Get Your Library Card Today!

One card..so many possibilities. A VIRL library card is free for anyone who lives in our service area. Stop by any branch and sign up for your card today!

We need to confirm your name and address to issue your card.

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)

Kids Cards

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.

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!

Child Card Application

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.

How do I get a BC OneCard at VIRL?

  • You must be a BC resident
  • Show your VIRL card at any participating library in BC
  • 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 1 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 cannot request items or borrow from special collections (reference, magazines, kits)

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

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

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

Books By Mail

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

Just Visiting?

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

Regular non-resident/visitor membership

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

  • Household membership (12 months) – $200
  • Household membership (6 months) – $100
  • Household membership (3 months) – $50
  • Household membership (2 months) – $35
  • Household membership (1 month) – $20

Non-resident from former VIRL service areas

Residents of former VIRL service areas (Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, Highlands, Central Saanich) can purchase a non-resident membership.

  • Household membership (12 months) -$500
  • Household membership (6 months) – $250
  • Household membership (3 months) – $125
  • Household membership (2 months) – $85

Non-resident internet use

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

Rules

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 fines or charges for lost or damaged materials
  • 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.