News and Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Exciting things are happening at Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL). From “takeout” style library services to online programming, VIRL customers can reconnect with their library in new and innovative ways.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought much of society to a standstill,” says VIRL’s Executive Director Rosemary Bonanno. “Libraries were well positioned with our existing online services to help customers navigate these uncertain times. Now, I am excited to announce that VIRL is ready to begin the process of opening back up, and that includes getting books, DVDs, and other physical materials into people’s homes again.”

Takeout Service

VIRL’s Takeout service will start rolling out this week on a branch-by-branch basis. As locations and opening dates are finalized, we will provide updates on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, and at virl.bc.ca.

Customers will be able to place holds using the online catalogue. Staff will then collect the requested items and connect with the customer to arrange a time to pick the materials up. The entire experience is designed to minimize physical contact and ensure that robust safety measures are enacted and enforced.

All materials will be quarantined for 72 hours between loans.

More information about VIRL’s Takeout Service, including a comprehensive list of FAQs, is available at virl.bc.ca/takeout/.

A Book Club for Everyone

Join the online book club that’s about to sweep Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast. Starting June 1, customers can check out either the ebook or audiobook of Michael Christie’s critically acclaimed novel, Greenwood — a multigenerational family story, in which the unexpected legacies of a remote island off the coast of British Columbia will link the fates of five people over a hundred years.

The online book club focuses on building community and bringing customers together through a shared reading experience.

Book club facilitators will host discussions in a special Facebook group, facilitate conversation and manage the book club from start to finish. Michael Christie will also be online helping our staff promote the program.

Find all the details, including how to sign up for the club, at virl.bc.ca/all-news/news/one-book-one-community.

We’re Here!

We want to let our customers know we are still available to help them with all of their online library needs.

Whether they live on Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast, or Vancouver Island, VIRL staff are here to assist and answer customer questions seven days a week by phone, video chat, and email.

We’re helping customers with:

• Online registration
• Accessing our eBook and audiobooks through OverDrive
• Streaming movies, documentaries, and TV with our AcornTV and Kanopy platforms
• Downloading music from Naxos and Freegal
• Learning a new language with Mango Languages
• Developing new business and computer skills with Lynda.com
• Accessing resources for kids through National Geographic Kids, PebbleGo, and TumbleBookLibrary
• Reading recommendations, answering questions, and more!

Customers can call us at 1-877-415-VIRL (8475) or book a video conference appointment with our staff Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They can also reach us by email at info@virl.bc.ca.

It’s Storytime

We’re getting very close to offering online storytimes and other fantastic programming for a wide range of interests. Stay tuned for more information in the days ahead.

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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