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 

Living Knowledge Network Fantasy Exhibition

An exhibition of items from the Mitchell Library on the theme of fantasy which tells the story of the development of fantasy from the earliest works up to the present day.

In collaboration with the British Library's Living Knowledge Network.

Search exhibition events

Christmas Reading Challenge 2023

Taking part in the Christmas Reading Challenge is FREE and open to children aged up to 12 years old.

Find out how to take part
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

How Glasgow Life Libraries can help you

The Mitchell Library

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

Find out more about The Mitchell Library

eLibrary

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
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

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