Consent Business A) VIRL in the Media 6 I

Board of Trustees Meeting May 30, 2020 Agenda Package #2

Virtual: Zoom.us

Page

Agenda Items 1 – 7 in the 1st Agenda Package can be downloaded from the May 30 Board of Trustees meeting page, www.virltrustee.com.

8. Consent Business a) VIRL in the Media 6 i. Soft opening for new Chemainus library next Monday, 7 Jan. 13, Lake Cowichan Gazette, Jan. 12, 2020 ii. EDITORIAL: Understanding what assessments mean, Sooke News 8 Mirror, Jan. 13, 2020 iii. Warm reception for new Chemainus library on a cool day, 11 Cowichan Valley Citizen, Jan. 13, 2020 iv. Read winter away and win prizes, Sooke News Mirror, 19 Jan. 14, 2020 v. Are you ready for winter fishing, Campbell River Mirror, Jan. 16, 21 2020 vi. Be “Smart” your library can help you keep your new year's 24 resolutions, The Eagle, Jan. 17, 2020 vii. What was Sooke’s most popular book last year, Sooke News 25 Mirror, Jan. 17, 2020 viii. Haida Gwaii libraries announce their most popular books from the 29 past year, Haida Gwaii Observer, Jan. 18, 2020 ix. Coming up in Cowichan: Get your raffle tickets; dementia 34 workshop, Cowichan Valley Citizen, Jan. 20, 2020 x. WATCH: Sooke’s top stories, Sooke News Mirror, Jan. 21, 2020 37 xi. Haig-Brown Writer in Residence, Eden Robinson, in the national 39 spotlight, Campbell River Mirror, Jan. 22, 2020 xii. Beginners fly tying session at the Campbell River Library this 41 Sunday, Campbell River Mirror, Jan. 23, 2020 xiii. Family literacy week free soup-making events at libraries develop 42 literacy skills, The Eagle, Jan. 24, 2020 xiv. Mental health is health and Psychologists can help – Psychology 43 Month, Digital Journal, Jan. 27, 2020 xv. Coming up in Cowichan: Reading club; talk on stress and burnout, 45 Cowichan Valley Citizen, Feb. 1, 2020 xvi. Island communities in recovery mode after massive rainstorm, 50 Comox Valley Record, Feb. 3, 2020 xvii. End of January fish tales, Campbell River Mirror, Feb. 6, 2020 59 xviii. Campbell River’s Masters of Hope offering support with mental 63 health and addiction, My Campbell River Now, Feb. 7, 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting May 30, 2020 Agenda Package #2

xix. Fly tying sessions get everybody pining for summer, Campbell 65 River, Feb. 13, 2020 xx. Author and VIU professor Susan Juby previewing pair of 68 unpublished books, BC Local News, Feb. 18, 2020 xxi. RDN and Trust taxes increasing - Gabriola fire district projecting 71 no increase, Gabriola Sounder, Feb. 19, 2020 xxii. Let your Reading Take You Someplace New - Part 2, The Eagle, 73 Feb. 21, 2020 xxiii. Quatsino Life VIRL BBM Books by Mail, The Eagle, Feb. 21, 2020 74 xxiv. Teen Advisory Group starts up at Parksville library, Parksville 75 Qualicum Beach News, Feb. 27, 2020 xxv. Cowichan Valley Camera Club celebrating 40 years, Cowichan 77 Valley Citizen, March 2, 2020 xxvi. Response to rumours of Canadian Tire's expansion to Sooke reveal 82 town's desire for commercial services, Victoria Citified, March 2, 2020 xxvii. Survey reveals safety concerns of downtown Courtenay business 84 owners, Comox Valley Record, March 3, 2020 xxviii. Commemorative bookmarks being given out at library opening, 87 Chemainus Valley Courier, March 6, 2020 xxix. Grand opening of new Chemainus library on March 7, Cowichan 89 Valley Citizen, March 6, 2020 xxx. Finishing touches being applied to new downtown Chemainus 91 Market, Vancouver Island Free Daily, March 7, 2020 xxxi. New $14m library proposed for Campbell River, My Campbell River 95 Now, March 9, 2020 xxxii. Official opening puts importance of new Chemainus library into 97 perspective Local News, March 8, 2020 xxxiii. Growth in ‘shady people’ raising safety concerns in downtown 110 Courtenay, Vancouver Island Free Daily, March 10, 2020 xxxiv. Official opening puts importance of new Chemainus library into 113 perspective, Vancouver Island Free Daily, March 11, 2020 xxxv. All Vancouver Island Regional Libraries closed as of evening 125 March 16, West Shore Voice News, March 19, 2020 xxxvi. Girl Guides cancel summer gathering at Camp Bernard in Sooke, 127 BC Local News, March 16, 2020 xxxvii. Greater Victoria libraries shut doors until further notice, Sooke 132 News Mirror, March 16, 2020 xxxviii. Haida Gwaii libraries to close, Haida Gwaii Observer, March 17, 135 2020 xxxix. Libraries on Vancouver Island close due to COVID-19, BC Local 138 News, March 16, 2020 xl. Library branches closing indefinitely amid outbreak, Times 140 Colonist, March 16, 2020 xli. Vancouver Island libraries to close until further notice, iHeart 141 Radio.ca, March 16, 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting May 30, 2020 Agenda Package #2

