Using the Library
Welcome to Western Isles Libraries!
Welcome to Western Isles Libraries, your gateway to knowledge and exploration in the breathtaking beauty of the Outer Hebrides.
Our mission is to bring the joy of reading and the power of learning to even the most isolated corners of our beloved islands.
We have 4 static libraries and 2 mobile libraries. Our main library is situated in Stornoway, the other 3 are situated in Castlebay, Lionacleit and Tarbert.
Our van Lachaidh covers Benbecula & the Uist islands while the other van Lexy covers Lewis & Harris.
Please explore our website for more information on our services, events and all the rest!
We hope you always receive a high level of service at our libraries. If you would like to make a complaint, or a suggestion on how we could improve our service to you, please see the complaints procedure.
Joining & Membership
Joining the library is free to all residents of the Western Isles.
We have different kinds of memberships.
You can join the library as an adult member, a junior member, a teacher or a virtual member. And babies can join too!
If you run a playgroup or are members of a reading group , you can also take out group membership of the library, which will allow you to borrow more items for a longer period of time. We simply need one member of the group to act as guarantor and look after the membership.
If you would like to join a library, bring along some proof of your address - for example: a driving license, bank statement or utility bill.
If you are under 16 years, a parent or guardian will need to sign on your behalf.
Fill in the relevant forms right here:
If you are a local resident and just interested in e-resources, you can become a Virtual Member – this will allow you to borrow e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-comics, manga & graphic novels from the library as well as search through a range of online resources from your home.
Fill in the form here:
You may also join as a visitor on payment of a small returnable deposit.