Sooke
The land on which we gather is the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the T’sou-ke First Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
The Sooke branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library system was established in 1963.
To ensure the health and safety of all who study, work, and visit here, our Sooke branch is now a scent-free space. We thank you for your cooperation in maintaining this.
Branch Features
- 24/7 Book Return
- Wheelchair accessible
- 11 public access computers
- On BC Transit route
- Free public WiFi
- Collection size of 23,000 items
Meeting Rooms
Please note that our Meeting Space Guidelines are currently under review. Library programming in meeting rooms is continuing. Only room bookings by pre-existing VIRL partners will be honoured and accepted at this time. Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions about Meeting Space bookings, please contact us at info@virl.bc.ca.
Light Therapy Lamps (in-branch use)
Light Therapy Lamps are available on a first-come, first served basis. The lamps cannot be taken out of the library.
Find out more about the HappyLight Luxe LED Light Therapy Lamps.
How to use our light therapy lamps:
- Turn on the lamp and sit in front of it for 20-60 minutes each day at a minimum distance of about 6 inches (10,000 lux) and a maximum of 24 inches. Generally speaking, the closer the lamp is to you and the higher the brightness, the less time you need to use the lamp to experience results.
- For sensitive users, gradually increasing exposure is recommended.
- Your eyes need to be open and you must face the lamp. Do not look directly at the lamp. Adjust the angle of the lamp to suit your position.
FAQ
What lamp does the Sooke branch use?
The Sooke branch has 3x 10 000 lux HappyLight Luxe LED light therapy lamps. This particular lamp has 4 brightness levels.
Why is VIRL providing light therapy lamps?
Research by the Canadian Mental Health Association suggests that 2-3% of Canadians will experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in their lifetime. Another 15% will experience a milder form of SAD.
Light therapy lamps can be prohibitively expensive. This service provides access to light therapy for all Sooke residents that require it.
What is the borrow period for light therapy lamps?
Light therapy lamps can be borrowed for in-branch use for 90 minutes.
Is this safe to use for all ages?
Light therapy lamps can only be checked out by adults (aged 18+). If adults permit their child to use the light therapy lamp, they must be in close proximity to directly supervise. As a reminder, light therapy should not be done without first consulting with your doctor.
Are there any health concerns with use?
According to Verilux, these lamps “[s]afely bring daylight indoors with LED technology that offers full spectrum, 10,000 lux light without any harmful UV rays.”
Light therapy should not be done without first consulting your doctor because there can be side-effects to this treatment for some people. Vancouver Island Regional Library is not liable for any health issues related to use of these lamps. See product information from HappyLight Luxe for more information.
Seed Library
How it works:
- Seeds are free to take. Please limit to 3 packages per visit.
- If you want to try seed saving, bring some back to us next year.
- If you have leftovers from purchased seed packages, we welcome donations.
Donation requirements:
- Seed comes from a parent plant that was:
- Self-polinating
- Open-pollinated (non-hybrid, non-GMO)
- Grown organically
- Seeds should be under 2 years of age and have been stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Seed has been dried by the seed saver.
- The seed must be healthy.
- The seed must be clean – separated from the rest of the plant, free from insects.
- Seeds should be labelled (at minimum) with:
- Name of species and variety (e.g. Cherry Tomato, “Red Delight”)
- Year of harvest
- If you are unable to save seeds, we also gratefully accept fresh, commercially grown, open-pollinated (non-hybrid, non-GMO) seed for donation.
Thank you to our partnered organizations who make this Seed Library possible, including Full Circle Seeds, the Sooke Garden Club, EMCS Society, West Coast Seeds, and our many customers who have made donations.
Proctoring/Exam Invigilation
Students can book exam invigilation for a cost of $30 per exam. Please see our guidelines here. If a computer is required for an exam, please note that our only computers are located in a shared, public space.
The best way to arrange your exam time is to email us at sooke@virl.bc.ca with your school and course, how long your exam will take, whether you are using your computer or writing a paper exam, and your preferred dates. If you have submitted a request for a FoodSafe exam, please also email us directly at the above email address to confirm the request.
Contact Information
- Library Manager – Vacant
- Children & Youth Services Librarian – Marina Griffin
- Adult Services Librarian – Vacant