xlii. Nanaimo Art Gallery is latest cultural venue to close in response 143 to COVID-19, BC Local News, March 17, 2019 xliii. Ongoing list of Ladysmith COVID-19 cancellations and closures, 146 Ladysmith Chronicle, March 17, 2020 xliv. Public life grinding to a halt on the Saanich Peninsula, Oak Bay 153 News, March 17, 2020 xlv. Sooke Municipal Hall closed to stem spread of coronavirus, Oak 157 Bay News, March 17, 2020 xlvi. Vancouver Island Regional Library issues notices of layoff to most 162 staff, BC Local News, March 19, 2020 xlvii. Vancouver Island Regional Library laying off staff, Times Colonist, 164 March 18, 2020 xlviii. Fly tying workshop cancelled at Campbell River Library, Campbell 165 River, March 24, 2020 xlix. Vancouver Island Regional Library doors closed but online services 168 still available, Victoria News, March 27, 2020 l. Campbell River community COVID-19 agencies, services and 173 resources List, April 2, 2020 li. Where will homeless go now, Cowichan Valley Citizen, April 2, 182 2020 lii. COVID-19: Caring for your mental health during a global 184 pandemic, Quesnel Cariboo Observer, April 7, 2020 liii. Province enhances digital library services throughout B.C. (and a 189 look at VIRL resources), Sooke Pocket News, April 7, 2020 liv. Despite closed doors, libraries are as busy as ever, Times Colonist, 193 April 9, 2020 lv. COVID-19: Latest update from the City of Parksville, BC Local 195 News, April 10, 2020 lvi. Grant boosts connectivity for Powell River library, Powell River 198 PEAK, April 15, 2020 lvii. City’s support for local business community pivots during COVID- 200 19, MyCampbellRiverNow, April 20, 2020 lviii. Minister Claire Trevena to join City’s interactive webinar series, BC 204 Local News, April 22, 2020 lix. Strathcona Regional District to enter into library agreement, 207 Campbell River Mirror, April 22, 2020 lx. SRD plans to purchase Campbell River tourism-based radio 211 station, Campbell River Mirror, April 23, 2020 lxi. LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Library needed more than ever during 215 self-isolation, Nanaimo News Bulletin, April 26, 2020 lxii. UVic librarian puts together online tool to help with 217 home-schooling, Times Colonist, April 26, 2020 lxiii. Pandemic drives record demand for digital library offerings across 219 the Peninsula, Goldstream News Gazette, April 29, 2020 lxiv. Why no curbside pickup for books, Peninsula News Review, 223 May 3, 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting May 30, 2020 Agenda Package #2

