LONDON -- Libraries may have a reputation for being a quiet, well-mannered bunch, but the ones in Scotland don't mind a bit of banter on social media.
Shetland Library and Orkney Library, in particular, love nothing more than a bit of back and forth. The most recent example came on Friday, when Shetland Library started bragging on Twitter about their appearance in BBC crime drama Shetland.
Countdown to #Shetland with @djhenshall! Library might be location unless we've been cut. This was us last series! pic.twitter.com/gXpgPfQlWN— Shetland Library (@ShetlandLibrary) March 4, 2016
@leedslibraries So we should! Don't think @OrkneyLibrary are allowed to join, they have yet to reach such levels of fame.— Shetland Library (@ShetlandLibrary) March 4, 2016
Undeterred, Orkney Library hit back Friday night as Shetland aired.
Lerwick Library!! We always knew they were dodgy #Shetland— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 4, 2016
Better keep in our good books then @OrkneyLibrary! #Shetland https://t.co/At94mLDmPU— Shetland Library (@ShetlandLibrary) March 4, 2016
The whole back and forth carried on for awhile, BBC Scotland got involved, and then eventually the libraries bid each other good night.
The next day, Orkney Library tweeted to say they'd be talking about Robert Galbraith's The Cuckoo's Calling for their Saturday book discussion.
Join us for Saturday Slaughters to discuss The Cuckoo's Calling by @RGalbraith 2.30pm Saturday 5 March pic.twitter.com/7Pep6M51aA— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 4, 2016
And someone entirely unexpected responded.
@OrkneyLibrary @RGalbraith That sounds like a fun event.— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2016
@jk_rowling @RGalbraith It certainly will be. If you set off for Scrabster now you should still catch the ferry...— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 4, 2016
@OrkneyLibrary @RGalbraith Weather looks a bit rough. Might just Apparate.— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2016
@OrkneyLibrary @RGalbraith No wait... you want Robert, not me. He can drive (I can't).— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2016
@jk_rowling @RGalbraith We would be delighted with either of you. Perhaps we should add that there will be cake.— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 4, 2016
@OrkneyLibrary @RGalbraith What kind of cake?— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2016
@jk_rowling @RGalbraith What is your favourite? Or Robert's favourite?— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 4, 2016
@OrkneyLibrary @RGalbraith Robert (and Strike) are both partial to fruitcake. Something with a bit of heft to it. I like lemon drizzle cake.— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2016
@jk_rowling @RGalbraith We shall have both of those then. We'll keep a seat for you (and him). Tea or coffee?— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 4, 2016
@OrkneyLibrary @RGalbraith Tea the colour of creosote, just the way Strike likes it.— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 4, 2016
@jk_rowling @RGalbraith Quite right too. Weak tea is the work of the devil.— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 4, 2016
And we have the lemon cake on standby just in case @jk_rowling turns up #shopbought #weapologise pic.twitter.com/AmADuuEE42— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 5, 2016
Then, something magical happened.
We had a very special guest at Saturday Slaughters today. Thanks so much @jk_rowling Come back soon x pic.twitter.com/GVaXSVX88O— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 5, 2016
Yep. Rowling actually turned up.
.@OrkneyLibrary I had the best time! Thanks for wonderful chat, cake and, of course, letting me touch The Book. pic.twitter.com/VCrU2lJAT6— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 5, 2016
But the best part? It gave Orkney Library the ultimate comeback in their ongoing Twitter feud with Shetland library.
We wish to remain dignified in our response to the MANY tweets suggesting that @OrkneyLibrary are "winning" today... pic.twitter.com/swJqn1Rsh8— Shetland Library (@ShetlandLibrary) March 5, 2016
@ShetlandLibrary In. Your. Face. pic.twitter.com/0cmOusnlQI— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 5, 2016
(And it made loads of other libraries jealous, too.)
@ShropLibraries @jk_rowling It's all about having the neck to ask in the first place.— Orkney Library (@OrkneyLibrary) March 5, 2016