Access to the Scottish Poetry Library lending collection is free to anyone.

You may borrow six titles at one time, including books, tapes, and CDs. Our loan period is one month.

How to apply | Access to collections | Borrowers' form

TOP 

How to apply

We ask new borrowers to complete a simple form and to provide proof of address. These forms are available in the library. The SPL borrowers' form is also available to download at the foot of this page.

TOP 

Access to collections

For anyone unable to get to the SPL we provide access to our holdings through our outreach collections and our postal loan service. For a £1 per item contribution to postage, items can be borrowed from the SPL and mailed direct. A freepost label will be included for the return of items. This service is free to Friends of the library.

Holdings can be checked on the SPL catalogue INSPIRE and items can be requested by contacting the SPL.

In 2007 we were able to automate our circulation system, supported by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council. When viewing the SPL online catalogue (INSPIRE) at you will now be able to see if an item is out on loan. You can request items by clicking on ‘Request copy’ next to the item record. Then enter your borrower barcode number, and follow instructions. We do not charge for reservations. Alternatively you can request books by phone or email.

The Scottish Poetry Library has a unique and expanding collection in formats that are accessible to visually impaired readers. Complementary catalogues of these collections are available in large print, on audio cassette or on disc as a Microsoft Word document. A braille catalogue of poetry in braille is also available for home borrowing.

Download catalogues:

SPL audio tape collection (Word)

SPL braille catalogue (Word)

SPL large print catalogue (Word)

TOP 

SPL borrowers form

First time borrowers, please complete our borrowers form and return by post, along with a photocopy of a document or amenities bill which confirms your address.

SPL borrowers form (PDF) SPL borrowers form (Word)