lxv. Vancouver Island Regional Library announces new virtual services, 224 Comox Valley Now, May 4, 2020 lxvi. Layoffs planned for Greater Victoria Public Library, Times Colonist, 227 May 5, 2020 lxvii. VIRL’s Indigenous Voices wins international award, My Comox 229 Valley Now, May 7, 2020 lxviii. Endurance test hits two months, Chemainus Valley Courier, May 231 9, 2020 lxix. What people are reading, watching and learning from local 234 libraries during COVID-19, Local News, May 9, 2020 lxx. COVID-19, Interest in digital offerings soars in Vancouver Island 240 Libraries, Parksville Qualicum Beach News, May 12, 2020 lxxi. Vancouver Island Regional Library Launches online Craft Hub, My 245 Comox Valley Now, May 12, 2020 b) Correspondence 247 i. Email from library customer to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Bowser 248 library, Feb. 2, 2020 ii. Email from R. Bonanno, Executive Director to library customer 249 re: Bowser library, Feb. 4, 2020 iii. Email from library customer to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Lay offs, 250 March 18, 2020 iv. Email from R. Bonanno, Executive Director to library customer 251 re: Lay offs, March 19, 2020 v. Email from library customer to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Hooplah 253 limits during COVID-19, March 31, 2020 vi. Email from A. O’Shea, Deputy Executive Director & Coo, to library 254 customer re: Hooplah limits during COVID-19, April 14, 2020 vii. Email from library customer to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Lay offs 256 at VIRL bad for the Islands, April 1, 2020 viii.Email from Chair B. Leigh and R. Bonanno, Executive Director, to 257 library customer re: Lay offs at VIRL bad for the Islands, April 6, 2020 ix. Email from library customer to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Library 259 access during COVID-19, April 17, 2020 x. Email from R. Bonanno, Executive Director, to library customer 260 re: Library access during COVID-19, May 20, 2020 xi. Email from library customer to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Opening 261 the libraries, April 28, 2020 xii. Email from R. Bonanno, Executive Director, to library customer 262 re: Opening the Libraries, May 20, 2020 xiii. Email from library customers to VIRL Board of Trustees 263 re: Libraries during Covid, May 4, 2020 xiv. Email from R. Bonanno, Executive Director, to library customers 264 to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Libraries During COVID, May 20, 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting May 30, 2020 Agenda Package #2

xv. Email from library customer to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Library 265 re-opening, May 4, 2020 xvi. Email from R. Bonanno, Executive Director, to library customer 266 re: Library Re-opening, May 20, 2020 xvii. Email from library customer to M. Legacy, Director of Library 267 Services & Planning re: Rural Libraries, May 9, 2020 xviii. Email from Trustee I. Gould, Port Clements, to R. Bonanno, 268 Executive Director re: Rural Libraries, May 14, 2020 xix. Email from library customer to VIRL Board of Trustees re: Rural 270 Libraries, May 20, 2020 c) Media Releases 271 i. Meeting Space Addition to Library on Gabriola Island, 272 February 21, 2020 ii. Chemainus Library Grand Opening Celebrations!, Feb. 25, 2020 273 iii. A new library for Woss!, March 9, 2020 274 iv. New Art Displays at Nanaimo's Creativity Commons, March 9, 275 2020 v. VIRL closing all branches end of day March 16 in response to 276 COVID-19, March 16, 2020 vi. VIRL offering online card registration 24/7 WiFi and more while 277 branches are closed, March 27, 2020 vii. Vancouver Island Regional Library offers fun and safe ideas for 279 long weekend, April 9, 2020 viii. VIRL announces new virtual services for customers and a road 280 map to in-branch services, May 4, 2020 ix. VIRL’s Indigenous Voices initiative wins international ALA award, 283 May 6, 2020 x. New crafting platform offers countless opportunities for crafters and makers on Vancouver Island, May 12, 2020 284 10. In Camera

