The library has a range of digital, online and physical material and collections that support the literary traditions of the Northern Isles.

[7] Having resided in ‘temporary’ accommodation from 1948 onwards which no longer provided adequate space for their expanding collections, the decision to relocate was taken.

In fact, in the early 1980s the congregation of St Ringan's had proposed selling the building to Shetland Islands Council (SIC) for the purpose of turning it into a library.

The building was still sold to the SIC – for the price of £1.00 – and after some renovations which were overseen by Historic Environment Scotland, St Ringan's became a library after all.

St Ringan's United Free Church is a B-listed, Gothic grey sandstone building with a squat crenellated central tower; it was built by R. G. Sykes of Liverpool in 1885–86.

[21][22] Mobile and housebound services are provided by a van, which travels around Shetland,[5] including the islands of Yell, Unst, Whalsay, Trondra, Burra and Muckle Roe.