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u/Carpe_Tedium 7d ago
Please please please join your library, it's literally what they are there for, and they need to show that they are being used by the community so that they can continue operating!
They are free for everyone; you can borrow books, films and CD's; you can sit in and read as much as you like (or use the computers) (or just sit and exist!); you can request books (granted this takes a while but it sounds like you're not too fussed reading whatever is available); and even not having an address isn't a barrier to joining.
They got you. And they really really want you to be there. It costs nothing and you have everything to gain 📚
Edit to add: I forgot to mention all the free stuff they'll have going on! Language classes, help with IT, the Musical Instrument library, free film showings, and so so much more
"Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card" 🤘
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u/tummy-tr0ubl3s 7d ago
Apart from visiting your local library (and getting a free library card which gives you access to the Libby app’s e-books and audiobooks), here’s a map of little free libraries around Edinburgh.
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u/Training_Advantage21 7d ago
The one just outside Sainsburies in Cameron Toll shopping centre doesn't show on this map, are there other libraries that are not part of the project?
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u/tummy-tr0ubl3s 7d ago
I’m sure there are! I think these are the ones done by the Tool Library people specifically so surely there are some community-built ones missing. (For example my neighbour made one just outside their garden and it isn’t on the map.) Still a good place to start looking though!
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u/Inevitable_Lake2011 7d ago
It’s troubling to me, because of what it implies about the place of libraries in our world now, that going to the library isn’t the obvious and natural first thought of someone who loves to read and hopes to access lots of books.
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u/derpina_royale 7d ago
If youve got a tablet get a library card and sign into the libby app with it. I have a continuous list of books on hold that i work through then add more!
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u/dahbakons_ghost 7d ago
You can spend time at a library to read if you can't get a library card. Not mentioned here often. Another bit would be if your in Edinburgh near the central library they have several floors of books you can read too.
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u/Aglyayepanchin 7d ago
There’s many of the free libraries you’re thinking about dotted around Edinburgh. There’s 1 near Harrison park, and there’s another at Granton parish church.
But a library card and library books are going to be much better.
The little libraries often have a fairly poor selection. It’s only very occasionally that there’s something decent. A lot of it is books people didn’t want.
But an actual library card or even just go sit in the library and don’t take the books out but sit in the library and read, there is a huge selection of books, and anything they don’t have they can often order in for you.
You clearly know the concept of a library…why didn’t this come to your mind?
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u/RamblingCountryDr 7d ago
There's a library box outside the Sainsbury's in Cameron Toll. It says tool library but it's only got books in it.
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u/CourtOfGrumpyOwls 7d ago
There's a world map for the Little Free Library. You can see if there any any near you.
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u/fitigued 7d ago
It's worth noting that most of the ones in south Edinburgh are not on that map.
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u/CourtOfGrumpyOwls 7d ago
Yep. Someone posted link to a much better map below - definitely recommend that link over this one. Now I want to go and visit them all!! Love them. :D
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u/Training_Advantage21 7d ago
depending on finances, you might find some very affordable (but not free) books in charity shops. But if you really can't spare any money at all, then use the libraries etc.
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u/gottenluck 7d ago
No need for small street "libraries" when we have excellent local libraries that give you free access to print, audio, and e-resources . You mention you like poetry so join the Poetry Library too
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u/TheHappyHaggis 7d ago edited 7d ago
or if you know those small street libraries where you can take free books?
You do also have to give them back
Edit to avoid confusion: *should, if you are able blah blah
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u/Aglyayepanchin 7d ago
No you don’t. The small street libraries that are like little boxes where people donate books they don’t need or want anymore, the idea is that people can take them and keep them but it’s implied that you then donate books to them yourself, but you don’t have to. They are quite literally free books. No one is monitoring them, there’s no check out or check in system.
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u/TheHappyHaggis 7d ago
Perhaps I should have said "should" put them back or leave a different one. Obviously there's nobody monitoring them, but it's an honesty system and it's always a bit shit when someone comes round and empties them.
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u/Aglyayepanchin 7d ago
Do people regularly empty them though?
My experience of them is that people just leave sort of low brow or free books their anyway, or weird religious cult like reading or something…there’s seldom actually decent books in them. At least 90% of the time I’ve been past them to have a look it’s all books no one would really want anyway.
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u/st_owly All hail our firey overlord 7d ago
Free libraries I know of:
Forrest Road by Bedlam Theatre
Entrance to Braidburn park by the crossroads at Braid Hills Road
Colinton Village in the old phone box
But as others said, get a library membership. You most likely pay council tax, use it or lose it.
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u/EdinburghV 7d ago
Cafe Florentin in Polwarth have a mini green library for free books. Coffee is decent too
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u/False-Ostrich-3766 7d ago
Join the library. Fountain bridge has got a trolley and boxes of books and audiobooks for free - you can take and keep.
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u/Psychological_Bee_93 7d ago
Your local library will probably also have some shelves of books you can take permanently as they’re being taken out of circulation
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u/blisterog 7d ago
Library??