11. Adjournment

Next Meetings: July 3, 2020 Executive Committee – Budget Only August 28, 2020 Executive Committee September 19, 2020 Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees Meeting May 30, 2020 Item 8 (a)

VIRL in the Media

6 The Vancouver Island Regional Library logo has been affixed to the new building and the Chemainus library is ready for opening next Monday, Jan. 13. (Photo by Don Bodger) Soft opening for new Chemainus library next Monday, Jan. 13 Public invited to come and check out all the amenities and features of the building

DON BODGER / Jan. 12, 2020 5:00 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS

The shelves are stocked, the paint is dry, computers are hooked up and the doors to Chemainus’s new library are ready to be opened to the public next Monday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m.

“This is an exciting day for North Cowichan library lovers,” noted Rosemary Bonanno, Vancouver Island Regional Library’s executive director. “With this new library, downtown Chemainus now has a state-of-the-art space where people can pursue their

7 EDITORIAL: Understanding what assessments mean Budgets are determined by considering the amount of money a municipal government will need

Jan. 13, 2020 3:00 p.m. / COLUMNISTS / EDITORIALS / OPINION

It happens every year.

Homeowners across the province receive property assessments from B.C. Assessment based on the property’s market value in July of the previous year.

Each year Sooke Municipal Hall staff will get calls from homeowners who mistakenly assume that if their assessed value has increased so will their taxes.

It’s the same dynamic that sees a flood of assessment appeals arise almost immediately after assessments are delivered.

But there are a few things that property owners need

8 to understand about the system.

First, there’s no sense in calling Municipal Hall about your assessment. It was prepared by B.C. Assessment, a crown corporation with no connection to the District of Sooke.

Second, just because your assessment has gone up, it does not mean that your taxes will increase.

RELATED: Assessed values fall in Victoria

That calculation is based on the municipal budget.

Every municipality annually sets out their budget and then goes about determining the mill rate that will be applied to property owners in their jurisdiction.

The mill rate (or millage rate) is the percentage of tax that will be applied to every thousand dollars of property value to generate the money the municipality needs to operate. Municipalities multiply the assessed value by that mill rate and divide by 1,000 to determine the tax.

It’s actually a bit more complicated in Sooke as the property tax rate bylaw sets out a series of additional mill rates for items like the Vancouver Island Regional Library contribution that are then added onto the general municipal mill rate.

9 Clear as mud?

Well, think of it this way. It’s the mill rate that will play a much larger role in determining the tax one pays than the assessed value of a property.

That’s because the municipality calculates the mill rate based on their budget requirements and will adjust that rate so that the money collected reflects those budget needs.

If the assessments rise across the board, the mill rate will generally drop and property taxes will only rise in proportion to the real increases in the spending needs of the municipality.

Quite simply, before you rush to appeal an assessment, determine if your property’s assessed value has, without reason, increased by a higher percentage than your neighbours.

RELATED: How to appeal an assessment

If it hasn’t, take a deep breath and realize that your home’s market value may just have gone up while your taxes will likely stay the same.

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10 Warm reception for new Chemainus library on a cool day

Kealey Russell is only 16 months old, but already loving the chance to look at a book with mom Olena at the new Chemainus library while Kasian Russell does some reading beside them. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Customers in awe of the building’s wonderful atmosphere and extensive resources

The Vancouver Island Regional Library’s new Chemainus branch opened its doors Mon day morning to a chilly reception.

That had nothing to do with the facility, of course, but characterized the snowy and cold conditions outside. The new downtown Chemainus landmark was warmly received by people who have long been anxious to get inside for a look and many braved some of the wintery weather to get there early.

11 The Russell family’s ﬁve kids – Kasian, Kaia, Kalyna, Kazka and little Kealey – with mom Olena, and Chemainus Fire Department’s Zoe Nedelec with her children Winter, 12, and Lucia, 10, were the ﬁrst through the doors.

“This was planned before it snowed,” said Olena about being among the ﬁrst to set foot in the new library at 10 a.m. All the Russell kids of school age and Nedelec siblings are homeschooled so they will be making the most of the library’s resources.

