Wednesday July 8, 2020 ~ GREATER VICTORIA
by Mary Brooke, editor ~ West Shore Voice News
It’s good news for patrons of the one of the busiest branches of the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL).
In Colwood starting on Saturday July 18, library patrons will once again be able to borrow physical library materials of their choice at the Juan de Fuca Branch located at 1759 Island Highway.
As well, no later than July 24, limited in-person library services will resume at Saanich Centennial Branch and the Central Saanich Branch. These three branches are part of Phase 2 of the library’s plan to restore services; three more branches will follow in August.
Last month on June 30, the Heritage Branch in the Westhills area of Langford was re-opened. The Goudy Branch in central Langford will open at some point, with two weeks notice to the public.
Libraries closed throughout Greater Victoria during Phase 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic. During Phase 3 of economic recovery in BC, more services are opening throughout communities.
Details about which GVPL branches are opening, and the requirements and expectations of patrons are listed on the GVPL website.
Juan de Fuca Branch Hours and Services:
The Juan de Fuca Branch will be open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 12 noon for anyone self-identifying as seniors or immuno-compromised, and then 12 to 4 pm for everyone.
Limited library services include:
- Pick up items on hold
- Return items
- Browse a small collection and borrow on the spot
- Upgrade an online library card
- Visit the Grab and Go table outside the branch to pick up a BC Summer Reading Club starter kit, Books for Babies bags and more.
The above services are available with the same hours of operation at the Central Branch.
Digital Content:
GVPL’s digital resources are available all day, every day, and are free with a library card. GVPL offers a wide variety of digital resources to download or stream, including ebooks, e-audiobooks, movies, music, newspapers and magazines.
There are also learning platforms such as Lynda.com and Mango Languages with video and audio tutorials. These resources are free to use with a GVPL library card and pin number. Visit gvpl.ca/digital.
Get a Library Card Online:
In two minutes or less, residents in the GVPL service area can start to borrow, watch, listen and learn. Sign up at gvpl.ca .