Sea & Cedar launches

Vancouver Island Regional Library doesn’t just loan content; we create it.

The first issue of Sea & Cedar Magazine made its virtual debut this month, presenting customers with art and writing from contributors across the service area.

“The response we received to our first call for submissions was overwhelming and it was a great challenge to narrow our selections down to just the few that would fit within a single issue,” said April Ripley, Sea & Cedar editor. 

She said she hopes the magazine opens up connections, fosters discussion and generates excitement about the work produced by the vibrant writing and art communities VIRL supports.

Read it now

New Executive Director starts in August

Vancouver Island Regional Library's new Executive Director is about to take the helm. 

Ben Hyman is currently the Chief Librarian at Vancouver Island University and will assume his new role with VIRL on August 25.

“I see a tremendous opportunity to build on VIRL’s history and successes to develop its full potential as a purpose-driven organization,” said Hyman. “I have a deep respect for the unique character of the region, and I believe that my record of collaboration, innovation, and the successful development of resilient, strategic, citizen-centric services are well suited to VIRL’s future successes as an organization. I am so excited about this opportunity.”

Mr. Hyman takes over as the Executive Director from Rosemary Bonanno, who held the position from 2007 – 2021.

Read more

We have a winner! 

Nanaimo's Heather Cooper is the grand prize winner of VIRL's National Indigenous Peoples History Month Challenge.

In June, our customers were challenged to take an action a day to further their understanding of local Indigenous communities, the ongoing effects of colonization and to engage with Indigenous content makers, artists and creators. Branches held several draws for book prizes and gift cards from local Indigenous businesses, including for a grand prize winner. 

Ms. Cooper won a $100 gift card for the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay.

We continue to encouage everyone to check out the resources on our National Indigenous Peoples History Month Challenge page. 

Find it here

Grant Connect 

As well as offering bestselling books and engaging movies to check out in your free time, our eResource collection provides a plethora of resources for our cardholders to use in their working life, including Imagine Canada’s Grant Connect Database.

Anyone who works for a non-profit knows how difficult it can be to find grants to fund your projects. Grant Connect provides a grant funding information database that makes the search process significantly easier.

Keep reading

Book lover, what's your sign?

Hey Leo. You're the 'mane' event this month and we've got some great titles for you to sink your teeth into. 

Biblioscope

Indigenous Collection 

Every month we spotlight a recently-published Indigenous title available in our collection. Our featured book for August is Run As One: My Story, by Errol Ranville. 

From the publisher, Great Plains Publications:

Errol Ranville has been running all his life: from chronic poverty and racism in rural Manitoba; a discriminatory music business; alcohol and drug addiction; and the responsibilities that come with being regarded as a role model. Though Errol has faced seemingly insurmountable barriers as an Indigenous performer in a predominately white music business, The C-Weed Band released several #1 songs and went on to score JUNO nominations in 1985 and 1986. He was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Indigenous Music Awards in 2011. In his memoir Run as One, Errol embraces the role of trailblazer for the countless musicians that follow his path.

Reserve your copy