“It’s beautiful,” said Zoe Nedelec of the building’s West Coast design and many amenities. “It’s much more than I’d expect from a public library.”

While the library’s previous location tucked beside the government liquor store on Legion Street had served the community well for many years, the more expansive loca tion of the library at 9796 Willow St. will surely be more widelyutilized.

“I always thought a library should be more of a community space,” Nedelec added.

That will be accomplished with more public computers, a vibrant children’s area, loung ing area with ﬁreplace, laptop bar, study space, a bookable multipurpose room and a larger collection with many new materials, with increased staﬃng to assist people.

“This is fabulous,” enthused Olena Russell. “The space is really nice. There’s a lot of space for the community to interact. We will be here all the time. It’s a great resource for what we do and just a bigger space to be in as well.”

“I think it’s the most fantastic thing this town can get,” said John Silins. “Beautiful dis plays and the design is incredible.

“My wife is the best customer the library has. She’s got books on the reserve list all the time.”

“This is absolutely great,” enthused Anne Silins. “It’s beautiful.”

“I’m so excited about the snow and the library,” said Carol Hollett. “It’s such a welcoming space. I love it.”

Martha Martinez, who works as a library assistant, was busy helping customers and feel ing a bit sentimental about the move from the other location.

12 “I will miss it,” she conceded. “This is nice and good to see a lot of people so excited and happy.”

A steady stream of people made their way into the library throughout the day.

The oﬃcial grand opening of the library will be on Saturday, March 7 at 1 p.m., presuma bly without the snow by that time.

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The entrance to the new Vancouver Island Regional Library branch in Chemainus. (Photo by oOn Bodger)

13 The Russell and Nedelec kids are the ﬁrst in line when the new Chemainus libary opens its doors. (Photo by Don Bodger)

John Silins checks out some of the reading material at the new Chemainus library. (Photo by Don Bodger)

14 Kasian Russell and his mom Olena marvel at some of the book selections in the new Chemainus library. (Photo by Don Bodger)

15 Martha Martinez, a library assistant, oﬀers help with ﬁnding a book. (Photo by Don Bodger)

16 There is plenty of space inside the new Chemainus library to sit back and read. (Photo by Don Bodger)

North Cowichan Councillor Debra Toporowski is dwarfed by the spacious inside of the new Chemainus library. (Photo by Don Bodger)

17 Winter white surrounds the new Chemainus library on opening day. (Photo by Don Bodger)

18 Read winter away and win prizes Library launches Adult Winter Reading Club

KEVIN LAIRD / Jan. 14, 2020 11:15 a.m. / COMMUNITY

As the rain pours down and the clouds settle in for the long haul, what could be better than cozying up with a good book and a hot drink? Prizes, that’s what could be better, and thanks to Vancouver Island Regional Library’s first ever Adult Winter Reading Club.

“We’re really excited to use the always popular Kids Summer Reading Club as a model for this great winter blues buster for adults,” Melissa Legacy, VIRL’s director of library services and planning, said.

19 “I hope everyone will participate in this fun and innovative program that encourages our adult customers to get in on reading club fun.”

ALSO READ: Quest for a new library mired in delays and controversy

Participating in the club couldn’t be easier. Simply pick up a reading record at any VIRL branch and record what you read for the months of January and February. Bring in your reading record any time and get a draw ticket for each title recorded for a chance to win weekly book prizes, a $30 gift certificate at a local bookstore, or a Kobo eReader.

The Vancouver Island Regional Library Sooke branch is at 2065 Anna Marie Rd.

ALSO READ: Sooke library kicks off summer reading program

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20 Partially submerged buoy at Fawn Bluff is a hazard to navigation. Photo by Kim Eccles Are you ready for winter fishing?

Jan. 16, 2020 1:30 p.m. / COMMUNITY

By Don Daniels

For many people living in Campbell River, winter fishing can be varied, but the people who have gone south to places like Mexico are thinking “what are they doing?”

