Local Collection
We buy nearly all books published in or about Shetland, and have a big collection for you to browse and borrow. There are also reference materials including Shetland periodicals, pamphlets and maps.
The Shetland Times, Shetland News and other old newspapers going back well into the 19th century can be browsed on microfilm. Our newest, digital microfilm browser is located in the Shetland room and allows you to view, print and save articles. You can watch a short video on how to access and use our digital microfilm browser here.
Occasionally the Library has turned publisher of poetry and local history books - browse them here.
A brief local introduction.
These are materials specially created by the Library to suit different age groups. Topics include - First World War; Second World War; Language; Crofrting; Fishing
Local history online for young people
Some links and information from the Library's projects run during the centenary of the Great War
Local history: First World War
You will find this website very useful and interesting: this is a group dedicated to promoting and celebrating the use of written and spoken Shetland dialect. Includes a Shetland dictionary, literature, papers upon dialect topics and spoken stories.
Shetland Museum and Archives
We work closely with our colleagues at the museum and archive, and recommend these links:
A treasure trove of local books, documents and recordings
The photo library is particularly interesting
Local family history society that traces islanders' families back several centuries
Shetland Family History Society