VIRL offering online card registration, 24/7 WiFi and more while branches closed
March 27, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 27, 2020: Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) branches remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still have so much to offer VIRL cardholders across our library system. From existing online resources to new and enhanced offerings, VIRL is committed to offering services, amenities and entertainment to help in these challenging times.
Here are some of the newest services and enhancements VIRL has made available:
Online Registration
We are so excited to be able to offer online registration for anyone who wants to take advantage of VIRL’s amazing online resources. A library card is your gateway to ebooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and TV, music, and more.
Sign up here: https://virl.bc.ca/get-help/get-a-card/
24/7 WiFi
To help everyone stay connected, VIRL is now offering 24/7 WiFi outside our branches for as long as we are able to. Those taking advantage of this service are reminded to follow all social distancing protocols as mandated by our Health Authorities.
Overdrive
VIRL has added unlimited copies of ebooks and audiobooks available on a wide selection of popular titles — no holds, no wait lists.
Here some more examples of exciting online resources at VIRL:
RBDigital
Access to thousands of downloadable audiobooks and magazines.
Lynda.com
Lynda.com offers courses with a focus on skills for business, creative industries, education, information technology, software, and web development. The tutorials are high quality and led by industry experts.
Find Lynda.com in our All Databases section.
Press Reader
The world’s largest online newspaper and magazine kiosk, where you can browse and read hundreds of full-content premium newspapers and magazines from around the globe.
IndieFlix
This streaming movie service provides unlimited access to award-winning shorts, feature films, and documentaries from major festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, Cannes.
Tumblebooks
Teachers and homeschoolers can find free educational ebooks for students from kindergarten to high school. No library card is required to access Tumblebooks.
Mango Languages
Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 45 different language courses, including Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.
Music
Access millions of downloadable and streaming music from Freegal Music and the Naxos music library.
“Social distancing can be a lonely experience for our customers, and VIRL staff have been working hard to find new, innovative, and exciting ways to help,” says VIRL’s Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “Your libraries remain as places you can turn to for support, services, and connection. We will continue to innovate in the face of the fluid and unpredictable landscape we find ourselves in as a result of COVID-19.”
We’ve got a lot more to keep you engaged, entertained and informed in these uncertain times. Be sure to follow VIRL on social media, check our website regularly at virl.bc.ca
or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter for tips, tricks, recommendations, and stories from across our system.
We’re here for you, just like always.
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
