Orkney Library and Archive praised in parliament

The work of the Orkney Library and Archive has been highlighted in parliament by local MSP, Liam McArthur.

Speaking during a debate yesterday, celebrating the contribution libraries make in Scotland, Mr McArthur drew MSPs’ attention to the success of library staff in Orkney at widening access to the services available.

,Mr McArthur said: “Not only does Orkney boast one of the oldest libraries in the country, it can also lay claim to having one of the most successful. Orkney Library and Archive has demonstrated real creativity in the way it delivers its services and reaches out to new audiences.

“This has been particularly evident in its innovative use of social media, which has helped raise awareness of what the library and archive has to offer and opened up new ways of accessing these services. These efforts have been recognised by national awards and a growing international reputation.

“At the same time, however, the focus for the dedicated staff team has very much been on the local dimension. Staff are active in promoting the library as a hub, often working in partnership with others to deliver a wide range of activities, including regular bookbug reading sessions, IT tuition and even health visitor checks.

“As crime writer, Lin Anderson recently observed, Orkney library ‘is everything a library should be.’ At a time of library cuts and closures across the country, it is important that we recognise the value and celebrate the contribution our libraries make, particularly in our islands.”