The Maps Reading Room is available to library card holders for consulting maps and atlases.
It is located in the Library's Causewayside Building, 33 Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 ISL.
Visits to the Maps Reading Room are by pre-booked appointment.
You can consult other collection material in the General Reading Room or Special Collections Reading Room.
How to book your visit
You can book an appointment for the Maps Reading Room online through our self-service booking system.
To use this system, you first need to join the National Library of Scotland by completing the online membership form. We will issue you with a library card on your first visit to the reading room.
Please use the 'additional information' area on the appointment booking form if you have any queries or if you have any additional support needs. Please also ensure a slot is booked for each person intending to visit.
Consulting maps during your visit
If you know which maps you wish to consult during your visit, you can request these in advance using our map request form. Alternatively, staff can advise you on relevant maps for your research during your visit to the Maps Reading Room.
Group visits
We are happy to arrange group visits to the Maps Reading Room. These can either provide a general introduction to the Map Collection or can focus on a place or subject that is of interest to the group. The visit can include an introductory talk from staff, and a chance to view a selection of collection items.
Group visits can take place Monday to Friday, between 10am and 1pm, or 2pm and 5pm. Visits would usually last between 1 and 1.5 hours.
We can accommodate groups of up to 14 in the Maps Reading Room. It may be possible to host larger groups by special arrangement.
A minimum of three weeks’ notice is required. Please give us as much notice as possible of the planned visit.
To arrange a group visit, please contact the Library and let us know the details of the group, their interests and any preferred dates or times for the visit.
Contact us
If you experience any problems with the self-service booking system or the registration process, ask a question online or phone 0131 623 4660.