News and Stories

Vancouver Island Regional Library and X̱aad Kíl Née Celebrates the Official Opening of the New Masset Library and Haida Language Immersion Lab

Masset, BC (August 21, 2025) – Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is excited to announce the official opening of the Masset Library and Haida Language Immersion Lab on September 13 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This community celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, soup, snacks, and refreshments, as well as a special Children’s Puppet Show featuring the traditional Haida story of The Oyster Catcher. The event is free and open to everyone, with additional activities for all ages throughout the day. RSVPs are encouraged and can be sent to mpatterson@virl.bc.ca.

“We are thrilled to invite the community to experience this valuable new space,” says Erin Hemmens, Chair of the VIRL Board of Trustees. “The Masset Library and Haida Language Immersion Lab will serve as an essential hub for learning, cultural preservation, and connection on Haida Gwaii. This has been a collaborative effort, and we are deeply grateful for the support from our partners, especially the Village of Masset, Old Massett Village Council, and X̱aad Kíl Née.”

The Masset Library provides 3,870 square feet designed to support learning, community engagement, and cultural preservation. Key features include:

• Architectural elements that honor Haida culture, such as timber beams, vertical cedar siding, and a roof pitch inspired by traditional designs.
• A dedicated Haida Language Immersion Lab, providing a space for language learners to practice, record, and share knowledge.
• A shared meeting room with videoconferencing technology for remote learning.
• A welcoming fireplace lounge, a vibrant children’s area, and comfortable reading and study spaces for all ages.

This project is made possible through a $4.6 million investment, funded by VIRL’s Capital Levies, a loan from the Municipal Finance Authority, and generous grants from the North Coast Regional District, Gwaii Trust Society, and Northern Development Initiatives Trust.

“The Village of Masset has eagerly anticipated this new library, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life,” says Sheri Disney, Mayor of the Village of Masset. “The library incorporates feedback from the community, ensuring it reflects our needs and values. We are proud to be part of this investment in our future.”

The Haida Language Immersion Lab, operated by X̱aad Kíl Née (Haida Language Office), a department of Old Massett Village Council, will serve as a crucial resource for preserving and revitalizing the X̱aad Kíl dialect of the Haida language, with fewer than ten fluent speakers remaining. The Lab will offer language learning materials, flexible spaces for cultural activities, and a welcoming environment for both local and external learners.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our partners in the creation of this facility,” says Jaasaljuus Yakgujanaas, Team Lead of X̱aad Kíl Née (Haida Language Office). “This Lab will be vital in ensuring the survival of the Haida language for generations to come.”

We want to thank all the staff who made this moment possible, alongside our valued partners: the Village of Masset, Old Massett Village Council, X̱aad Kíl Néé (Haida Language Office), the North Coast Regional District, Gwaii Trust Society, Northern Development Initiatives Trust, and CityWest. We also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

Event Details:

• Date: September 13, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Masset Library, 1700 Hodges Avenue, Village of Masset, V0T 1M0
• Activities: Ribbon cutting, Children’s Puppet Show (The Oyster Catcher), refreshments, and community engagement activities
• RSVP: mpatterson@virl.bc.ca

For more information about the new Masset Library and Haida Language Immersion Lab, please visit: virl.bc.ca/new-masset-library. To support this project, donations are still being accepted here: Donate Now – Vancouver Island Regional Library

We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with the community!

About Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL):

VIRL is the fifth largest regional library system in British Columbia, serving 39 communities across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Haida Gwaii, and Bella Coola. VIRL provides access to information, learning, and community resources, bringing economies of scale to both large and rural communities. With its cooperative model, VIRL ensures that all 39 branches work together to enhance literacy, promote lifelong learning, and build stronger community connections across the region.

Media Contact:

Natasha Bartlett
Phone: 250-327-3114
Email: nbartlett@virl.bc.ca
Website: www.virl.bc.ca