So far this month, the weather has gotten colder and we have been surrounded by reports of snow and the Northwest winds have been blowing on certain days. There are a handful of anglers that get out fishing for salmon in this but they simply get out and get back in. There are many anglers who think it’s not worth the effort to get out spend money on gas and get cold fishing.

21 The winter springs are out there but the bottom line is being comfortable and being safe on the water. This time of year you can see the limited boat traffic by the Lighthouse and the Hump. Water taxi services run 12 months of the year and they know the water like the back of their hand and they run across certain situations during the cold bad weather days.

Kim Eccles has been operating a boat that runs from Campbell River to the Bute Inlet area and the weather can be challenging. Water taxi operators take people and supplies to various locations around the Islands.

A hazard to navigation is a partially submerged buoy can at Fawn Bluff located 50 meters off the beach. A few days ago there was an attempt to free the buoy but the chain has it anchored and the can is still there. I had a chance to be in the area last year just before the whale watching season began and this area has heavy boat traffic in the spring and summer months. The summer is also the busy season for salmon fishing and plenty of boat traffic is evident.

At the beginning of the week, local lakes such as Echo, Mirror and Little Echo had ice on parts of the lake but there is open water although temperatures have fallen. The colder weather will thicken the ice

22 but not enough to walk on so in general STAY OFF THE ICE and leave ice fishing to the anglers in the Interior of B.C.

I have four confirmed dates for my free fly tying for beginners sessions in Campbell River and Sayward. Sessions would be of interest to anyone who wants to get started in learning the basics in fly tying and all materials are there to get a hands-on experience to see if this is for you. Dates in Campbell River are the last Sunday of the month in January, February and March and times are from 1 to 3 p.m. In Sayward I’m at the new library Sunday, Feb. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Come on down try your hand at fly tying and talk some fishing.

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24 Library assistant Justine Duncan, left, circulation supervisor Ellen Paulsen, and librarian Nathalie Jones show their favourite books at the Sooke library. (Tim Collins - Black Press Media) What was Sooke’s most popular book last year? Library staff fill us in with the details

TIM COLLINS / Jan. 17, 2020 2:00 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS

A book, it’s been said, is a dream that you hold in your hand. French philosopher René Descartes described it as a conversation with the world’s finest minds.

And while some may argue that those lofty observations are not particularly applicable to some of what passes as writing in 2020, a quick review of what Sooke residents are reading seems to indicate that the region’s bookworms are a pretty erudite bunch.

RELATED: A new library on its way

25 The Vancouver Island Regional Library Sooke branch reported that the top circulating book for 2019 was a standard mystery by Ian Rankin titled In a House of Lies, but things quickly take a turn to more serious works when the next few most popular books are considered.

At second place was Educated by Tara Westover, and third Kate Morton’s The Clockmaker’s Daughter.

The most read books in the library tell only a part of the story, Nathalie Jones, the Sooke librarian, said.

“Large print books and children’s’ books are always popular and we get a lot of people coming in with their children to pick out a new favourite for the week,” she said.

“People come in for a whole variety of books that range from environmental non-fiction to cookbooks and everything in between.”

Sooke library offers more than just traditional books.

Ebooks, made available through the library, are available on apps like Libby. That’s an ebook reader and audiobook player that can be accessed through the library and offers more than 17,000 titles.

26 “We also offer DVDs to our clients for those who want to sit back and watch a film,” Jones said. Twenty-two per cent of all check-outs from the library were for DVDs.

Last year, the library’s two most popular films were The Shape of Water in which a human develops a romantic relationship with a fish-like creature, and Meg in which a different sort of fish spends two hours trying to devour any human it encounters.

“People have all kinds of tastes in what they read, watch, or listen to, but the important thing is that they are still coming to the library to explore all sorts of different stories,” Jones said.

As for Jones, her personal favourite read for last year was Normal People by Sally Rooney and Frankly in Love by David Yoon.

“I also listened to a lot of audio books last year and my favourite was Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. It’s a first book for Bardugo and it was fantastic,” she said.

