Scottish Poetry Library

I’m kinda into literature, being a recent graduate of English Lit and all. That’s one helluva revealing statement, isn’t it? So yeah, I like going to readings. I know more poetry geeks than anyone should ever know in a lifetime too. The most star-​struck I’ve ever been is when I met Yusef Komunyakaa. I mean, seriously, that beat being in the same café as Maggie Gyllenhaal, and I have one huge girl-​crush on her.
The SPL is a great resource for a huge range of books on poetry and of poetry. And it’s hella easy to become a member. You don’t even have to pay. One of the advantages of this place is that not many students actually know about it, so if you’re writing a poetry-​related paper, you can bagsy all the books first. And you can keep them for up to a month. They also have publications by independent publishing houses and they host delicious events. The Reader-​in-​Residence is Ryan Van Winkle who recently won the Crawshaw Poetry Prize and is going to be published by Salt Publishing. And Penny Hughes, who also works there, is the editor of Anon Magazine.
On a street right off Canongate (an extension of the Royal Mile), it’s kinda hard to just stumble upon, so make it a point to stop by and have a look. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard of a poetry library anywhere, so it’s definitely worth checking this one out.

This little place is fascinating — the poetry library is tucked away behind the Royal Mile but it is worth seeking out. There is a great receptionist who will guide you through their sections and give you information on what you are looking for. The sections are clearly set out and the staff go to a lot of trouble to make this place contemporary and relevant — décor is lovely and the actual building is funky with a large glass front.