Resource Centre Events

Pop along to the Resource Centre in Paterson's Land and join our events. These events are for our community of lifelong learners who take courses at COL. No booking required for these events - simply come along and join us.

Regular Events - weekly or monthly

Join us in the Resource Centre for The First Page, led by Rolland Man, tutor in Film Studies, Literature and Drama at the Centre for Open Learning.

Rolland will share the first page of an un-named book with you. From the first page only, you'll discuss what that fragment evokes. What kind of book is it? What genre does it belong to? Where might the story go from here? And most important, does it make us want to continue reading?

When: Wednesdays 22 April, 20 May and 17 June from 16:15 - 17:15

Who can attend?

This is a welcoming, supportive space for discovering new writers and sharing ideas about literature and readers' expectations. No booking needed, just come along and take part.


If you’re new to Canvas or don’t feel confident with technology, our Resource Centre Assistants can support you one-to-one. 

Simply bring your device to the Resource Centre the next time you are on campus. The team are available to help Monday to Thursday 10.00–19.00 or Friday 13:30–16:30. 

They will guide you through the basics, so you can focus on enjoying your course. 

 


Do you have questions about finding materials, reading lists, or using the library? Do you prefer to search online for help with your assignments but want to make sure you’re doing it correctly? 

Pop into the Resource Centre for a chat with our friendly librarian SarahLouise, who will help you improve your search skills, locate key texts, and get the most out of the library services. 

No appointment needed, just drop-in to the Resource Centre on: 

  • Wednesday 29 April 13:00-15:00
  • Wednesday 27 May 13:00-15:00
  • Wednesday 10 June 13:00-15:00

You can also contact SarahLouise directly for help outside these times on sarahlouise.mcdonald@ed.ac.uk.  


Join our Conversation Circles and enjoy developing your language skills with a friendly and supportive group.

All sessions are in the Resource Centre – no booking required, simply come along and join in.

Full schedule as follows:

BSL Conversation Circle with Carri Neilson and Zayne Thomson

  • Wednesday 13 May 14:00 - 15:00 A1 (Beginners)
  • Wednesday 20 May 14:00 - 15:00 A2 (Elementary)

 

Gaelic Conversation Circle with Catherine Tinney

  • Tuesday 19 May 16:00 - 17:00 – all levels welcome!
     

German Conversation Circle with Susanne Tauber and Jeannette Rissmann

  • Thursday 18 June 14:00 - 15:00 B1 (Intermediate) and above
  • Thursday 18 June 18:00 - 19:00 A1 (Beginners) and A2 (Elementary)

 

Italian Conversation Circle with Michela Talin

  • Thursday 14 May 16:15 – 17:15 A1 (Beginners) and A2 (Elementary)

 

Japanese Conversation Circle with Nana Barker

  • Wednesday 29 April 16:30 – 17:15  A1 (Beginners) and A2 (Elementary)
  • Wednesday 27 May 16:15 - 17:15  B1 (Intermediate) and above

 

Ukrainian Conversation Circle with Yana Proskurkina

  • Thursday 21 May 16:30 - 17:30 – all levels welcome!
  • Thursday 4 June 16:30 - 17:30 – all levels welcome!

Join our Conversation Circles and enjoy developing your language skills with a friendly and supportive group.

These free sessions take place in The Nook – no booking required, simply come along and join in

  • Date: Every Thursday from 7 May-11 June
  • Time:  17:30 – 18:30
  • Location: The Nook, Paterson's Land (LG13)
  • Important Info: B1 (Intermediate) and above

Buidheann-leughaidh Gàidhlig ann an Dùn Èideann. Freagarrach do luchd-ionnsachaidh eadar-mheadhanach agus fileantaich.

Thursdays 23 April, 7 May, 21 May, 4 June, 18 June

11:00 - 12:00

 

Buidheann-leughaidh Gàidhlig ùr ann an Dùn Èideann, air a lìbhrigeadh le Annabel Harrison. Gach cola-deug, bidh am buidheann a’ coinneachadh gus bruidhinn mu leabhar a tha iad a’ leughadh.

Tha na seiseanan freagarrach do luchd-ionnsachaidh eadar-mheadhanach agus fileantaich. Thèid ur bogadh ann an litreachas na Gàidhlig!

Faodar an leabhar a cheannach bho stiùiriche a’ bhuidhinn, Annabel Harrison, no tro làrach-lìn Comhairle nan Leabhraichean.

Cuir fios gu Annabel aig gaelicbooks.org airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh.

***

A new Gaelic book club in Edinburgh, run by Annabel Harrison. Every fortnight, the group will meet to discuss a Gaelic book they are reading. 

These sessions are ideal for intermediate learners to fluent speakers. Come and dive into some Gaelic literature!

A copy of the book can be purchased directly through the group leader, Annabel Harrison, or through the Gaelic Books Council website.

Contact Annabel@gaelicbooks.org for more information.


  • Thursdays 30 April, 14 May, 28 May, 11 June, 25 June
  • 11:00 - 12:00

Cothrom còmhraidh fosgailte do gach duine. Thig còmhla rinn airson cabadaich is srùbag!

Conversation circle open to all. Come and join us for a cuppa and a chat!


Displays, Festivals and Workshops

This unique student–staff co-led event offers an inclusive, equitable, and decolonised space to share your languages, explore diverse cultures, and connect with others. Discover creative outputs from language and art workshops, and take part in a dynamic programme designed to celebrate the many voices that shape our community.

When:

Monday 11 May, events running all day between 10:00-16:00, Paterson's Land

What’s On:

Supported by the Student Partnership Agreement Funding Scheme, this exciting new initiative aims to inspire future projects and deepen our community’s appreciation of multilingualism.

Who can attend?
All UoE students, staff and learners are warmly invited to join the celebration and be part of an event that centres your languages and cultures.

Sign up:
Register for your FREE spot via Eventbrite today!


From Tuesday 17 March, visit the Resource Centre to see a display of work created by learners from our Intro to Sculpture short course.

The exhibition highlights the creativity and experimentation of participants as they explore materials, techniques, and ideas in our specialist arts studio. Through hands-on learning, students develop their sculptural skills while discovering new approaches to contemporary sculpture.

Our learners range from complete beginners to those seeking to expand and refine their existing artistic practice.


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