Books By Mail
Service Update: Books By Mail Delivery will be available beginning January 2, 2025.
Due to the Canada Post strike, BBM delivery services were paused until Canada Post delivery disruptions are resolved. The strike is now over and Canada Post is addressing a backlog of deliveries.
Existing BBM customers may continue to place holds; however, please note we will be continuing deliveries beginning January 2. All library items currently out have been renewed until February 13, 2025.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
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Books by Mail (BBM) is a free mail service for people who live in a remote location within the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) service area.
As a regional system, the VIRL service area totals more than 42,000 square kilometres, from Sooke and Sidney in the south to Port Hardy, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast in the north.
We aim to ensure exemplary library services for all our members. In addition to remote residential addresses, BBM can provide service to those living in lighthouses, research centers, fishing camps and supply outposts. These are places people live and work at for long periods of time.
To qualify for the BBM service, you:
- must have your primary residence within VIRL’s remote service area
- do not have access to a library branch and use BBM as your primary library source
- be in residence for an extended period of time to allow for set-up, delivery and return of items
- must have access to a Canada Post outlet
Adults, youth and kids may register for BBM to borrow books, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs, and they can request items online, by telephone or by mail.
Visit our Get a Card page, email us at bbm@virl.bc.ca, or call 1.877.415.VIRL (8475) to request Books by Mail service.
