The Western Isles Library relocated to the centre of town a number of years ago now and what an imporvement.
A bright, clean building with a vast selecvtion of fiction and non fiction books for all ages.
You can get a temporary card if you're on holiday so no need to take those bulky books with you for your down-time reading.
There are a selection of papers available at the main reception desk for public reading, along with some books for sale and cd's for borrowing. There's a large Adult fiction selection along with dvds for borrowing, which leads into the adult non-fiction.
Down at the other end and in the middle of the library are numerous computers that have free internet access for cardholders, aswell as standard typign programmes etc. You're able to print, photocopy, scan or fax documents for a small fee.
The refrence section is at the opposite side from the computers with large table so ideal for doing some research or quiet study.
You're able to have a look at issue of the local weekly paper The Stornoway Gazette here from literally over 50 years back to right up to the modern day.
The kids section has a nice variety of both non-fiction and fiction books and videos and dvds along with 3 computers for your child to access the internet safely.
In the centre of the library is a great big slab of local stone - Lewisian Gneiss and makes for a great focal point.
There are toilet facilities available for users of the library or the cafe, one single toilet and one disabled toilet.
The cafe serves great sandwiches and cakes but can get really busy, even at times you wouldn't have thought and it has large windows looking onto the main street so you have to choose your tabke wisely if you don't want to get caught snacking!
Forgot to add that you're also able to request books for a small fee if they don't have them in. Staff are always friendly and very helpful. read more
