VI Regional Library South Cowichan

09/06/2026

Are you saving seeds from your garden this year? Please consider donating some to our Seed Library!🌱🌻🌱

09/04/2026

🍂Please note that all of our branches will be closed Monday, September 7 for Labour Day. 🍁

Our online branch is open 24/7...check out something new at http://virl.bc.ca.

09/02/2026

Are you unable to come into the library due to illness or injury? Do you live in Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay, or the southern half of Cobble Hill?
The South Cowichan Library in Mill Bay delivers items to local homes on the first Wednesday of each month. To find out if this is a good fit for you, call the library at 250-743-5436 or email [email protected] and let us know you're interested in the home delivery service.
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09/02/2026

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Do you remember the little Shawnigan Lake Library?

The formal opening of the 500-square-foot library took place on May 10, 1932.

In 1976, the building was turned over to the Vancouver Island Regional Library and the local library association was dissolved. The trustees believed this would ensure that the property would always be used as a library.

By 1985, the busy little branch had an annual circulation of more than 34,000. However, as the population of South Cowichan grew, VIRL determined that a larger regional library was needed.

The South Cowichan Branch opened in Mill Bay in September 1989, making the Shawnigan Lake branch redundant. Mill Bay residents welcomed the new library, but many Shawnigan Lake residents were understandably disappointed to lose such an important part of their community.

What do you remember about the old Shawnigan Lake Library?

History courtesy of the Shawnigan Historical Society.

08/22/2026

Everyone loves a puppet show! We are celebrating the end of the Summer Reading Club with a tale from a local marionette troupe. See you on Friday at 2pm!
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08/07/2026

🚗☀️ Hit the road, visit libraries, collect stamps and WIN PRIZES! 🎉📚

VIRL’s 90th Anniversary Passport Program is happening all summer long, and every library stop can get you closer to a prize!

Pick up your FREE passport at any Vancouver Island Regional Library branch, toss it in the glovebox, and start exploring. Visit branches across our incredible service area, collect unique stamps, discover new communities and enter for your chance to win!

- Visit any 5 VIRL branches to enter the Main Prize Draw (we have 39 branches!).
- Complete a passport region to enter one of 11 Regional Prize Draws PLUS earn another entry into the Main Prize Draw.
- With 11 regions to explore, from the South Island to Haida Gwaii and Bella Coola, how far will your passport take you?

Think you can visit more than FOUR VIRL branches this summer? 👀 Consider this your challenge. Visit an old favourite, then venture a little farther and discover a branch you’ve never been to before. You might just find a new favourite along the way.

No library card needed. No purchase required. Just stop by, explore and get stamped!

Keep collecting all summer and return your passport by October 31, 2026.

👉 Learn more: virl.bc.ca/90th

Grab your passport. Plan a road trip. Collect your stamps. Win prizes. Celebrate 90 years of VIRL! 🚙📚✨

08/04/2026

The Summer Reading Club is learning about the Cowichan Estuary on Friday, Aug 7, at 11am. Come find out what the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre is bringing for the kids to see and *touch*!
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07/29/2026

Learn more about our feathered neighbours on Tuesday!
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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! ☀️