News and Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver Island Regional Library’s (VIRL) Cowichan branch has joined Nanaimo North, South Cowichan, and Nanaimo Harbourfront to offer Walkthrough library services to their communities. The branch has thorough safety measures in place to limit the number of people accessing it at any one time, is ensuring adherence to all prescribed physical distancing measures, and is providing access to a limited browsing collection for customers to check out.

The Walkthrough service starts today at 1pm.

“It is so exciting to see our Cowichan branch opening up for Walkthrough service,” says Melissa Legacy, VIRL’s Director of Library Services and Planning. “We know from experience that our communities are responding very well to this limited in-branch service and I have no doubt that our Cowichan branch will provide important connections and access to community members.”

Part of VIRL’s phased approach to the resumption of library services, the library offers:

• A walkthrough area to browse a limited collection
• Self-checkout
• Fee payments
• Grab and Go bags
• Walkthrough hours are Monday – Friday, 1 – 4pm
• Materials can be returned Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
• Takeout is still available Monday – Saturday, 10am – 12pm

Customers who would like to access the limited browsing collection must have their library cards with them and use the self-check-out machines in the branch. The branch will continue to offer takeout services for those who would prefer to use this service.

For everyone’s safety, customers are asked to adhere to all posted safety information and the directives of staff. During this first phase of walkthrough service, there will be no access to the public washrooms, computers, or seating area.

VIRL is also now offering inter-branch deliveries of materials to provide customers with access to the entire collection, and an expanded suite of virtual programs and services.

For more information about the services and resources offered at VIRL, visit virl.bc.ca.

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Media Contact
David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Cell: 250.327.3651
Email: dcarson@virl.bc.ca