Thursday October 8, 2020 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary P Brooke, editor | Island Social Trends
Sooke has long awaited their new library. Now that construction is about to begin, the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) through the local Sooke Branch is seeking public input.
“With the exciting possibilities of your new library, we want to give you more time to spend there,” says Nathalie Jones, Customer Services Librarian – Children and Youth.

“That’s why we’re planning to increase our hours!,” said Jones this week.
Expanding on pre-COVID hours:
The pre-COVID regular hours were Monday afternoons 1 to 5 pm, Thursdays to Saturdays from 9 to 5, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 8 pm, and closed Sundays.
Survey open to November 30:
In preparation for longer hours at the new branch being constructed soon on “Lot A” on Wadams Way, there’s an online survey for local residents to complete.

The survey takes only a minute to complete and is open to 4 pm on Monday November 30.
It has only three questions — which days you would like the library to be open, whether morning, afternoon or evening is your preference, and ‘anything else’ (open comment).
Expanding the space:
The current Sooke Library branch is located in a rented commercial building on Anna Marie Road in Sooke town centre. Over the years, the space has become outgrown in terms of collections and activity areas.
Contact:
Any questions may be directed to the Sooke Library Manager, Peter Maquire at pmaguire@virl.bc.ca
The District of Sooke Councillor who sits on the VIRL board is Jeff Bateman.