Libraries

Glasgow's libraries are amazing places to read, learn and discover
Find your local Glasgow library
Large group of people holding a gold parachute sitting on a carpeted floor within a library playing a game. Sofas and bookshelves can be seen in the background.

Our libraries are about more than books. Sure, we have shelves filled with everything from Billy Connolly’s biography to the latest Ian Rankin, Jenny Colgan and Val McDermid novels. But that’s only a small part of what we offer.

Our goal is to provide a place to relax, have fun and meet other people. We have an exciting programme of events and activities open to everyone. Not to forget free access to the internet and Wi-Fi to help you get online. Find out more 

"The library is a constant positive force in my life. It gives access to books and audiobooks I could not afford otherwise. It is a warm and welcoming place." (Anonymous)

Book Week Scotland 2024

Book Week Scotland is an annual week-long celebration of books and reading. Join us for a packed programme of events that bring books and stories to life.

Book Week Scotland events

Winter Reading Challenge 2024

Glasgow Life Libraries are challenging young book lovers to curl up with a good story this winter. Borrow and read any 3 books to complete the challenge, and receive a certificate and colour-in bookmarks!

Join the Challenge today
A person standing at a Glasgow library desk chatting to a staff member and getting books stamped. There is another person in the background reading a book and there are lots of book shelves. There is a library computer and a vase of orange flowers in the foreground.

Join the library

Become a member today. You can use any of our Glasgow Life Libraries and our online offer.

Join online

The Mitchell Library

One of Europe's largest public libraries with research, archive and business facilities.

Find out more about The Mitchell Library

Events and activities for all ages

Search online now.

What's on in Glasgow Life Libraries

Download our libraries app

The easy way to join, reserve or borrow while on the move.

Download now
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How Glasgow Life Libraries can help you

"I’m 71 and have used local libraries since I was a child. Borrowing and reading books has brought me a huge amount of pleasure, and over the years I have seen libraries being much more of a community resource which is wonderful." (Anonymous)

Aye Write 2023 logo which is an illustration books on a shelf in a circle design on a lime green background

Aye Write Book Club podcast

Bringing you a curated collection of fascinating conversations with a range of authors featured within the Aye Write 2023 Book Festival programme.

Listen to the podcast

eLibrary

"I am dyslexic. The library staff have supported me using audio books and finding comic-type graphic novels and comics that I can read easily and enjoy. My love of reading and stories has come back and I have improved my confidence too." (Glasgow Life Libraries member)

Our online library of eBooks – short for electronic books – has bestsellers, fiction and non-fiction for all ages. There is plenty of choice with more than 13,000 titles to pick from.

All eBooks can be downloaded free straight to a mobile phone, tablet or personal computer. We also offer a range of eAudiobooks.

If you don't have access to the internet at home, your local library has free Wi-Fi to help access this service. 

Borrow eight titles at a time for up to 21 days.

And it’s not just books…

If you love magazines, you can read digital copies of your favourites for free.

Choose from 3,000 titles covering TV and film, crafts, sport, home and lifestyle, celebrity, science, nature, gardening, news, and politics.

Popular options include the Radio Times, Heat, Grazia, Woman’s Own, Best and Hello!

Glasgow Libraries members can download magazines straight to your computer, mobile phone or tablet.

The best bit: there are no loan periods or limits on how many you can read each week.

Learn more about how to access digital magazines: https://libcat.csglasgow.org/web/arena/emagazines

Online library

An old black and white photograph of five young people sitting on a wall. They are all wearing flat caps and their clothes are worn. Some do not have shoes on.

Local and family history

Discover your family history with Glasgow Life Libraries.

Family history at The Mitchell Library

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