The staff at the Sooke library are always willing to offer suggestions and a list of favourite books for people trying to find their own next literary treasure.

27 “For anyone who hasn’t visited the library for a while, we invite you to come in and take a look. I’ll guarantee that you’ll find something that interests you and maybe even a few surprises,” Jones said.

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28 Reading wasn’t the only reason to head to Haida Gwaii’s libraries. Knitters and crocheters at the Port Clements Library met last year to work on rainbow blankets. (Andrew Hudson photo) Haida Gwaii libraries announce their most popular books from the past year These titles had islanders booking it to the library in 2019

JENNA COCULLO / Jan. 18, 2020 2:55 p.m. / COMMUNITY / LOCAL NEWS

Dystopian novels are so 1984.

In 2019, the most sought out genre at the Haida Gwaii libraries was a contemporary ethnography titled Shaping the Future on Haida Gwaii: Life Beyond Settler Colonialism (2018).

29 The book, written by Joseph Weiss, a socio-cultural and political anthropologist at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, explores the intersections between time, mobility and Indigenous sovereignty based on fieldwork in Haida Gwaii, and strategies for how the Haida community addresses problems that come with a society under settler colonialism.

Patrick Siebold, library manager for the Haida Gwaii branches of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, compiled a list of the most borrowed books in 2019.

In second place was Women Talking, written by Miriam Toews. The book is an imagined response to a real-life event in 2009, where it was uncovered that eight members of a Mennonite group in Bolivia secretly sedated and raped hundreds of women.

In Toews’ book, eight illiterate women gather together before the offenders are released from jail to discuss how they can take their future and their community into their own hands.

READ MORE: Happy faces all around for new Haida Emoji phone app

Unsheltered: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver made the top three picks at the Haida Gwaii libraries. The story follows two families living in the same house at two separate time periods in Vineland, New Jersey.

30 Another dual narrative with intersecting timelines will prove to be popular in 2020, predicts Siebold.

“In terms of our most anticipated titles of 2020 thus far a few notables are Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, which currently has over 500 hundred holds on it system-wide,” he said. “Also, the new Margaret Atwood title sequel to The Handmaids Tale, The Testaments, is proving to be very popular.”

Athlii Gwaii : upholding Haida law at Lyell Island, a collection of political and personal stories from more than 40 authors regarding the 1985 Athlii Gwaii anti- logging demonstrations, made the list at number four.

Promoting Indigenous programming at the library has been just as important as providing Indigenous authors.

“We plan to continue with our Indigenous Voices programming which sees local Indigenous folks provide culturally relevant programs at the library for interested community members. Last year we had respected Haida Elder Gladys Vandal provide traditional cedar weaving workshops in Queen Charlotte. And in Masset we had Haida Language expert and advocate Jaskwaan Bedard provide Xaad Kil Language courses at the library,” explained Siebold.

31 Siebold said the island libraries plan to roll out Multicultural Literacy Kits later on in the year. The kits are designed to help parents teach children their cultural language through books, songs and games, all in their own language. Other VIRL branches have kits in Metis, Punjabi, Chinese, Czech and several other languages.

Haida Gwaii readers are also getting handsy as Moods in Wire: An Extended Guide to the Fine Art of Wirewrapping, The Doughnut Cookbook, and Coastal Crafts: Decorative Seaside Projects To Inspire Your Inner Beachcomber all came in the top 10 list of most borrowed books, each offering DIY expertise in their own unique fields.

A Mouseford Musical, the only book specifically geared toward children to top the list, Noam Chompsky’s Nuclear War and Environmental Catastrophe, and Tara Westover’s Educated : A Memoir also made the list.

READ MORE: Haida film Now Is The Time selected for Sundance

With much of Haida Gwaii now connected through recent fibre optic internet upgrades, Siebold is seeing an upward trend to the digital, which he expects to continue.

32 “We are seeing a steady increase in the use of our digital resources or eResources. We currently have numerous free streaming services for movies, music, eBooks, eAudiobooks etc. that are rapidly increasing in popularity,” he said.

