Orkney Library and Archive provides a Book Box Service for readers who live on the islands. This service is open to readers on North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray, and to readers on the other islands who are unable to use the Mobile Library due to health or mobility issues.
This service, which has been operating for over sixty years, is very simple; a box which can normally hold up to a dozen books is selected and sent out to each reader from the Library in Kirkwall. Boxes are delivered to and collected from each reader by their local haulier with all costs being met by the Library. Each box also contains a return label for sending it back to the library and a request sheet for noting down specific titles or subjects of interest. By filling in the request sheet readers will ensure that the Library is kept directly informed of their needs which will help to make each box as interesting and suitable as possible.
Book Boxes can contain Adult or Junior books or a mixture of both to suit any individual or family. Books are issued on an eight-week loan though the Book Box can be returned sooner if a change is required. When the old box is returned a replacement will be sent out as soon as possible.
Readers can also customise their own Book Box by browsing the Library Catalogue online and reserving their own books. These will then be sent out in their next Book Box so that readers can have exactly the selection of books they want.
For further information email us at library@orkney.gov.uk or telephone us on 01856 873166.