Pandemic pro-tips from an avid reader
May 13, 2020
Looking back Sarah Fisk says she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t reading a stack of books! Last year …
News and Stories
VIRL’s Rodney Frick is a top pick
May 13, 2020
When it comes to customer dedication, VIRL’s Rodney Frick is a top pick With his home library topping the shelves …
New crafting platform offers countless opportunities for crafters and makers on Vancouver Island
May 12, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, May 12, 2020: Calling all creatives! Pull out your paints and grab your glue gun — …
VIRL’s Indigenous Voices Initiative wins international ALA award
May 6, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has another award for the trophy case. VIRL’s Indigenous Voices Initiative has …
VIRL announces new virtual services for customers and a road map to in-branch services
May 4, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and disruptions across industries, organizations, and individuals. We have all been …
COVID-19 Updates
April 14, 2020
With many outdoor spaces and fitness centres temporarily closed due to COVID-19, maintaining an active lifestyle can be challenging. Not …
Vancouver Island Regional Library offers fun and safe ideas for long weekend
April 9, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, April 9, 2020: Despite a drop in new COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island, experts are reminding …
VIRL offering online card registration, 24/7 WiFi and more while branches closed
March 27, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 27, 2020: Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) branches remain closed as a result of the …
South Cowichan Alert
March 26, 2020
A presumptive case of COVID-19 at South Cowichan branch We recently learned of a presumptive case of COVID-19 at the …
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)
