colouring.

Explore the National Library of Scotland for Doors Open Days 🔎 This September, we're taking part in Doors Open Days. It's your chance for a free, behind-the-scenes look at our buildings. 📍 Causewayside Building 🗓️ Saturday, 27 September Go behind the scenes! Try out our library games and activities

How can libraries be places of support for everyone in a community? 🫂 Supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community is a key role of our public libraries. A hugely popular and valued information service is the one offered by Macmillan Cancer Support.

We're coming to Aberdeen! 🥳 Our OUTWITH programme kicks off this Saturday by bringing our earliest publication of Scottish secular music to Aberdeen Art Gallery (whose Cowdray Hall concert venue is also having a big birthday this year).

Bidh an t-oileanach PhD againn Ceit Langhorne a' bruidhinn aig an Leabharlann Nàiseanta a-màireach. Our PhD student Ceit Langhorne is speaking at @natlibscot.bsky.social tomorrow. 'Sgeulachdan Ghaisgeil: Scottish Gaelic heroic stories in the Scottish landscape'. https://nls.pulse.ly/qdusiaygei

Where do you go to listen to stories? 🗣️ Bookbug and storytelling sessions have been going on the road in the Borders to help reach more children and build partnerships with local organisations.

This #MapMonday can we tempt you with #MoreMaps? We've just added early maps of Scotland and Great Britain, as well as town and county plans. These maps are from our Charlotte Smith collection, acquired by the Library in 2017. maps.nls.uk/additions/#184

We’re delighted that Cricket Scotland has chosen the National Library to be the new home of their archive 🏏 The records cover the history of the Scottish Cricket Union and Cricket Scotland, from 1908 to the present day.

Reduce, reuse, recycle, repair! ♻️🧵 Free equipment to help repair, reuse and upcycle everyday items is being offered as part of a trailblazing sustainability project at libraries across Scotland.

Would you like to create lists of locations and features, and view these as distributions on our historic map layers? If so, discover new import and export tools for our Map Images Website maps.nls.uk/additions/#183 #MapMonday

Time-travel to @orkneylibrary.bsky.social in 1957 ✨📖 This clip from ‘Life in the Orkneys’ shows a box of books being packed up in Kirkwall Library to go to families on more rural islands. The box contains books for everyone in the family.

Since 2016, Dundee Libraries have helped more than 21,000 people with their digital skills 🖥️🤳🏻 With more and more services and information online, having digital access and skills is crucial. But 19 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have a high likelihood of digital exclusion.

We’re looking for a Head of Human Resources 💼 You’ll lead the development and delivery of our people strategy, fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence at Scotland’s national library.

“Driving the mobile library is such a worthwhile job. The people really make it special. They become like part of the family.” - Iain Mackenzie, mobile library driver in the Western Isles 🚚📚

Our next 'Navigating the Maps Website' workshop takes place online on 27 August 2025. Book your place now and learn how to find, view and compare historic maps > www.nls.uk/whats-on/nav...

Happy 100th birthday @natlibscot.bsky.social 🎂 This morning, we asked National Librarian and Chief Executive Amina Shah FRSE how NLS celebrated the big birthday

🥳 Officially 100! Happy official birthday to us! 🎂 Today we celebrate 100 years of curiosity, discovery, and connection. Thank you for sharing the joy! #NLS100

Thanks for coming down to celebrate with us, Nancy! 🎂

⚠️ Edinburgh update: More than half of our special edition comics claimed at George IV Bridge! 📣 Glasgow: Still copies left! Come on down to see us and pick up yours 💥

🎪 The mayhem begins! Celebrate with us! Doors open at 10am at George IV Bridge (Edinburgh) and Kelvin Hall (Glasgow). Be among the first 500 at each site to get your special edition centenary comic, created by Beano! #NLS100 #Beano

"Everything here is by and about women." - Gabrielle MacBeth, Volunteer Co-ordinator @womenslibrary.bsky.social 💜 Celebrating women’s lives, history and achievements is the overarching goal of the trailblazing and multi-award-winning Glasgow Women’s Library (GWL).

