VIRL’s Port Clements branch opens for Sit Down Service

October 2, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver Island Regional Library’s (VIRL) Port Clements has opened for Sit Down service. Customers can now visit the branch to browse the collection, sit down to enjoy a book, and use a public computer for internet access, word processing, and more. The branch has thorough safety measures in place to limit the number of people accessing it at any one time and is ensuring adherence to all prescribed physical distancing measures.

“This is an important step forward for our customers on Haida Gwaii,” says Melissa Legacy, VIRL’s Director of Library Services and Planning. “By opening the branch for Sit Down, customers can enjoy their library and return to something closer to a pre-pandemic experience. I know the community is going to respond well to this increased service level.”

Part of VIRL’s phased approach to the resumption of library services, the library offers:

  • Access to the complete browsing collection
  • Self-checkout
  • Fee payments
  • Access to a single public computer
  • 24/7 drop box access to return library materials
  • Walkthrough hours are Tuesday – Thursday, 4 – 7pm and Saturday from 10am – 12pm and 1 – 4pm
  • Takeout is still available Tuesday – Thursday, 3 – 4pm and Saturday, 12 – 12:30pm

Customers who would like to access the browsing collection must have their library cards with them and use the self-check-out machines in the branch. The branch will continue to offer takeout services for those who would prefer to use this service.

For everyone’s safety, customers are asked to adhere to all posted safety information and the directives of staff.

VIRL is also now offering inter-branch deliveries of materials to provide customers with access to the entire collection, and an expanded suite of virtual programs and services.

Port Clements joins VIRL’s Bella Coola and Sayward branches in offering Sit Down service. There are plans to open the Queen Charlotte branch for Sit Down in mid-October.

For more information about the services and resources offered at VIRL, visit virl.bc.ca.

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Media Contact
David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Cell: 250.327.3651
Email: dcarson@virl.bc.ca

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