The Library of Mistakes

The Library of Mistakes A free public library to support the study of financial and business history. Changing the world, one mistake at a time.

19/06/2026

🎙️New podcast episode!

We have a real treat for you in this episode as we hear from financial crime expert Anja Shortland. After books on art theft and kidnapping, Anja’s latest book (We Know You Can Pay a Million) explores the huge threat of ransomware, providing fascinating glimpses into the business practices of the international criminals involved.
Fraser Allen and Leila Johnston also hear from Jemma McLean of Future Asset regarding recent celebrations of the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, while David Clarke bids a fond farewell to our brilliant librarian Helen Williams.

www.libraryofmistakes.com

19/05/2026

🎤 New podcast episode! Join us in Montreal as we speak with François Boutin-Dufresne who, together with Karl Gauvin, is co-founder of the Observatoire des Erreurs – Canada’s very own version of the Library of Mistakes. Inspired by a trip to Edinburgh, the Observatoire embraces the same ethos as the Library of Mistakes, and joins other extensions of our activity in Pune (India) and Lausanne (Switzerland).

The Observatoire is currently an online community but is hoping to establish a physical presence – and François is a really interesting listen. We also hear from Didasko CEO David Clarke on summer activites in Edinburgh, while our Librarian, Helen Williams, dips into books about the oil industry.

Enjoy!

Presented by Leila Johnston & Fraser Allen.

28/04/2026

🎤 A very special episode of Shelf Life this time! The talented young women of Future Asset (one of the Library’s sister charities) have staged a takeover of the podcast.

Recorded at the annual Future Asset finals in Edinburgh (at which teams of girls from Scottish schools compete to present the most effective investment pitch), we discover why Future Asset is so valuable in encouraging young women to consider a career in investment and finance.

This episode is presented by Future Asset alumnus Grace London, who spoke to the charity’s Communication Coordinator Jemma McLean, this year’s winning team from Hamilton Grammar School, fellow alumnus Jenna Donnelly (now a Financial Analysis Apprentice at M&G), and one of the competition judges, Mandy Rawlinson – Head of UK & EMEA at Aberdeen Investments.

Find the full Library of Mistakes podcast on your usual platforms, and learn more about Future Asset at www.futureasset.org.uk

Great to collaborate on this with the wonderful Adam Smith Global Foundation at the great man's former home in Kirkcaldy...
23/04/2026

Great to collaborate on this with the wonderful Adam Smith Global Foundation at the great man's former home in Kirkcaldy!

26/03/2026

🏰 The much-anticipated 2026 took place on 20-22 March, with leading investment and economic thinkers such as Russell Napier, and Helen Thompson entertaining an enthusiastic audience gathered from across the UK and far beyond. Topics included football finance, the water industry, a guide for countries hoping to avoid going bust, and the mafia’s unlikely role in shaping q***r nightlife.

It all took place in the stunning setting of Hay Castle in Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border – and our very own Leila Johnston () was there. Find the LoM podcast on your platform of choice to hear her report from a lively and thought-provoking weekend, and hear from several of the speakers and guests that she met.

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33A Melville Street Lane
Edinburgh
EH37QB

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 12am - 12:15am

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