Services Frequently Asked Questions

February 22, 2022

Are branches open and what services are available?

All but one branch (due to its small size, the Union Bay will remain at Takeout only) are now offering:

  • Access to all physical collections
  • Access to meeting rooms (beginning March 1, 2022)
  • Access to holds pick up and self checkout
  • Assistance from staff in the branch for information needs and in-person checkout
  • Access to computers, printing, and photocopying services
  • Washroom access
  • In-branch programs (beginning March 1, 2022)
  • Access to external book returns
  • Ongoing take out services for those who prefer it
  • Increased branch area access, seating, and occupancy
  • Increased computer station use with adequate distancing

*Access varies from branch to branch depending on space and capacity. Contact your branch for more information.

Can we print our BC Vaccine Card at the library?

Yes! In fact, we are waiving printing fees for anyone who needs to print off their BC Vaccine Card. Just visit your local branch.

To get your vaccine card visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof

 

Do I need proof of vaccination to visit the library?

No. You do not need proof of vaccination to access the library and library services. Following changes to the Provincial Medical Health Officer’s public health order those over 12 no longer need to provide proof of vaccination to attend an indoor program.

Are masks still required?

Following changes to the Provincial Medical Health Officer’s public health orders, masks are NOT required for when visiting the library. However, you may wear one if you’d like.

Are branches open?

The hours of operation vary from branch to branch.

Find out what’s happening at your branch, or call 1.877.415.8475 or email info@virl.bc.ca if you have any questions.

Are you offering in-branch programs?

We will resume in-branch programming on March 1, 2022, in light of the B.C. government’s latest announcemnet about occupancy restrictions and social gatherings.

*Programs very from branch to branch depending on space and capacity. Contact your branch for more information.

 

Is the Takeout service still available?

Yes, Takeout service is still available for those who would prefer it.

Visit your branch page to find out what’s happening in your community, including branch hours.

How does the Takeout service work?

Head to the online catalogue and place holds.

You will receive an automated email or a phone call letting you know that your holds are ready.

Please visit your branch page for the hours of operation and details about how to collect your materials.

Customers now have access to all items at all our branches. VIRL’s delivery trucks are once again transporting books, DVDs, magazines and other materials to branches across Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and the Central Coast.

How are you keeping customers and staff safe?

  • All branches have undergone inspections and Risk Assessments
  • Staff have been trained and have a thorough knowledge of VIRL’s Exposure Control Plan
  • We are encouraging physical distancing
  • Each branch has a plan in place to clean surfaces
  • Occupancy limits
  • Clear signage and messaging that all customers are expected to follow
  • Providing equitable access to customers with different COVID-19 infection risk factors

Is there a way I can contact VIRL if I have general questions about library services, resources, recommendations, and those sorts of things?

Yes, there is!

We have staff ready to assist you with all your reference questions, information needs, book recommendations, tech help, and more.

Just call 1.877.415.8475 or email info@virl.bc.ca at the hours to talk to one of our staff:

  • Monday: 10am – 5pm
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 10am – 6pm
  • Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 5pm

How do I search or browse items online?

Here’s how to search for a specific title or keyword:

  1. Go to our catalogue at search.virl.bc.ca
  2. Search for your title or keyword (i.e. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone)
  3. Place a hold or request on the item.
  4. Select which branch you would like to pickup the item for Takeout Service.

Here’s how to browse all the titles currently available at a branch:

    1. Head to search.virl.bc.ca
    2. Click “Advance Search”
    3. Type an asterisk (*) in the search area
    4. Select your branch
    5. Click “Search”

*Please note that using a broad search can slow search results.

How will I be notified when my holds are ready?

You will receive an automated email or a phone call letting you know that your holds are ready.

Please visit your branch page for the hours of operation and details about how to collect your materials.

Is Books by Mail Service available?

Yes! Visit the Books by Mail page for full details.

How many holds can I place?

The current maximum of 50 holds is in place to ensure an equity of access to our resources. We are looking at this internally and if we believe it can be done in a matter that benefits our customers, we will increase the number of holds available.

Do I have to return my items to the same branch I checked them out from?

We recommend that you return your materials to the same branch you checked them out from.

Can I order items from other branches?

Yes! You can access the entire collection of physical materials at Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL).

Are Interlibrary Loans?

Yes, Interlibrary loan service is available.

Interlibrary loan requests may take 3 to 6 months or longer to be filled.   Longer than usual wait times are due to COVID-19 related disruptions in service at BC and Canadian library systems that fill our requests.

How long can I borrow for?

Review our Borrowing Tips page for more information.

Please note that during Takeout services, all materials should be returned to the branch they were checked out from.

Are there late fees?

At this time, we are waiving all late fees and will let you know once they have been restored.

Are external book returns open?

Yes, in most cases, the external book drops are open. Contact your branch to find out if this service is available.