About the Library

Not sure if you live in our service area? Take a look at our map.

When you come into a library branch, library staff will confirm your name and address.

If your ID doesn’t have your address, we’ll need to see two pieces for verification of your address. See below for examples of acceptable ID:

Acceptable ID

• BC driver’s license
• BC Services card
• BC ID (issued by the Dept. of Motor Vehicles for non-drivers)
• Birth certificate
• Student (bus) card issued by local high school
•  Passport
• Citizenship card
• Status card
• Canadian Armed Forces ID card
• Canadian Veterans card

Proof of Residence

• Automobile registration
• Assessment/tax notice
• Rental agreement (formalized)/receipt
• Moorage fees/receipt proving residence
• Letter or bill showing current address
• Personal mail with current postmark
• Bank statement
• Personalized cheques
• Parent’s name in database or phone book corresponding to address given by applicant (for teens)
• Provincial voter identification card (only if address included on card)

Children 12 years or younger must have a parent’s or legal guardian’s signature. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their child’s card, borrowed items, and fines.

• Bring your parent or legal guardian – they will need to sign your card.
• Or bring an Application Form that your parent or legal guardian has completed and signed.
• Or your parent or legal guardian can come in and get your card for you.

A Card Just for Kids!

This free library card is available to any child, ages 0-12 years old, including those with existing library cards or those who have never had a library card before.

The special children’s card, which features fun west coast artwork by local BC artist and children’s illustrator, Mike Deas, is designed to inspire children to visit their local library and to begin an adventure full of discovery, learning and creativity!

The BC OneCard is a library card for BC residents that opens the door to public libraries wherever you travel or stay in British Columbia.

How do I get a BC OneCard?

• You must be a BC resident.
• Register at the participating BC library you are visiting.
• Show personal ID and proof of residence.

What can I do with my BC OneCard?

• Check with the BC library you are visiting as to the services they offer to BC OneCard members.

Where do I return items I’ve borrowed?

• Any BC public library in BC.

Where can I use my BC OneCard?

• Any public library in the province.
• You will also need to provide your current ID with proof of your contact information to register within their library system.

When do I have to return the materials?

• The library you borrow the materials from will let you know when they are due.

Where do I pay fines on books I borrow?

• Fines and charges are payable to the library you borrowed from.
• Most library systems have a method of accepting online payments.

The BC OneCard is funded by the BC Ministry of Education, Public Library Services Branch.

The BC OneCard is a library card for BC residents that opens the door to public libraries wherever you travel or stay in British Columbia.

How do I get a BC OneCard at VIRL?

• You must be a BC resident.
• Show your library card issued by a library system in BC to register with us.
• Show personal ID and proof of residence.

What can I do with my BC OneCard?

• Borrow books, audiobooks, and CDs for three weeks.
• Borrow DVDs and Express Reads for one week.
• Borrow talking books (if registered as an talking book customer with visual impairments).
• Renew items up to two times if they are not requested by other customers.
• Use the internet for free.
• Participate in library programs.

*BC OneCard Customers can not request items or borrow from special collections (reference, magazines, kits) and specific eResources (Freegal, Kanopy, OverDrive).

Where do I return items I’ve borrowed?

• Any BC public library in BC.

Where can I use my BC OneCard?

• Any public library in the province.
• You will also need to provide your current ID with proof of your contact information to register within their library system.

When do I have to return the materials?

• You will be provided a due date slip listing all the borrowed items and their due dates.

Where do I pay fines on books I borrow?

• Fines and charges are payable to VIRL.
• Access our online payment system through virl.bc.ca.

The BC OneCard is funded by the BC Ministry of Education, Public Library Services Branch.

Live in a remote location within the Vancouver Island Regional Library Service area? Find out how you can sign up for Books By Mail!

Any adult and/or accompanying child who does not have a fixed address and/or proof of identity can register at their local branch for a Community Access Card. The card will provide access to in-branch and online library resources.

Consider a BC OneCard

The BC OneCard is a library card for BC residents that opens the door to public libraries wherever you travel or stay in British Columbia.

Register as a Visitor at any branch if you do not live or pay property taxes in the VIRL service area and want to borrow items or use our services

• Non-resident/visitor membership

This membership type entitles you to full use of the Library and its services for the term of the membership.

• Non-resident internet use

Non-residents or visitors may obtain access to public internet stations in all of our branches.

When you receive a library card, you agree to the following:

• Comply with all library rules and regulations
• Assume full responsibility for all materials borrowed on cards that bear your signature
• Pay promptly charges for lost or damaged materials
  • Patrons with fees of more than $40 will be asked to pay down their account before renewing, placing holds or borrowing more items.
• Give immediate notice of change of address or loss of card(s)

Failure to comply with library rules may result in loss of borrowing privileges.

Please see the Library’s  Rules of Conduct for details.