Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to view the answer, or alternatively you can always contact us.
Yes. We have a large lending collection.
Yes, it’s free. You can register here.
No – you can just drop in anytime during opening hours. If you have a specialist research enquiry, or would like to consult our special collection it’s best to contact us in advance so that we can have things ready for you and make sure the appropriate member of staff is available to help.
All you need to do is complete a borrowers form and show us proof of address. Find out more on our borrowing page.
Yes, anyone in the UK can borrow by post for free. See more about this on our borrowing page.
You’ll find it at https://spl.koha.openfifth.net. You can access it from anywhere, and you don’t have to be signed up as a borrower to do so.
We have free public Wi-Fi, but we have no computers available for internet use.
No, but there are several nearby.
We have a very limited number of staff, so this isn’t something we can usually offer. We have a self-guided tour which we can provide for your party; just let us know in advance if you’d like to do this.
No – we have poetry from all over the world, although the Scottish collection is our core focus.
The library was built on generous donations. We do still accept donations, although we now have an extensive collection and may not always need what you are offering. If we can’t use your donation we will dispose of them as set out in our Collection Management Policy.
We cannot accept your poems unless they are in book or pamphlet format. We also focus on Scottish poets, so if you are not Scottish we may not be able to find space. The Poetry Library in London collects all books and pamphlets published in England – we can only collect some of these.
No. We only collect published works. However, we can offer advice on this subject.
Yes we do – we have indexed many Scottish literary periodicals, so we can save you time if you need to search a particular magazine.
Children are very welcome in the library, but must be accompanied by an adult. We have a children’s area, some toys, and a children’s book collection.
Yes we do – visit our Learning pages to find out more.
We mostly sell our own publications, unique or special editions, anthologies and single author collections. Our anthologies tend to be connected to Scotland, Edinburgh or specific issues concerning the work of the SPL. Single author collections are often Scottish, newly-published, part of our events programme or connected with poetry at festivals and other work we do. We also sell cards, postcards, gift items and bespoke merchandise. The online shop does not reflect our full stock range. The range sold in the shop is at the discretion of the shop manager and you can contact them for more information using reception@spl.org.uk.
Yes – in our online shop. All profits made support our work.
We do occasionally publish books relating to our projects, our education programme, or anthologies on themes relating to our enquiries.
No, sorry. But you’ll find some useful resources on our So you want to be a Poet? page.
No, we can’t. But you’ll find some useful resources on our So you want to be a Poet? page.
Email reception@spl.org.uk and we’ll try to help – we may still have stocks in the building.
These will be posted on our Job Vacancies page.
We always welcome offers of volunteer help – find out more about how to apply on our Volunteering opportunities page.
Yes – we love to look for poems for people, whether it’s one you have ‘lost’ and can’t remember and need the text for, or whether you need a poem for a special occasion. Visit our Ask a Librarian page to send us your request.
Yes, we have extensive research resources and experienced librarians who will be very happy to assist you. Visit Ask a Librarian to make an enquiry.
Yes, we are happy to give advice about copyright and to let you know how to get permission how to use poems. Visit our Copyright Enquiries page for more information.
Yes, use the Ask a Librarian page to send us your requirements.
Yes, we have considerable experience with poetry competitions, particularly schools competitions. Contact reception@spl.org.uk to talk to our staff.
Due to the financial and environmental costs of producing tens of thousands of postcards, we discontinued this project several years ago. See our National Poetry Day page to find out what we’re doing instead.
Yes – you can hire it for all sorts of events such as meetings, conferences and book launches. See the Meeting Rooms and Venue Hire page for more details.
Our public events programme is currently suspended.
No. We only promote our own events on our website.
The Library is in Edinburgh’s Old Town, down off the Canongate near the Scottish Parliament. There is a map on our Find us page.
There are double yellow lines outside the library – although you can quickly unload items. Nearby parking is listed on the Find us page.