Skip to content

Chemainus Library among VIRL branches to close Monday

Recommendations of chief health officer taken into account
20957181_web1_200319-CHC-Library-closure-opening_2
Buffy David, a Stz’uminus elder, at the Chemainus library official opening on March 7. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The Vancouver Island Regional Library has announced it is closing all branches to the public, including Chemainus, as of 8 p.m. March 16 as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and in light of the recommendations put forward today by the BC Chief Medical Health Officer.

The new Chemainus Library’s official grand opening March 7 was a great community event and it fortunately happened before the worst of this medical crisis hit.

VIRL has also decided to cancel all remaining programs, effective immediately.

“In coming to this difficult decision, we paid particular attention to the Province’s prohibition on gatherings of more than 50 people, and the strong appeal for everyone to stay home during this critical time,” noted VIRL executive director Rosemary Bonanno. “In this rapidly changing environment, we believe this is the best decision for our staff, customers and larger public.”

As a result of the closures, VIRL has extended all due dates by six weeks and asks customers not to return any library materials until branches have reopened to the public.

Throughout the closure, VIRL’s eLibrary — which includes thousands of ebooks and audiobooks, scores of downloadable music and hours of streaming movies of TV — will remain open for anyone with a VIRL library card.

20957181_web1_200319-CHC-Library-closure-opening_3
VIRL mascot Tales with Sylvia Wende during the Chemainus Library opening March 7 that was such a great community event. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
Read more