All VIRL branches closed in response to COVID-19
March 17, 2020
Latest update: March 18, 2020 (10:45 AM PST):
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and in light of the recommendations put forward today by the BC Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is closing all branches to the public as of 8 pm on March 16, 2020.
In coming to this difficult decision, we paid particular attention to the Province’s prohibition on gatherings of more than 50 people, and the strong appeal for everyone to stay home during this critical time. In this rapidly changing environment, we believe this is the best decision for our staff, customers, and the larger public.
Please check this page for further updates as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will Deliveries Continue during the closure period?
No.
Have due dates been extended?
Yes, VIRL will extend all due dates by six weeks and asks customers not to return any library materials until branches have reopened to the public.
Book returns will not be open during the closure.
Will a holds pick-up service be available?
No.
What services will continue during the closure?
Throughout the closure period, VIRL’s eLibrary — which includes thousands of ebooks and audiobooks, scores of downloadable music, and hours of streaming movies and TV — will remain open for anyone with a VIRL library card.
Can we apply for a library card online?
No, this service will not be available during the closure.
How will Books By Mail be impacted?
Books By Mail will not be available during the closure. Customers are to hold on to their titles until the closure period is over.
How will Interlibrary Loans be impacted?
There will be no Interlibrary Loans during the closure period.
More information