🚚✨ "Ssssh, we're a library!" This 1977 mobile library clip from the Highlands, features filmmaker Charlie Gormley promoting Scotland's rural revival. 🎞️ Featured in our 'Dear Library' exhibition 📽️ Courtesy of Highlands and Islands Enterprise

We've got #MoreMaps for you this #MapMonday. Explore 356 historic maps of England and Wales published between 1610 and 1890. Discover town plans, county maps, road maps and more, including this map of Sussex by Robert Rowe published in 1817. Explore the maps > maps.nls.uk/additions/#182

How can libraries, at the front line of people's lives, help us preserve day-to-day stories for the future? 📻 The global Covid pandemic of 2020 changed all of our lives, from lockdown restrictions in our communities to enduring the tragic loss of loved ones.

📣 Upcoming event! National Librarian Amina Shah joins celebrated Fife crime writer Val McDermid to discuss their shared love of libraries and Val’s role as a proud champion of the National Library of Scotland in its centenary year. 📌 Pittenweem Arts Festival 📆 Wednesday, 6 August 🎟️ £6

We are very sad to learn about the passing of Sir Kenneth Calman. He had an illustrious career in various sectors, and made a considerable impact on public policy in Scotland.

What would you say in your love letter to libraries? 💘💌 #LoveLibraries #NLS100

Did you know Scotland's first free public lending library is nearly 350 years old? 🤔 Innerpeffray Library in rural Perthshire has welcomed readers from all walks of life since 1680, when it was founded by local landowner David Drummond, the third Lord Madertie.

This #MapMonday explore the Goad Insurance Plan of Edinburgh to see fascinating detail about the function of each building, and often names of companies and institutions. maps.nls.uk/towns/goad/i...

🎉 It’s our official birthday on Thursday 7 August! On the day, visit us at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh or Kelvin Hall, Glasgow to get your own copy of a special edition centenary comic created by Beano, especially for this occasion! #Beano #NLS100 #LoveLibraries #LibrariesAloud

We’ve been announcing a lot of cool stuff during our centenary year and today we are delighted to unveil our new website 🎉 It’s been designed to be simpler and easier to use, especially if you’re new to the Library or just finding your way in.

We’re looking for an Assistant Conservator 🔎 You’ll work on the preservation of the Bartholomew Reference Collection. This collection was used by the Bartholomew map makers to keep their own maps up to date and includes maps and atlases, as well as ephemera, posters and engravings.

📽️ | Join us for a free panel discussion on 50 years of Scottish film and TV history. The session will explore the behind-the-scenes of the industry and celebrate research by #EdNapier and @natlibscot.bsky.social. Register for your free ticket ➡️ www.nls.uk/whats-on/fil... #MustBeNapier

How can libraries help communities in the face of the cost-of-living crisis? 💵 In Midlothian, four ‘Warm and Well’ hubs have been set up for those in need of company and a cosy and safe space.

We’re looking for Moving Image & Sound Collection Volunteers! 📢 Join the National Library of Scotland for a rare volunteer opportunity supporting our nationally significant broadcast archives.

The thick red line on this map marks the watershed of Scotland. To its right the rivers flow East, to the left the rivers flow West. Scotland, River Basins. 1895. maps.nls.uk/view/74401061 #MapMonday

What's been your favourite part of 'Dear Library' so far? 📚 #LoveLibraries #NLS100

Local history is preserved at 'lifeline' local library ⛏️ The Village Voices of Newtongrange is a community group who meet weekly at their local library to share social history and shared experiences.

Its #TynwaldDay this #MapMonday and you can explore Douglas in the 1860s with this historic Ordnance Survey town plan. maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/...

In our latest article, writer and archivist Ali Leetham explores the criminalisation and transportation of queer people in 19th-century Scotland. Drawing from court documents, she sheds light on how the legal system targeted queer people, erasing their stories from history.