News and Stories

Thursday, December 6, 2018, Parksville, BC: Exciting renovations are coming to the Parksville branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL). The branch, which has been located on Jensen Avenue since 2001, will soon receive an aesthetic makeover that will significantly improve the experiences for library customers who use this branch.

“When the City of Parksville informed us that they were planning on redoing the floors in the library, we saw an opportunity to make other needed improvements,” says VIRL’s Executive Director Rosemary Bonanno.  “The renovations will make the Parksville branch a much more comfortable, user-friendly, and dynamic space. We’re very excited about this project. Customers will feel like they are stepping into a brand-new library.”

The renovations are projected to start on January 2, 2019 and to be complete just over a month later on February 7. The branch will be closed for the duration of the renovations, starting on January 1. Prior to the closure, customers can arrange with Parksville staff to have their holds picked up at either the Qualicum Beach or Nanaimo North branches while the library is under renovations.

Due to the short-term nature of the renovations, there will be no temporary library during the closure period. Customers can return their items to the Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo North, or any other branch of their choosing. To help address challenges customers may face with their library items during the closure, most items checked out from Parksville during the month of December will have a 70-day loan period, meaning they won’t be due back until after the branch has reopened.

Once complete, the renovated Parksville library will have the following features and amenities:

• New flooring
• New paintjob
• New lounge area with fireplace
• Replaced furniture throughout the branch
• Upgraded public computers
• New Circulation Desk
• New book drop

The total budget for this project is approximately $150 thousand, with $40 thousand being supplied by the City of Parksville for the flooring. The budget includes all aspects of the renovations noted above.

When it reopens in February, the branch will return to its regular hours of operation and staffing levels.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

For more Information
David Carson
Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives
250.753.1154 ex 248
Cell: 250.327.3651
dcarson@virl.bc.ca