1990: a momentous year. Gazza wept, Margaret Thatcher resigned… and Oxgangs Library opened its doors to the public.
We were going to have a 20th birthday party this week but the weather put paid to that. Still, there’s been no shortage of goings on at the library recently:
Last Friday we hosted BBC Radio Scotland’s Big Debate. Host Brian Taylor and his  guests (Robin Harper MSP, Margo MacDonald MSP, Joy Hendry of Chapman magazine and David McLetchie MSP) fielded questions from an enthusiastic and knowledgable audience. Here they are:

As usual we’ve got tons of activities for all the family in the run up to Christmas. Find out what’s happening at your local library…

Central Children’s Library
If you’re aged 4 – 12 come and help us decorate the central children’s library with cards, paper chains and snowflakes.
Saturday 11th December – collect your tickets in advance from Central Lending or the Children’s Library.

Look out for events and displays in a library near you to celebrate the first ever National Short Story Week, which runs next week, from 22- 28 November.
If you’re in town pop into the Central Library foyer at 4pm (Mon-Wed) or 12.30pm (Thu-Sat) where you can sit and listen to a short story being read aloud. We’re keeping the identities of the stories a secret – you’ll have to come along to find out what they are…

Join BBC Scotland’s Political Editor Brian Taylor for news, views and discussion of the week’s major talking points – live from Oxgangs Library.

As the colder weather starts to bite we’re running an electric blanket exchange at Oxgangs Library.

We’re urging people to check their electric blankets are safe and hosting an electric blanket exchange at the library between 2.00pm and 4.00pm on Tuesday 2 November.
Faulty electric blankets have been identified as the cause of one in ten deaths in household fires started by electrical appliances.

Blackhall Library
Creepy crafts (ages 5 – 10) Friday 29 October, 2.30 – 3.30pm. Tickets available from the library.
Central Children’s Library
Face painting, crafts and stories: Halloween fun for 4-12 year olds.
2.00 – 3.30pm, Wednesday 20 October, Central Library.

This Sunday (17th Oct) from 2-3pm we’ll be making spooky paper lanterns - bring the whole family!
For older children and teenagers we’re hosting a Spooky Sparkly Nails art and craft event. This one’s on Friday 22nd Oct from 2.30 – 3.30pm.

“Hidden Dyslexia”: a series of events in Edinburgh Libraries in association with Dyslexia Scotland
Dyslexia – a visual concept – an exhibition
Central Reference Library Landing: Monday 25th October to Friday 5th November

A new film by Edinburgh filmmaker Ian Rintoul takes a step back in time, containing unique footage of Edinburgh’s variety theatres and their performers. 
The Empire (now the Festival) Theatre hit the world’s headlines in 1911, when a fire claimed the lives of 10 people who died during a performance of the famous illusionist The Great Lafayette.
There will be a screening of the film, followed by a discussion, at Oxgangs Library this Wednesday (29 September) from 7-8pm.

Do you enjoy reading? Are you a carer?  Want to meet up with other carers, and share your reading? Then join a Carers’ Bookgroup.  There are two bookgroups for carers currently running in Edinburgh Libraries: