A brief look at what’s going on this month organised by the National Libraries of Scotland.

Audubon's Scottish Links

John Chalmers, author of Audubon in Edinburgh and his Scottish Associates, recounts the Scottish experiences of the great American wildlife artist John James Audubon. Chalmers depicts Edinburgh's social, scientific and creative world in the 1820s and 1830s. He outlines the roles that some of the greatest figures of the Scottish Enlightenment played in helping Audubon's book Birds of America become a reality. Several volumes of the book will be on display.

Tuesday 19 September 18:30 Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN

The RSPB in Scotland A brief look at the origins and history of Europe's largest conservation charity, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

A leading representative highlights some Scottish wildlife reserves and improvements to habitats for birds such as the capercaillie and the corncrake. The broad spectrum of RSPB work will be covered, including re-introducing species, education, working with farmers, and policy and advisory work.

Thursday 14 September 19:00 George IV Bridge Building

The Bridge Readings Series: Alasdair Gray A rare outing from one of Scotland's 'national treasures'. Alasdair Gray describes himself as a 'self-employed verbal and pictorial artist'.

The celebrated author of Lanark will be in conversation with Stephanie Wolfe Murray, who was Gray's first publisher. Wednesday 20 September 19:00 George IV Bridge Building

Discovering North Britain: Early Maps of Scotland

Peter Barber, Head of Map Collections at the British Library, outlines some of the maps in the British Library that illustration the earliest stages of the English discovery of Scotland. Since the 12th century, many English scholars had argued that Scotland was no more than a northern extension of England.

From the 1540s, the imperatives of defence, an idealised form of patriotism and Protestant solidarity led to an intensified English involvement in Scottish affairs. There was a need to know more about their northern neighbour. Thursday 21 September 19:00 George IV Bridge Building

The Search for the Holy Grail

Dr Neil Hargraves throws lights on some of the mysteries surrounding the Holy Grail throughout history. He will look into its links with the Templars, Rosslyn Chapel, medieval legends, and the Western mythic tradition. This event is produced in partnership with Newbattle Abbey College.

Tuesday 26 September 19:00 George IV Bridge Building

Doors Open Day at NLS Free tours of the George IV Bridge Building. Material from our collections will be on display, and tea and coffee will be available.

Places are limited, so booking is essential. Saturday 30 September 10.00, 13.00, 15.00 George IV Bridge Building

Image: illustration of a Roseate Spoonbill from John James Audubon's Birds of America National Libraries of Scotland