Libraries across the Western Isles are preparing to celebrate the people, stories and community spirit that help keep them thriving as two national campaigns come together next week to highlight the role libraries continue to play in island life.
From 1 to 6 June, Western Isles Libraries will mark both Libraries Change Lives Week and Volunteers’ Week, using the opportunity to encourage more people to reconnect with their local library, discover new opportunities and perhaps even volunteer some of their time.
For generations, libraries have been far more than places to borrow books, serving as welcoming community spaces where people can learn new skills, access information, meet others and stay connected with the world around them.
In communities spread across islands and rural areas, that role can be especially important, providing access to resources and services that might otherwise be difficult to reach.
Libraries Change Lives Week shines a spotlight on the positive impact libraries have on individuals and communities through learning opportunities, social interaction, access to books and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can feel included.
At the same time, Volunteers’ Week celebrates the thousands of people across the UK who freely give their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to support organisations and services in their local communities.
Throughout the week, staff at Western Isles Libraries will be highlighting a range of volunteering opportunities available across the islands and will be on hand to discuss how people can become involved.
The opportunities reflect the broad role libraries play within communities and range from practical outdoor projects to supporting local history and helping people access books and information.
Volunteers are being sought to help with a community working bee at Lionacleit, preparing the library garden for planting, while storytellers are also being encouraged to get involved, particularly those able to share stories in Gaelic in Tarbert or Castlebay.
Elsewhere, volunteers can assist with digitising valuable local history collections in Stornoway, helping preserve important records and stories for future generations.
Library teams are also seeking people willing to help deliver books to housebound borrowers, ensuring residents who are unable to visit branches in person can continue enjoying reading and library services.
Those with a passion for local or family history are being encouraged to share their knowledge with adults keen to learn more about their communities and heritage, while others may wish to become Friends of the Library, helping support activities and coordinate book sales throughout the year.
The week serves as a reminder that libraries continue evolving to meet the needs of modern communities while remaining rooted in the simple idea that knowledge, stories and opportunity should be accessible to everyone.
Across the Western Isles, that spirit remains very much alive, sustained not only by library staff but by volunteers whose contribution helps keep these valued community spaces at the heart of island life.
If you are inspired by Libraries Change Lives Week and would like to volunteer, Western Isles Libraries would love to hear from you.
Drop into your local library, fill in the online form on our website or contact library.enquiries@cne-siar.gov.uk to find out more.
