Happy Friday everyone. Our Daphne Du Maurier post yesterday reminded us about some of our favourite #Bookface photos from back when #BookFaceFriday was a thing.
'Last night I dreamt I went to Orkney Library again.'
Happy Birthday to Daphne Du Maurier, born 119 years ago (on the 13th May) in 1907. 🎂
Remembering that time we made a Daphne Du Maurier Biography #Bookface in the Orkney Room.
Bookbug Week is coming! Celebrate Bookbug’s Big Quest from 18-24 May. Check out the Bookbug Sessions happening in your area and pick up four limited edition postcards from your local library (put them together and they make a map!)
#BookbugWeek2026 #Bookbug #ScottishBookTrust
Thanks to Vik Bennett for coming along to Orkney Library yesterday to speak about her beautiful new book The Apothecary by the Sea - a year in an Orkney garden. This event was part of the Orkney Nature Festival.
The book is available to borrow from the library now, or on sale at The Orcadian Bookshop. There is also an exhibition of Adam Clarke's artwork which is featured in the book at the Highland Park shop on Albert Street in Kirkwall.
There once was a man it was said,
who wore a streetlamp on his head.
But he found it too light
when he laid down at night
and his head wouldn't fit in his bed.
#NationalLimerickDay #photographicarchives
(Photograph from the Tom Kent collection)
At Orkney Library we're delighted to be partnering with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) on the Book Farmacy - a new pilot initiative which encourages reading in an effort to tackle stress and isolation, while improving mental wellbeing across Orkney’s farming communities.
The scheme is launching during Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May), and is encouraging farmers and crofters to take just six minutes a day to read, in an attempt to increase reading uptake across the agriculture sector. The project is being led by volunteers with support from the RHASS and local authorities in Orkney, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.
Findings from a research project by Sussex University show that reading for as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 60%, while also lowering heart rate and easing muscle tension. Wider evidence suggests that regular reading can support mental wellbeing, improve brain function and contribute to greater empathy and overall health. For those in agriculture - where organisations such as RSABI, Farmstrong Scotland and Teagasc have identified significant pressures on mental wellbeing - reading and related activities like visiting libraries or joining book groups have been shown to make a positive difference. The initiative has been designed specifically with the farming community in mind, including support for audiobooks to improve accessibility for those with dyslexia, which is more prevalent within the sector.
Those taking part in the initiative will be paired with a local volunteer 'Book Farm-assists' - individuals working in farming who are passionate readers. In Orkney the Book Farm-assists are Jacqueline Lennie, who farms with her husband in Tankerness, and Hazel Moss, who farms at Ocklester in Holm.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Book Farmacy initiative, or if you are interested in becoming an additional Book Farm-assist here in Orkney, you are encouraged to get in touch with the RHASS via email at [email protected].
#NationalYearofReading #LoveLibraries #LibraryLife
Do you want to help shape the future of libraries?
Would you like a £10 book voucher?
Help to shape a new national website for #ScottishLibraries - share your ideas and feedback, and you’ll receive a £10 book voucher as a thank you.
Scan the QR code to find out more or go to: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Br8E63jLCU
The QR code will take you to a form to express an interest in joining an online focus group this June. The online group sessions will last no more than 90 minutes and you'll receive a £10 book voucher for taking part.
By sharing your ideas you can help to shape a brand new digital library platform for libraries all across Scotland.
We have an announcement.
The Archive will be CLOSED TOMORROW (Saturday 9th May). Apologies for any inconvenience. It will reopen as normal on Monday at 10am.
The Library will be OPEN as normal tomorrow.
We hope this Archive photograph of cows inspecting a motorcycle makes up for any disappointment.
As we sailed past the bookshelves this morning, we came across this little Orkney gem and thought of our legendary counterparts at @orkneylibrary .
#Orkney
#LoveLibraries
#NaturalHistoryMuseum
#LibrariesOfInstagram
#Bookstagram
#InstaBooks
If you're joining in with the #ReadChristie2026 challenge then the theme for May is the Best Short Story Collection by Agatha Christie.
The chosen title for this month is The Labours of Hercules but what's your favourite Agatha Christie short story/collection? 📚🗡️
You can find out more about the #ReadChristie2026 challenge and download your free printable postcard at: /en/news/2026/read-christie-2026
#AgathaChristie #libraries #lovelibraries
It's a slightly grey, overcast day in #Orkney but #BookyMcBookface is away north on the ferry to deliver books to the people of Westray. 📚
If you're in Westray today then go and say hello 👋
#libraries #lovelibraries #LibrariesofInstagram
