Quadra Island Library Expansion
September 29, 2025
What You Need to Know We are thrilled to share that the Quadra Island Library is expanding! This exciting project …
News and Stories
Updated Branch Hours
September 21, 2025
Updates to Our Library Hours – Here’s What You Need to Know Hey VIRL community! We wanted to let you …
Official Opening of the New Masset Library
August 21, 2025
Vancouver Island Regional Library and X̱aad Kíl Née Celebrates the Official Opening of the New Masset Library and Haida Language …
Ask us about our upgraded catalogue
July 30, 2025
Exciting news! Our catalogue upgrade is going to make exploring VIRL’s vast collection of books, audiobooks, eBooks, and more easier …
A Summer of Reading for All Ages!
June 23, 2025
Summer of Reading at Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) Get ready to colour your summer with reading! Our summer reading …
Thank You for Participating in the Future of Public Libraries
June 3, 2025
You Helped Shape the Future of Public Libraries in Canada This survey is now closed. As a proud member of …
Canada Post Strike service notice
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025 Update – The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has stated that instead of a strike, which they …
Virtual Author Talk with Lynda Gray June 11
May 20, 2025
Virtual Author Talk with Lynda Gray In Honor of Indigenous People’s Day Join us for a special event featuring acclaimed author …
Harbourfront Welcomes CBC’s Nahlah Ayed
April 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nanaimo Harbourfront Library Welcomes CBC’s Nahlah Ayed for Sold-Out National Ideas Series Event Nanaimo, BC (April 10, …
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)
