It’s always good to find an exhibition which celebrates the importance of Scotland’s libraries and their historic significance. This is particularly so given that so many of our public libraries are either under threat of closure, being closed, or having their opening times limited.

The Maeshowe visitor centre has an excellent exhibition space and is currently hosting Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’. The exhibition will then move to Central Library in Edinburgh .

It’s a photographic exhibition which includes a film element. The images of some of the Carnegie libraries throughout Scotland are fascinating. There are also information panels describing the many photographs and telling the story of how Scotland’s libraries were established and how they are evolving. The exhibition illustrates the importance of lending libraries and reading rooms for working class people who would not be able to afford to buy books.

But why oh why is there not a single mention of our very own Orkney Library ? Orkney Library is the oldest public library in Scotland.

In 1683, William Baikie bequeathed his library of over 150 books to the “Publeck Liberarie of Kirkwall” which, as former head librarian David Tinch says in his publication The Orkney Library 1683 – 1983, suggests that a public library already existed in Kirkwall. However, we are satisfied to date our inception from this year. – Orkney Archive, Get Dusty

I may be biased, and I do love libraries, and in my life I have been a member of local libraries wherever I have lived, but Orkney Library is up there at the top of the best I have used.

That’s why it was more than a little disappointing that this ancient institution and its invaluable archive did not figure in this national exhibition. Despite that serious omission, I would encourage people to visit the exhibition whilst it is at Maeshowe. As libraries throughout Scotland are facing cuts to their services by some short-sighted local authorities, it is excellent to see an exhibition which celebrates their role in providing free books and access to information for the public.

‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’ opened at the Maeshowe Visitor Centre on Friday 7 March and is on till Sunday 25 May 2025. Entry to the exhibition is free and no booking is required.

New Exhibition at Maeshowe Visitor Centre Celebrates Scotland’s libraries. 

Fiona Grahame