Wednesday 22 February 2012

Author of the Month for February - Nigel Tranter

Our featured author for February is Nigel Tranter who, during his 91 years, was the author of over 130 books of both fiction and non-fiction. He is perhaps best known for his  historical Scottish novels featuring such famous figures from Scotland's past as Mary Queen of Scots, Rob Roy MacGregor and William Wallace.

His non-fiction works included the five-volume title The Fortified House in Scotland, and I am pleased to say that the library has all five volumes of this title in addition to many of the novels.

While many of the earlier novels used their historical setting as a backdrop to the story, as Nigel Tranter became ever more emersed in his historical research, later titles made use of his immense well of knowledge to bring to life historical figures and the events in which they took part.

So whether you are interested in Scottish history or are just looking for a good story, come along  and borrow a Nigel Tranter title this month.

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Friday 10 February 2012

Love is in the air

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching our thoughts naturally turn to romance - proof that working in a library does not preclude you from a life of passion!

To get you in the mood we've set up a display of "Heart Warming Reads for February", everything from love poetry and Mills & Boon, to classic novels by Jane Austen and the Brontës.

So even if the 14th of February comes and goes without a single card or rose, you can still buy yourself some chocolates and curl up with a good book - another reason to love your library.



Saturday 4 February 2012

National Libraries Day

Happy National Libraries Day! - A day devoted to all types of libraries, library users, staff and supporters across the UK.

So what better thing to do on a wet February day than come to your lovely, cosy, local library and help us celebrate? As well as your usual borrowing allowance of 12 books, 4 talking books and 60 minutes of free internet access, we are marking this special day by making CD loans (and you can borrow up to 3 for two weeks) absolutely FREE!

The library in Kirkwall, who also loan DVDs, are making loans of these free as well, and they will be staying open until 8pm tonight to give everyone even more time to love their library. As well as the usual range of resources and services on offer, there will be an opportunity to put your general knowledge to the test with a fun quiz, starting at 6.30pm.

Nationally, today sees the launch of The Library Book a volume of short stories written by twenty-three top authors about libraries real or imagined, past, present, and future – why they matter and to whom. The Library Book’s contributors are all donating their royalties to The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to inspire more people to read more.