Come in and Cool Off at the Library
June 8, 2026
It’s that time again – the heat is on! High temperatures can pose serious health risks to those of all ages, and …
News and Stories
2026 Statutory Holiday Hours
December 14, 2025
2026 statutory holidays in British Columbia Please note that all VIRL branches are closed on the following Statutory holidays. We …
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 …
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 …
Nanaimo Harbourfront HVAC Upgrade
February 14, 2025
Work continues on the Nanaimo Harbourfront branch heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. As a result, access to the …
Inclement Weather Branch Update: November 21, 2024
November 21, 2024
Update: November 21, 2024 (11:00 am) Due to power outages, some VIRL branches remain closed today. Please check back here …
Island Health Supports Washroom Sensors For Library
June 18, 2024
Simple, safe, effective: Island Health grant supports washroom sensor project for Vancouver Island libraries FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nanaimo, BC (June …
Downtown Nanaimo Prepares for Filming
May 9, 2024
Downtown Nanaimo Prepares for Major Filming Production with Some Closures Between April 22 & May 31 Update: The Harbourfront library …
Snow and Cold Weather Updates
January 19, 2024
All VIRL branches are open today (except for the Cortes Island branch). Note that some branches will be delayed in …
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)
