The library service in Orkney has been awarded £2,757 for:

An intergenerational VR project that will work with partners including Age Scotland, Orkney Dementia Hub and local schools to offer a series of virtual interactions to tackle social isolation and explore a variety of themes

It is part of the Scottish Government’s £1.25 million Public Library COVID Relief Fund. It will support 23 projects around the country to re-connect communities with their libraries.

Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Chair Ian Ruthven said:

“Public libraries are an essential part of Scotland’s social fabric, supporting and inspiring people to fulfil their potential for over 150 years.

“Improving mental wellbeing, tackling social isolation and closing the digital divide are some of the key aims of public libraries.

“The Public Library COVID Relief Fund will allow local public libraries to reconnect with their communities and offer these much-valued services.”

This is Book Week Scotland which celebrates the wonderful world of books and libraries.

Jenny Gilruth, Culture Minister in the Scottish Government said:

““Libraries are so much more than a place to borrow books. This fund will see the provision of community-centred projects aimed at, among other things, reducing social isolation, promoting mental wellbeing and reducing the poverty-related attainment gap.”

Related story: Love My Library: Book Week Scotland

See also: ‘Unexpected Opportunities’ At The Frankfurt Book Festival