Library

Everyone who wishes to learn, explore and enjoy photography, is welcome to visit and browse our photography library.

Since the establishment of Stills in 1977, the organisation has accumulated over two thousand books on photography. This has largely been through artist donations, as well as donations from gallery visitors, production facilities users and other members of the Stills’ community. Many of these are now rare, out of print or hard to find in shops or in other libraries.

We have one of the largest publicly accessible collections of books on photography in Scotland and we offer:

  • Open, accessible and welcoming access to publications for everyone 
  • A unique heritage resource of photographies in Scotland and international photographies, from 1840s to the present day
  • A safe space in which to access information, to learn about and look at photography
  • Welcoming and knowledgeable staff who will help you use the library based on your interests
  • Exhibition catalogues and information on previous Stills exhibitions since 1977

In 2024, we began the Stills Open Access Library Project. Through this project, we aim to significantly build on the accessibility of our library in a variety of different ways, including the creation of a lending library service and the digitization of exhibition catalogues from Stills exhibitions since 1977, which you can view here.

You can now borrow a wide range of monographs, anthologies, practical photography books, exhibition catalogues and critical writing on photography. Books can be borrowed for a period of two weeks with a possibility for renewal. You can borrow up to 6 books at once.

Want to start using the lending library?

Before borrowing books, library registration is required at a one-off cost of £15. We do not have any additional membership fees. 

Please note that you must be 18 years or above to borrow books. 

To book a time for your library registration, email library@stills.org 

We continue to welcome donations for our library. If you have any donations, please email library@stills.org 

The Stills Open Access Library Project is supported by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)’s Innovation and Development Fund.