90th Anniversary Passport Program
May 29, 2026
VIRL 90th Anniversary Passport Program
Explore. Collect. Celebrate.
For 90 years, Vancouver Island Regional Library has connected communities across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast, and beyond. To celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting library users of all ages to embark on a library adventure across our region.
Pick up a VIRL 90th Anniversary Passport, visit library branches, collect unique branch stamps, and discover the diverse communities that make VIRL one of British Columbia’s largest and most geographically unique public library systems. Along the way, you’ll be entered for a chance to win prizes while celebrating the places, people, and stories that have shaped VIRL for nine decades.
Program Dates: May 30 – October 31, 2026
How It Works
Pick Up a Passport
Beginning May 30, passports are available free of charge at any VIRL branch.
Visit Branches and Collect Stamps
Visit VIRL branches and ask staff to stamp your passport. No purchase, checkout, or library card is required.
Enter to Win
There are two ways to participate:
Main Prize Draw
Visit any five VIRL branches and collect five stamps to qualify for the Main Prize Draw.
Regional Prize Draws
Complete all branches within a coloured region shown on the passport map legend to qualify for that region’s prize draw.
Participants who complete an entire region will also receive an additional entry into the Main Prize Draw. Additional completed regions earn additional regional prize entries.
Submit Your Passport
Complete the contact information section and return your passport to any VIRL branch by October 31, 2026.
Regions
The passport features 11 regions across the VIRL service area:
- Haida Gwaii
- South Island
- Cowichan Valley & Area
- Nanaimo & Area
- Oceanside
- West Coast
- Comox Valley
- Campbell River & Islands
- Tahsis/Gold River
- North Island
- Bella Coola
Participants are welcome to complete as many regions as they wish.
Prizes
Main Prize Draw
Prize Value: Approximately $150
One winner will receive a library-themed prize package featuring items such as bags, notebooks, socks, literary-themed collectibles, and VIRL memorabilia.
Regional Prize Draws
Prize Value: Approximately $40 each
There are 11 regional prize packages available—one for each passport region. Each package contains library-themed swag and collectibles.
Eligibility
- Open to library users of all ages.
- No VIRL library card is required.
- No purchase is necessary to participate.
- Participants must provide a name, phone number, and email address on their passport to be eligible for prize draws.
- Passports with incomplete contact information will not be entered.
- VIRL employees are welcome to participate; staff are eligible for a separate staff prize draw.
How to Enter
- Pick up a passport at any VIRL branch.
- Visit branches and collect stamps.
- Fill out your:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Return your completed passport to any VIRL branch by October 31, 2026.
- Winners will be drawn on November 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a library card?
No. A valid VIRL library card is not required to participate.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Participation is completely free.
Do I need to check out materials to get a stamp?
No. Simply visit the branch and ask staff to stamp your passport.
Do I need to complete the entire passport?
No. Completing the entire passport is optional.
Can I keep my passport?
Yes, but only passports submitted to VIRL will be entered into the prize draws.
What if I cannot physically visit branches?
The passport program is designed to encourage in-person branch visits. However, branches may be able to assist Books by Mail participants and others on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your local branch for more information.
Winner Selection
Prize winners will be selected by random draw from eligible entries received by October 31, 2026.
Draws will take place on or around November 30, 2026. Winners will be contacted using the phone number or email address provided on their passport. Prizes will be available for pickup at the winner’s preferred VIRL branch.
Official Rules and Terms
- No purchase necessary.
- One passport submission per participant.
- Entries must be received by October 31, 2026.
- Participants are responsible for providing accurate contact information.
- VIRL is not responsible for lost, damaged, incomplete, illegible, or late entries.
- Prizes have no cash value and must be accepted as awarded.
- By participating, entrants agree to the administration of the contest and the use of their submitted contact information for contest administration purposes only.
- VIRL reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the program if circumstances beyond its control make it necessary to do so.
- Decisions regarding eligibility and prize awards are final.
For questions about the program, please contact your local VIRL branch or visit virl.bc.ca/90th.
Happy travelling, and thank you for helping us celebrate 90 years of stories, connections, and community. 🎉📚🌲
