VI Regional Library Sooke

07/30/2026

Postcolonial Reimaginings

Classic stories often reflect the empires, hierarchies, and assumptions of the worlds in which they were written.

Postcolonial reimaginings return to those works from the perspectives of people shaped by colonization, displacement, migration, and resistance. They may centre characters once treated as peripheral, question whose version of history became authoritative, or expose what the original story left unspoken.

These books do more than relocate familiar plots. They challenge the power structures beneath them—and ask how the story changes when the people once observed become the narrators.

07/29/2026

📚 Stock up before the long weekend!

All VIRL branches will be closed on Monday, August 3 for BC Day.

Borrow your next great read, movie, audiobook, or eBook before the weekend, or explore our digital collection anytime at virl.bc.ca.

Have a safe, happy, and relaxing BC Day! ☀️

07/28/2026

The Booker Prize longlist has been revealed. A few surprises.

The longlist for the Booker Prize 2026 has been announced, featuring two previous winners and three debut novelists

07/28/2026

Villains Reconsidered

Villains are often defined by the hero’s version of events.

Literary reimaginings can turn toward the witch, monster, rival, or feared outsider and ask what the original story left unexplained. These books may reveal prejudice, political conflict, trauma, or motives hidden behind the label of “villain.”

They do not always excuse harmful choices. Instead, they complicate the easy division between good and evil—and ask who had the power to decide which was which.

07/27/2026

Mark your calendar. Our Virtual Gardening series continues on Zoom with a timely session on water-smart strategies for sustainable gardening.

Learn all about being water-smart with a certified Master Gardener! This is a FREE course that will take place virtually …

07/27/2026

Before the Story Began

Prequels invite us to look backward.

They return to familiar characters and worlds before the events we already know, asking how a person became who they are, what shaped a conflict, or which choices set the original story in motion.

Some prequels fill in missing history. Others complicate a character we thought we understood. The best do more than explain the past—they change how we read the story that comes after.

07/26/2026

Do you have a favourite reimagined work? Or one that you wish were reimagined?

07/24/2026

🎉 What a wonderful way to celebrate 90 years of library service!

We were thrilled to welcome Tamara Kronis, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo—Ladysmith, to our Nanaimo North branch for a special visit filled with smiles, stories, songs and celebration.

During her visit, MP Kronis toured the branch, joined families for one of our popular Baby Rhyme Time programs, and presented Vancouver Island Regional Library with a Certificate of Recognition in honour of our 90th anniversary. Executive Director Eileen Gillette and Board Chair Jonathan Lerner were honoured to accept the certificate on behalf of VIRL.

Receiving this recognition is a meaningful milestone as we celebrate nine decades of serving the people and communities of Vancouver Island. From introducing our youngest readers to the magic of books through Baby Rhyme Time to supporting lifelong learning across 39 branches, we're proud of the role libraries continue to play in bringing people together.

A heartfelt thank you to MP Kronis for helping us celebrate this special anniversary and for recognizing the impact libraries have in our communities. Here's to the next chapter!

💙 Happy 90th Anniversary, VIRL!

07/23/2026

Looking to keep up your reading this summer? Love animals? Paws & Tales is the perfect program for you!

Children ages 7+ are invited to sign up for a 20-minute, one-on-one reading session with one of our friendly therapy dogs, Rosie or Carlie. Reading to a therapy dog is a fun, relaxed way to build confidence, practice reading aloud, and keep your reading skills sharp all summer long.

Call the library at 250-642-3022 to reserve your spot today!

07/19/2026

☀️ BIG SUMMER NEWS for West Shore & Sooke families! ☀️

The 2026 FREE & Low-Cost Summer Program Directory is available NOW — packed with affordable and free summer fun for children and youth of all ages!

Find programs at local libraries & recreation facilities, as well as camps, drop-ins, and more across the West Shore and Sooke area. The directory also includes information about financial assistance for families living on limited incomes.

📍 Browse the clickable PDF
🗺️ Explore the Google Map of program locations
👉 https://thevillageinitiative.ca/events/

Please share with families who could use free and low-cost summer options! 💛

Sooke School District SEAPARC West Shore Parks & Recreation Greater Victoria Public Library EMCS Society Programs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Royal Roads Recreation Centre Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria