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 …
News and Stories
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, …
VIRL Hosts Love in a Dangerous Time
March 7, 2025
VIRL Hosts Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge Pop-Up Exhibition FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nanaimo, BC – Vancouver Island …
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)
