Support for everyone impacted by residential schools
July 9, 2021
At Vancouver Island Regional Library, we stand in support of everyone who has been impacted by residential schools. We are …
News and Stories
Vancouver Island Regional Library announces new Executive Director
July 8, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nanaimo, BC – Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has hired a new Executive Director. Ben Hyman is …
Hey Book Lover, What’s Your Sign?
July 2, 2021
Every month we share picks based on your Horoscope! Cancer, this month is all about exploring emotional depth. Cancer: …
Reproduction of the Witness Blanket on display at Harbourfront branch in downtown Nanaimo
July 2, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, July 2, 2021, Nanaimo, BC – A reproduction of the Witness Blanket, a powerful art installation …
Black Snake: Standing Rock, the Dakota Access Pipeline, and Environmental Justice
July 2, 2021
Black Snake: Standing Rock, the Dakota Access Pipeline, and Environmental Justice, by Katherine Wiltenburg Todrys, June 2021 From the …
A new podcast for bookish people launches
June 17, 2021
Vancouver Island, BC – Summer road trip season is here and thanks to a new podcast from staff at Vancouver …
Legit Librarian Hacks
June 17, 2021
Answering your questions about Libby and OverDrive Many of our customers have tried our already popular eBook and eAudiobook collections …
A summer of reading and adventure for kids and teens
June 16, 2021
Vancouver Island, BC – Summer’s just around the corner and that means another exciting season of Summer Reading Club (SRC) …
VIRL Connects Initiative Wins American Library Association Award
June 14, 2021
Vancouver Island, BC – For the second year in a row, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has been awarded an …
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)
