Orkney Library & Archive is OPEN to the public and our services have now returned to normal. Check this page regularly to find out all the latest visitor information.
Checking In/Booking
Checking In or leaving Test and Protect information is no longer required. Advance booking is no longer necessary for any of our services though we still recommend that customers book visits to the Archive. To visit the Archives please contact us on 01856 873166 or email archives@orkney.gov.uk. Our phone and email is monitored during our normal opening hours.
There is no longer a legal requirement to wear Face coverings at Orkney Library & Archive or Warehouse Building in Stromness, but please feel free to continue wearing one if it helps you to feel safe. There is still hand sanitiser provided which you are welcome to use throughout your visit. Please continue to give people space when moving around the building.
Library
Check our current Opening hours
Borrowing items
Books and other loanable items can be borrowed as normal during your visit or you can use our Request & Collect Service at Kirkwall or Stromness. (see below)
Returning items
Items can be returned at any time we are open by returning them to the issue desk in the library or at the Book Return Box outside.
Our Book Return boxes are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To avoid jamming the mechanism please only put loose items into the Book Box drawer – a bag of books will block the return drawer.
Request & Collect Service
Our Request & Collect service remains in operation at Kirkwall and Stromness meaning customers can request items and collect them from the foyer. Requests can be made online or by phone or email. Once we have received your requests we will contact you to let you know when they are available. Books can either be reserved online using a library card, by sending an email to library@orkney.gov.uk or by phoning 01856 873166 (Kirkwall) or 01856 850907 (Stromness).
Contacting the Library
If you need to contact the Library for any reason phone 01856 873166 or email us at library@orkney.gov.uk. We can be contacted during our normal opening hours.
Archive
Check our current Opening hours
The Archive is open as normal. Booking is not required though we would still encourage visitors to get in touch so that items can be prepared for their visit. Please contact the Archive for more information.
Orkney Room
The Orkney Room is available whenever the Archive is open.
Contacting the Archive
If you need to contact the Archive for any reason phone 01856 873166 or email us at archives@orkney.gov.uk. You can also contact us via our social media pages.
Other Services and Resources
Stromness Library
Find the current Stromness Library opening hours here
The GMB Room and Public Computer access are available at Stromness Library. We also have two dedicated Wi-Fi areas available for use.
Mobile Library Service
Find out when the Mobile Library will be visiting your area by checking the 2022 Mobile Library Timetable.
To help reduce browsing time on the Mobile Library we would encourage customers to reserve items ahead of their visit. Items can either be reserved online using a library card, by sending an email to library@orkney.gov.uk or by phoning 01856 873166.
Book Box Service
Customers should get in touch to arrange delivery by contacting the library on 01856 873166 or emailing library@orkney.gov.uk.
Home Library Service
Customers should get in touch to arrange delivery by contacting the library on 01856 873166 or emailing library@orkney.gov.uk.
Reference Room/Study Space
Our Study Space is open during normal opening hours.
eBooks
We have a wide range of eBooks and eAudiobooks available to download for FREE on PCs and laptops or by using the Borrowbox App for tablets and smartphones. Click here to browse our eBook Catalogue.
Online Resources
Our online resources such as SCRAN, Oxford Resources and Theory Test Pro are all available through our website. Click here for more information and please get in touch if you need further assistance.
PIN
If you need your Library PIN to access Borrowbox or your Orkney Library account please contact the Library.
Public Computer Access
Public Computer access is available at Kirkwall Library and Stromness Library. Users are responsible for using the provided wipes to clean the desk and equipment before and after use.
Joining the Library/Updating memberships
You can join the library or update your membership when you visit or contact the library on 01856 873166 or email library@orkney.gov.uk.
Book Clubs
Our regular Saturday book club meetings are meeting in the library as normal. For more information or to get involved in our next meeting contact library@orkney.gov.uk.
Bookbug Sessions
Our Bookbug sessions have returned on a limited basis with weekly sessions in Kirkwall (from Wednesday 20th April) and monthly sessions in Stromness, on the first Friday of every month. All sessions are during term time only. Find out more on our Bookbug page.
All sessions will be also be advertised on our social media pages. Please note that all sessions must be booked through Eventbrite.
Meeting Rooms
Our Meeting Rooms are available again. If you would like to book one of our rooms contact the library. You can find out more information about our bookable Meeting Rooms and exhibition spaces on our Meeting Rooms page.
Wi-Fi
Our Wi-Fi is on and available at Kirkwall and Stromness Libraries and can be accessed from inside and outside the building.
Social Media
Our social media pages remain active. All updates will be posted on social media and on this page.