Library Strike Updates and Information
April 13, 2022
On Monday, April 11, VIRL and BCGEU reached a tentative agreement in mediation. All branches are open per regular hours. …
News and Stories
VIRL re-engaging mediator in hopes of ending impasse
April 9, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Saturday, April 9, 2022 – Following a productive discussion at the April 9 Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) Board …
Ten DIY Spring Crafts
April 1, 2022
Whether you’re celebrating spring or Easter (or both!), this is a great time of year for the entire family to …
VIRL/BCGEU bargaining update
March 26, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Saturday, March 26, 2022 – On Thursday, March 17, the members of BCGEU Local 702 wrote the …
Union rejects VIRL’s latest offer, strike escalating
March 24, 2022
BCGEU has rejected the latest offer from Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL). Following two nights of VIRL-requested mediation, during which …
Sooke library grand opening postponed due to labour action
March 22, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, March 21, 2022 – The grand opening celebrations for the new Sooke branch of Vancouver Island …
Shadow Puppet Contest
March 20, 2022
*Due to the strike, our announcement of the winner has been delayed. Please stay tuned!* Spring break 2022 is all …
Vancouver Island Regional Library standing by for a revised BCGEU counter-proposal
March 15, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, March 15, 2022 – Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is standing by for a revised counter-proposal …
With strike on the horizon, BCGEU wage counterproposal signals movement away from an agreement
March 7, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, March 7, 2022 – With picketing slated to commence later this week, the British Columbia …
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)
