Shetland Library is an integrated public and school library service. We deliver services through one public library in Lerwick, one small mobile library, a delivery van and seven school libraries in High/Junior High schools. We also run a range of online services such as eBooks and online newspapers.

Children’s library services are a key focus, particularly early literacy, speech and rhyme through the Bookbug programme. Young people in rural areas have equal access to all the stock in the library catalogue, and their school libraries function as their public library branch. Our school libraries support learning, literacy and wellbeing by working with teaching staff, youth services and other partners. They also promote equality and diversity through partnerships and reading projects. Three school libraries also offer some community access outside school hours.

Digital access and support is another key priority and we provide free computer and WiFi access at our public and community libraries, with trained staff to assist. To address digital inclusion we also do outreach work, Code Clubs, drop-ins, lend digital devices and promote online services and digital literacy.

Health and wellbeing is another of our most important areas of work, and this includes services for the visually impaired, home delivery, health information, dementia work, reading for wellbeing, accessible formats, internet safety and cost of living support.

Most of our work depends on good partnership working with a wide range of other services. These include the Shetland Museum and Archives, Shetland Arts, NHS Shetland, Community Learning and Development, charities, schools and early learning providers.

An ongoing remit of the Library service is to ensure adequate access to information, literature, culture and informal learning. Access to books is still one of the most important things we do, and this includes a substantial local collection. Local dialect, history and culture is supported through the local book collection as well as events, projects and partnerships.