When it comes to the Vancouver Island Regional Library, there is so much more than books.
For anyone who hasn’t paid a visit to their local library branch lately, things have changed.
Here are the top 10 things you might be surprised to learn about Vancouver Island Regional Library
1. There are computers to use free of charge at all branches that can be booked by library users. Access the Internet to search for employment or apply for jobs or government services. Stay in touch with friends and family with e-mail and social media.
2. Libraries offer free Wi-Fi at all locations. Find a comfy corner and log on.
3. Visitors have access to more than 900,000 items in the collection. Request an item online and it can be sent to a branch.
4. Readers can borrow DVDs for free. With the closure of most video stores, visitors can request their favourite movie or TV show from their branch, including popular feature films.
5. Don’t read the latest edition of U.S. Weekly in line at the grocery store. Download it free onto a portable device using Zinio, the library’s online magazine database. Or find a quiet spot at the branch and read it there.
6. Staff can help visitors research their family tree with the latest online genealogy tools.
7. Libraries offer a variety of free programs for all ages. From book clubs and author readings, to story time for preschoolers and crafts and games, it has it covered!
8. Check out thousands of eAudiobooks and eBooks that can be downloaded to a number of personal digital devices free of charge. If just getting started with eBooks, staff can loan readers a Kobo eReader preloaded with hundreds of eBooks. Libraries also provide free sessions on how to use eReaders and download eBooks.
9. Download music from more than 450,000 songs in the Sony music catalogue with Freegal, an online music database. It’s free and visitors get to keep the songs.
10. Learn a new language online with Mango Languages. Let staff help you get ready for that overseas trip you’ve always wanted to take.
For more information, please go to www.virl.bc.ca.