Orkney Library & Archive

29/05/2026

June Bookbug Session Schedule

29/05/2026

Orkney Talking Newspaper are hosting a coffee morning TOMORROW (Saturday 30th May) at Orkney Library & Archive.

Come along from 10.30-12 for tea, coffee, home bakes and raffles! (what more could you want on a Saturday morning?)

28/05/2026

Professor Marjory Harper will be in Stromness TONIGHT (Thursday 28th May) to talk about the long history of emigration from Orkney and Shetland. It's a FREE event and takes place at the Warehouse Buildings, starting at 6.30pm. More details below.

If you'd like to come along there are still a few spaces available. You can register online at: https://orkney.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/HOME or contact us on 01856 873166 or email [email protected].

We are delighted to have Professor Marjory Harper coming along to Warehouse Buildings in Stromness on Thursday 28th May to talk about her book Northern Isles No More? The story of emigration from Orkney and Shetland since 1700.

Marjory Harper is Professor of History at the University of Aberdeen and Visiting Professor at the Centre for History at the University of the Highlands and Islands - her new book invites you into the captivating story of Orkney and Shetland's people, shaped by the constant tide of emigration. Ranging from the 1700s to the 2000s, this book delves into the motives behind their journeys overseas - why they left, the means they used, and the profound issues of identity, adventure and adversity that they face along the way.

'Harper's elegant prose and pinpoint analysis reveal the bravery and determination of those who left the Northern Isles for a new future, and the many who returned home. A remarkable history, expertly told.'

The event will take place in the John Rae Room at Warehouse Buildings, with the discussion first and a book signing afterwards. The book will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of Stromness Books & Prints.

It is FREE to attend but registration is required - you can register online at: https://orkney.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/WPAC/EVSESENQ/364638222/130809624,1 or by calling 01856 873166 or emailing [email protected].

28/05/2026

Come along at 11am this morning (Thursday 28th) for a Mindful Moment at Orkney Library - a short, informal, mindfulness session where we take a moment to stop, breathe, and be in the moment. Each session is also an opportunity to learn useful tips and techniques to help with relaxation and promote positive thinking.

These sessions take place every Thursday morning at 11am and everyone is welcome to come along.

The sessions are FREE and there is no need to book - each session starts at 11am and will last up to half an hour, so if you're interested just come along to the sensory room on Thursday mornings.

27/05/2026

This is a reminder that Orkney Library & Archive will CLOSE at 12pm TODAY (Wednesday 27th May) for essential staff training.

We will be OPEN again tomorrow as normal.

Orkney Islands Council

We have an announcement.

This Wednesday (27th May) Orkney Library & Archive will be CLOSED from midday for essential staff training.

So to confirm, the Library will be open in the morning 10am until 12pm, and then closed all afternoon. The Archive will be closed all day.

We will reopen on Thursday 28th as normal.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

26/05/2026

We have an announcement.

The Utterly Brilliant Timmy Mallet just came to visit (and he sat on our balls!) 👏

What an absolute legend! ❤️

26/05/2026

Don't forget that your Orkney Library card gives you unlimited access to our FREE eMagazines (along with eBooks and eAudiobooks) on BorrowBox.

We recently upgraded our ePress access to a top tier package so that Orkney Library card holders now get FREE ACCESS to more than 300 newspapers from around the world and almost 500 magazines!

You can explore all newspapers and magazines we have available at: https://orkney.borrowbox.com/epress/featured

Daily and weekly newspapers from all around the UK, along with a selection of international newspapers, and magazines on every subject, with back issues available too.

You can log in on your browser OR download the FREE BorrowBox App to your phone or tablet. Available FREE from wherever you get your apps. Then just log in with your Orkney Library card.

That's it!

If you don't know your library card number or you need any other assistance please get in touch on 01856 873166 or email [email protected].

25/05/2026

We have an announcement.

This Wednesday (27th May) Orkney Library & Archive will be CLOSED from midday for essential staff training.

So to confirm, the Library will be open in the morning 10am until 12pm, and then closed all afternoon. The Archive will be closed all day.

We will reopen on Thursday 28th as normal.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

25/05/2026

If you thought The Blair Witch Project was creepy, wait until you see the Firth Coronation Bonfire, built to celebrate the coronation of King George VI in 1937. 😱

25/05/2026

You can help shape the future of libraries in Scotland!

The Scottish Library & Information Council are asking people to take this short survey, either online or in person at your local library. It only takes a few minutes! Scan the QR code below or go to:
https://surveymonkey.com/r/SLICsurvey2026