Main Library study space during the Edinburgh Festivals

Due to the close proximity of the Main Library to Edinburgh Festivals venues there may be increased noise levels around and inside the library during July and August. Find out how to deal with any disruption you may experience.

Studying in the Main Library during the Edinburgh Festivals

The Main library will be exposed to disruptive noise throughout the period of Festival events.

To mitigate the inconvenience we have agreed with Festival Management that during core working hours venues will keep amplified noise to a minimum.

However any excessive noise may be reported via the Library helpdesk or directly to the Festivals Office by telephone 0131 651 4200 or email festivals@ed.ac.uk

Outwith core hours excessive amplified noise can be reported to the City of Edinburgh Council.

To assist students we are providing free, disposable earplugs in the Main Library, available from reception and the Library helpdesk.

We also would encourage students to use alternative facilities.

Alternative study space in the central area during the Edinburgh Festivals

In case of increased noise levels due to Edinburgh Festivals events around and inside the Main Library during July and August, students may wish to consider alternative study locations. 

The 4 central area site libraries – Law Library, Moray House Library, Edinburgh College of Art Library, New College Library - may provide a quieter environment during their opening hours of 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, and in the evenings as follows:

Law Library 9am-7pm Monday to Friday 5^th-9^th August and 12^th-16^th August;

Moray House Library 9am-8pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-5pm Friday 19^th-23^rd August and 26^th-30^th August.

Open access PC study spaces are available in the Hugh Robson Building (HRB) computer lab Lower Ground Floor (basement) and may suit your needs, especially in the evenings and at weekends.  The Hugh Robson Building is opposite the Main Library in George Square and is open and available by University card and MyEd PIN (find your PIN on the MyEd PIN channel), as follows:

*Exception: Thursday 22nd August is open 13:30 - 23:59

There is further information and a study space map that may be of use to you in locating these alternative study venues:

Study space

Also, you might want to consider reserving a room through the Central Bookable rooms service:

Room bookings

Further afield, outwith the central area, the Noreen & Kenneth Murray Library and Murchison House offer quiet study opportunities.

Using other libraries in Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Festivals

While the University seeks to meet the needs of all its students, you may also wish to consider libraries open to you that are close to the central area and may prove suitable for personal study without PC access:

Edinburgh Central Library (City Public Library) on George IV Bridge:

Opening hours

How to join

The National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge:

Opening hours

For guidance on entry requirements please visit the NLS website:

National Library of Scotland (NLS)

or

Access for Edinburgh University students

Edinburgh Napier University Merchiston Library:

Opening hours

Merchiston Library

This Library admits students on the basis of a reciprocal library access scheme called SCONUL Access: details of how you join under this scheme are available at:

Sconul Access