Orkney Library & Archive supports a number of local organisations, by providing accommodation and storage space within our main building.
Orkney Family History Society
The Orkney Family History Society has an office on the first floor of our main building, which holds their library and other materials. It is staffed by volunteers who are ready to assist members with their research. Their normal opening hours are 2.00pm – 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 11.00am – 4.30pm on Saturdays. Anyone visiting Orkney for the purpose of family history research are welcome to pay them a visit and can become a member of the society for a small annual fee.
Find out more at the Orkney Family History Society website.
Orkney Talking Newspaper
Orkney Talking Newspaper is run by volunteers who provide a free 90-minute audio version of The Orcadian Newspaper each week and a magazine edition approximately every quarter. If you or someone you know has difficulty reading on account of temporary or permanent visual or physical impairment you can receive a free weekly recording of local news. Alternatively you can listen to the latest edition online at the Orkney Talking Newspaper website.
The George Mackay Brown Fellowship
The George MacKay Brown Fellowship was formed in 2006 to promote new creative writing in the islands and to celebrate Orkney writers, past and present. Its main activities include running a book festival, writing residencies and other literary events. It supports the annual Orkney Writers’ Course, run by the St Magnus International Festival.
Find out more on The George Mackay Brown Fellowship website.