Library Month Giveaway Challenge
October 8, 2026
During October Library Month we are celebrating 90 years of service across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast …
News and Stories
Spotlight: books, bumpy roads, and bookmobiles
October 1, 2026
Bookmobile service was part of Vancouver Island Regional Library since the very beginning. In 1936, we launched with seven combined …
Share memories with the new virtual guestbook
October 1, 2026
For 90 years, Vancouver Island Regional Library has connected communities across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and the Central Coast through …
October I ♥ My Library Month
September 30, 2026
Celebrating 90 years—and lighting the way forward October is Library Month: a time to celebrate the role libraries play in …
Spooktacular fall crafts with Creativebug
September 28, 2026
Fall into new, creative projects with help from Creativebug. With Creativebug, you can learn from expert instructors and explore hundreds …
Summer Reading Starts Here: Registration Now Open for Kids, Teens & Adults!
June 19, 2026
School’s almost out, the days are getting longer, and summer adventures are just around the corner. That means it’s also …
Come in and Cool Off at the Library
June 8, 2026
It’s that time again – the heat is on! High temperatures can pose serious health risks to those of all ages, and …
E&N Railway Land Grant Exhibit Opens In Nanaimo
June 1, 2026
New travelling exhibit about E&N Railway land grant opens in Nanaimo FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nanaimo — The Great Vancouver Island …
Vancouver Island Regional Library Celebrates 90 Years of Service in Coastal and Island Communities
May 30, 2026
Nanaimo, BC (May 30, 2026) – today, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) celebrates 90 years of service to communities across …
Fast Facts about Vancouver Island Regional Library
- Vancouver Island Regional Library is the fifth largest library system in British Columbia.
- Holdings at Vancouver Island Regional Library number almost one million and include books, magazines, CD’s and DVD’s. Card holders can borrow materials from any of our 39 locations.
- In 2012 there were 2.6 million visits to our branches and our customers borrowed 4.6 million items.
- Vancouver Island Regional Library opened its doors in 1936 as the Vancouver Island Union Library. We were the second regional library in North America.
- With 39 branch libraries across the island, Vancouver Island Regional Library serves over 430,000 people on Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast (Bella Coola)
