VIRL closing all branches end of day March 16 in response to COVID-19
March 16, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 16, 2020, Vancouver Island, BC – As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and in light of the recommendations put forward today by the BC Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is closing all branches to the public as of 8pm tonight (March 16).
VIRL has also decided to cancel all remaining programs today, effective immediately.
“In coming to this difficult decision, we paid particular attention to the Province’s prohibition on gatherings of more than 50 people, and the strong appeal for everyone to stay home during this critical time,” says VIRL’s Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “In this rapidly changing environment, we believe this is the best decision for our staff, customers, and larger public.”
As a result of the closures, VIRL has extended all due dates by six weeks and asks customers not to return any library materials until branches have reopened to the public.
Throughout the closure, VIRL’s eLibrary — which includes thousands of ebooks and audiobooks, scores of downloadable music, and hours of streaming movies and TV — will remain open for anyone with a VIRL library card.
Media Contact
David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248
Cell: 250.327.3651
Email: dcarson@virl.bc.ca
