VI Regional Library Nanaimo Harbourfront

06/01/2026

🏳️‍🌈Join us Thursday June 25th from 6-8pm at the Nanaimo Harbourfront Library for a free Pride month screening of In The Closet, a brand-new docu-series about non-binary fashion and identity. In the Closet is written, directed and hosted by Ajahnis Charley—a Black, non-binary writer, filmmaker and comedian based in Toronto—who raids their enby besties’ closets looking to affirm both their identity and their hotness. 🎩🧢👔 👠🥻

🍿🥤 Free snacks and drinks! The docu-series runs 78 minutes. Stick around after for a clothing swap, to make friends, and talk about the film and q***r fashion. 🏳️‍⚧️

Join us for a free Pride month screening of In The Closet, a brand-new docu-series about non-binary fashion and identity. …

05/31/2026

just one part of VIRL's 90th birthday celebrations

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

🎉 Today, VIRL turns 90! 🎉

For 90 years, Vancouver Island Regional Library has connected people, ideas, and communities across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, Bella Coola, and the Central Coast.

What began in 1936 with six branches, 12,648 books, and a $500 grant has grown into one of British Columbia’s largest and most geographically diverse public library systems, serving urban centres, coastal villages, and some of Canada's most rural and remote communities.

This anniversary is more than a celebration of our history. It’s a celebration of the generations of people who have learned, discovered, connected, created, and found belonging through their libraries.

Today, communities across the VIRL system are celebrating this milestone with local events, guest books, activities, refreshments, and opportunities to share library memories. It's also the official launch of the VIRL 90th Anniversary Passport Program, inviting people of all ages to explore libraries across the region, collect stamps, and win prizes.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of VIRL’s story over the past nine decades. Here's to 90 years of stories, learning, connection, and community.

Learn more and join the celebration: virl.bc.ca/90th

05/28/2026

All 39 branches of Vancouver Island Regional Library are celebrating VIRL’s 90th Birthday on Saturday, May 30th. 🥳

Stop by VI Regional Library Nanaimo Harbourfront 11am to Noon to enjoy cake, a few kids activities, and sign our guestbook. Share your library memories! 📖☺️

05/20/2026

Join us for the book launch of Eyes Wide Shut, a poetry anthology featuring 25 poets from BC and beyond under the theme of Wild Nature.

The authors in this collection seek to capture their impressions from the perspective of being within nature, both as keen observer and quiet participant. They pause long enough to breathe in their surroundings and to relay their experiences in words and images as they strive to do justice to the entities and elements they encounter.

This event will feature Shelley A. Leedahl, Pat Smekal, Elizabeth Boyd, Marlene Dean, Ian Cognitō, Daniela Lorenzi, Christopher Levenson, Nilofar Shidmehr, and Ruth Hill

This event will take place at Nanaimo Harbourfront Library on Saturday, June 13 at 2:30PM!
Event link: https://www.facebook.com/share/16tMFpTsfC/

05/19/2026

Join us this Sunday for a fun event in collaboration with VIU’s Board Games Club. There will be a tournament and casual play of board games including Splendor (original), Pokémon Splendor, Ticket to Ride, Carcassone, and Harmonies.

Tickets to participate are free and snacks and drinks will be provided. Beginners are welcome!

Practice session and game tutorials will be 1-3pm and the tournament will run 3-6pm.

Come for the games, stay for the community!

Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Join this fun event in collaboration with VIU’s Board Games Club. There will be tournaments and casual play of board …

05/15/2026

Join us for the final TRC57 Speaker Series webinar before our summer break with Dr. Aaron Mills on May 20 from 12–1pm PT.

In this deeply reflective talk, Dr. Mills invites us to reconsider resurgence and reconciliation through the lens of rooted constitutionalism: an Indigenous understanding of political community grounded in land, relationship, and responsibility.

Drawing from Anishinaabe teachings, Indigenous law, and lived experience, this conversation challenges us to think differently about governance, belonging, and our shared relationship with the living earth.

This is a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect, and engage with ideas that continue to shape the path forward for reconciliation in Canada.

🎟️ Register now and join the conversation before we break for summer.
https://virl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JKmldLuwS0-j0EuGrUYgxQ #/registration

The TRC57 Speaker Series will return in the fall with two more inspiring speakers.
More info: https://trc57speakerseries.ca/speakers/dr-aaron-mills/

02/27/2026

**THIS SATURDAY** at VI Regional Library Nanaimo Harbourfront !! 🤩

VIRL is proud to collaborate with the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) to host a Free, All-Ages Celebration of …