Library renovation work to begin

Renovation work on the Orkney Library and Archive in Kirkwall is due to start this coming Monday.

The work is estimated to take between eight to 12 months and will affect the main lending library early next year.

Improvements to insulation, ceilings and lighting throughout the building are scheduled to take place. This will mean some small disruptions to services, although staff are working hard to ensure these are kept to a minimum.

Vikki Kerr, the team manager (Orkney Library and Archive), said: “Certain areas of the Library and Archive will be off limits for periods of time. We will aim to keep disruption to a minimum, but there will be some noise and general disturbance in parts of the building throughout the works.

“We have already closed off the study area in the library to allow for storage and partner organisations, such as the Talking Newspaper and Orkney Family History Society, to continue their operations while those specific areas are being worked on.

“We aim to keep services going as far as possible, but there will be a time when the main lending library area is being worked on (scheduled for around February/March, 2023) which will lead to some disruption for our customers. We envisage at that time to be able to fulfil request and collect services, but there will be a limit on people being able to come in and browse for books for a few weeks.”

The library and archive’s popular social media channels will be kept updated, and posters will be displayed advising of works being carried out and what this means for access.

Vikki added: “We would be very grateful for the patience of our faithful users of the service while these improvements works are carried out to ensure our building remains a great and comfortable place to visit for many years to come.”