News and Stories

Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has removed a significant barrier to give more children access to our important literacy resources. As of January 1, 2019, all fines on children’s materials have been eliminated, and all outstanding fines waived.

“This simple solution is a wonderful response to a demonstrated community need,” says VIRL’s Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “By eliminating children’s fines, we are helping to ensure that library services are available to some of our customers who need them most. After all, children should not be faulted or punished for overdue library items — instead, they should have barriers to access removed so they can grow and learn without limitations.”

The VIRL Board of Trustees unanimously passed the motion to eliminate children’s fines at their final meeting of 2018.

“For some families, library fines can mean the difference between being able to access library materials or not,” says Director of Library Services and Planning, Melissa Legacy. “With this initiative, we’re committing to giving all kids an equal opportunity to access and benefit from the wonderful literacy resources we offer. The elimination of children’s fines will open new doors of discovery for kids and families across our service area.”

VIRL is celebrating this important milestone during Family Literacy Week (Sunday, January 20 – Sunday, January 27), an annual celebration at VIRL that highlights families and children reading together at branches across our library system. Find out more about all the amazing literacy-based events happening during Family Literacy Week, and every week.

Kids and families are encouraged to visit their branch today to start checking out fine-free children’s materials!

Full details about the elimination of children’s fines are available at virl.bc.ca/get-help/borrowing-tips/.

For more Information

David Carson
Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives
250.753.1154 ex 248
Cell: 250.327.3651

dcarson@virl.bc.ca