Library cards

Anyone can join the National Library of Scotland.

To access our reading rooms in Edinburgh, at either George IV Bridge or our Maps Reading Room, you need a library card. You do not need a card to visit us at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow.

A library card is valid for three years.

You can join the Library in person and obtain your library card at Readers' Registration at George IV Bridge or our Maps Reading Room. Please bring evidence of identity and address with you to allow us to issue your card.

You can pre-register online to begin the process to get your library card. This will shorten the time it will take to issue your library card on your first visit. See our 'How to join' guide.

Once you have pre-registered, you will receive a library card number and you can:

• Order Library material in advance of your visit through our Main catalogue.
• Access many of our eResources including digitised books, newspapers and more (requires residence in Scotland)

After pre-registering, you need to visit us to collect your library card. Please bring evidence of identity and address with you to Readers' Registration in the George IV Bridge Building.

If your card has expired you can renew it online. To receive a new card you will need to bring proof of identity and address to Readers' Registration.

We can replace your library card if you lose it. There is a £5.00 for a replacement but we do not charge if your card has been stolen or if you change your name.

If your card is stolen, you should report the theft to the police and then provide us with a police report form or a crime number.

If you have a library card, please tell us of any change of address and provide proof of this change — for example, a driving licence.

Your existing card will remain valid, but we will amend our records to show your new address.

Please read the Library's terms and conditions, which cover use of the reading rooms and your membership details.

Note that the National Library is not a lending library. You have to consult our material in the reading rooms or, where available, online.

Undergraduates and college students are welcome to use the Library: see our guide on resources for students.

Please see our access requirements for children under 16 and school students.