VI Regional Library Port McNeill

06/21/2026

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, and throughout National Indigenous History Month, we celebrate the rich cultures, histories, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

One meaningful way to learn more about the stories, experiences, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples is through books, films, music, and other works by Indigenous creators. We're pleased to share our newly updated 2026 Indigenous Voices Resource Guide, featuring fiction and nonfiction for adults, teens, and children, along with a selection of films and music from our collection.

Explore the guide online or pick up a printed copy at your local VIRL branch.

📖 Discover Indigenous Voices:
https://virl.bc.ca/read-watch-listen/audience/indigenous/nihm/

Whether you're just beginning your learning journey or continuing it, we invite you to read, listen, watch, and learn alongside us.

06/19/2026

Summer reading starts here!

🌊 Registration is now open for Vancouver Island Regional Library's Summer Reading Club and Teen Summer Challenge!

Summer reading adventures begin July 2, but now's the perfect time to get signed up and start planning your reading list.

🐠 Summer Reading Club (ages 0–12) invites kids to dive Under the Sea with books, activities, trading cards, prizes, and library fun all summer long. Registration packages are available NOW for pickup at your local branch.
https://virl.bc.ca/read-watch-listen/audience/kids/src/

🐙 Teen Summer Challenge (ages 12–18) takes readers into a Sea of Monsters, where they can complete challenges, earn points, and enter to win some fantastic prizes. Learn more and register at:
https://virl.bc.ca/read-watch-listen/audience/teens/tsc/

Whether you're raising a picture-book explorer, a graphic novel enthusiast, or a teen who loves a good challenge, we've got a summer adventure waiting. Plus lots of prizes to be won!

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

06/19/2026

Hey kids, it is time to pick up your summer reading club package! This years theme is Under the Sea! We have lots of fun activities planned at the Port McNeill Library. Scavenger Hunts 😊LEGO 😊 Trading Cards 😊 Crafts😊 Prize Draws😊Golden Tickets 😊Storytimes😊 and more! Details are in the packages!

06/19/2026

Let's Make Spice Blends and Popcorn Spices!
Join us at the Port McNeill Library on Tuesday, June 23. Drop in between 12:30 and 2:00. Presented in partnership with Island Health and Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society

The popular Cooks & Books series returns with homemade spice blends and popcorn mixes. Drop in anytime from 12:30 to …

06/03/2026

Vancouver Island Regional Library is celebrating its 90th birthday! Visit the Port McNeill branch on Saturday, June 6th between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm for treats and prize draws.

Happy birthday to us! VIRL is 90 years old! Help us celebrate. Drop in during open hours for a sweet …

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

05/15/2026

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/

05/07/2026

Let's Make Energy Balls! Join us at the Port McNeill Library on Tuesday, May 19th. In partnership with Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society and Island Health. This is a dropin program from 12:30 to 2, all supplies will be provided.

Need an afternoon pick-me-up or a quick healthy snack? Join us on Tuesday, May 19 to learn how to make …