Vancouver Island Regional Library + Fans

10/16/2026

It's Canadian Library Workers Day! There are so many people who make this library system special, from delivery drivers to cataloguers, library assistants, librarians and everyone in between. THANK YOU! 🫶🤩

Have something nice to say about someone who works at your local library? Share in the comments below!

10/16/2026

📖📢LIBRARY MONTH GIVEAWAY CHALLENGE #2!📖📢

Tell us a scary story in five words or less in the comments below for the chance to win one of four bookish prize packs! We'll go first: "The library shelves are empty."

Here's how you play this challenge:
✅Answer the question or challenge in the comments below to enter the draw.
✅One entry per person, per challenge.
✅ This is the second of three challenges. Giveaway closes Oct.29.
✅Read the full giveaway rules on our website. Check out the link in the comments below.

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Meta.
📍Please note, we'll never ask you to click on a link or send us private information. Prize packs may differ from the photo below.

10/15/2026

Who remembers due date cards? Our Sointula branch found a box of cards and stamps we used to mark the return date before our systems went online.

⭐Fun fact: Did you know we used different colour cards to represent different genres? Blue cards were fiction and white, were non-fiction, for example.

10/15/2026

🚲🚙📚 Who doesn't love exploring new libraries? There's still time to join our 90th Anniversary Passport Program for the chance to WIN great prizes.

Here's how to get in on the fun:

🌟 Pick up your FREE passport at any VIRL branch. Explore library branches and collect unique stamps.
🌟 Visit 5 branches to enter the Main Prize Draw (we have 39 to explore!).
🌟 Complete a passport region for a shot at one of 11 Regional Prize Draws—plus an extra entry for the Main Draw!
🌟Fill out your contact info and return your passport to any branch by Oct. 31 for the chance to win prizes.

Already playing? How many branches have you visited so far?

10/14/2026

We have NEWS!📢The Great Vancouver Island Land Grab exhibit is moving to the Sooke library branch.

The exhibit explores the history and ongoing legacy of the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway land grant, a pivotal chapter in Vancouver Island's history that continues to shape communities, land use and treaty negotiations today. You can catch the exhibit at the Cowichan library, during open hours, until Friday, Oct.16.

It opens at the Sooke library this Sunday, Oct.18.

10/09/2026

📖📢LIBRARY MONTH CHALLENGE #1!📖📢

Share your library memories with us! Comment with your answer below for the chance to win one of four bookish prize packs, with treats like a bookish mug, a $25 gift card to Chapters, library tote and MORE!

Here's how you play:
✅Answer the question or challenge in the comments below to enter the draw.
✅One entry per person, per challenge.
✅ This is the first of three challenges. Giveaway closes Oct.29.
✅Read the full giveaway rules on our website. Check out the link in the comments below.

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Meta.

📍Please note, we'll never ask you to click on a link or send us private information. Prize packs may differ from the photo below.

10/08/2026

❤️Some things never change. Storytimes have been held at our libraries for years! Who has memories of Storytime?

📷Librarian Ina Gourley reads to children at the Ladysmith library (circa 1977)
📷 Storytime (circa 1986)
📷Storytime the Gabriola branch with Librarian Kendra Runnalls (2024)

10/07/2026

🍂📕Such a great feeling! Visit your local branch to stock up for the Thanksgiving long weekend. Please note all branches will be CLOSED on Monday, Oct.12 for the holiday.

While we're away, visit our website anytime to borrow an eBook, stream a movie or explore our arts and craft courses.

10/06/2026

Join award-winning author Jenn Ashton this Thursday for a virtual book launch.📖

Jenn's memoir, Growing My Way Home: Stories of Resilience and Care, explores her experiences growing up separated from her culture and language and how she reached acceptance and understanding.

👉Find the link to join the event and register for a reminder here: https://virl.bc.ca/event/virtual-book-launch-of-growing-my-way-home-with-jenn-ashton/

📅 October 8 | 🕑️ 6pm-7pm |

Join us for the virtual launch of Jenn Ashton’s memoir, Growing My Way Home: Stories of Resilience and Care! Sad, …

07/02/2026

🎉 It's finally here... TODAY'S THE DAY! Your summer reading adventure starts now! 📚☀️

Whether you're raising a little bookworm, have a teen looking for a fun challenge, or you're ready to tackle your own summer reading goals, we've got something for everyone!

🐠 Kids can dive into an Under the Sea Summer Reading Club.
🐉 Teens can embark on the Sea of Monsters Teen Summer Challenge.
📖 And of course, adults can join the Adult Summer Reading Challenge and read for a chance to win great prizes!

Read. Explore. Complete challenges. Win prizes. It's free, fun, and happening all summer long at your local VIRL branch.

📚 Okay, we want to know... What's the first story you'll be reading this summer? 👇

Learn more and get started today:
https://virl.bc.ca/summer-reading-starts-here-registration-now-open-for-kids-and-teens/