The Top 5 eBooks and eAudiobooks borrowed at the library were:

1. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, by Mark Manson

2. Glass Beads, by Dawn Dumont

3. Origin: Robert Langdon #5, by Dan Brown

4. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, by J. D. Vance

5. Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be, by Rachel Hollis

Jenna Cocullo | Journalist Jenna Cocullo Send Jenna email Like the Haida Gwaii Observer on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

33 Mill Bay Marine Search and Rescue are fundraising for a number of key projects. (submitted) Coming up in Cowichan: Get your raffle tickets; dementia workshop

Jan. 20, 2020 6:00 a.m. / COMMUNITY

Get your Search & Rescue raffle tickets

Supporting Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Branch 34-Mill Bay is easier than ever before. The group is selling raffle tickets for your chance to win a roundtrip flight for two to any regularly scheduled and marketed Westjet destination. Funds raised will go towards Outboard Engine replacements and to support the boat lift and house upgrade/replacement.

34 Tickets are $25 each, three for $65 or five for $100. But act fast because 75 per cent of tickets have already sold. The draw will take place once all the tickets are sold, or by March 28, 2020 at the latest.

To get your hands on some tickets call 250-744- 0009 or 250-618-4502, ask a station member, or email [email protected] Alternatively visit https://rcmsar34.com/events to reserve your tickets online.

Dementia workshop coming Jan. 28

Supporting a person living with dementia who is living at home requires caregivers to get help from family and friends and to navigate the health-care system.

People cannot travel the dementia journey alone, says the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C.

To help the many family caregivers in the Cowichan Valley, the Society brings its free Accessing Services workshop to Duncan on Tuesday, Jan. 28. It is designed for residents who are supporting a person living with dementia at home.

The session reviews community supports available to caregivers, from family and friends to the healthcare system. It also explores challenges that can

35 arise when accessing services and support. Participants will learn strategies for working with service providers and acting as an advocate.

Accessing Services runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Cowichan Library, 2768 James St. Pre-registration is required by contacting 1-800-462-2833 or [email protected].

If you are living with dementia or have questions about the disease, visit www.alzheimerbc.org and call the First Link Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936- 6033 (English), 1-833-674-5007 (Cantonese and Mandarin) or 1-833-674-5003 (Punjabi).

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36 Library assistant Justine Duncan, left, circulation supervisor Ellen Paulsen, and librarian Nathalie Jones show their favourite books at the Sooke library. (Tim Collins - Black Press Media) WATCH: Sooke’s top stories A round-up of this week’s top stories

KALA WOOD / Jan. 21, 2020 4:30 p.m. / BUSINESS / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS / VIDEO

The top Sooke stories for the week of Jan. 21 are brought to you by Sooke Video Network.

Sooke News Update

37 Sooke Food Bank is sending out a call for help in keeping the shelves full after holiday season food drives end. For more information on this story, click here.

Sooke runner, Bruce Hawkes, broke a record by running his 200th consecutive race. Hawkes began his streak in 1995. For more information on this story, click here.

Sooke Library has announced its most popular book from last year. For more information on this story, click here.

To have your videos featured on SVN, send your content to [email protected].

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38 Haig-Brown Writer in Residence, Eden Robinson, in the national spotlight

Jan. 22, 2020 3:30 p.m. / COMMUNITY

It’s a big year for the writing residency at the Haig-Brown House.

Eden Robinson, who was just shortlisted for Canada Reads, has been at the house since November finalizing the draft of the third book in her Trickster series. Eden comes from Kitimaat, B.C., and is one of the most prominent indigenous writers currently working in Canada. Her Haisla and Heiltsuk roots feature prominently in her work. She has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Writer’s Trust Fellowship and the Ethel Wilson

Eden Robinson, photo by Bluetree Photography. Fiction Prize, and has been shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Award.

Recently she spoke to a crowd at the Museum at Campbell River, sharing stories about how she came to be a writer, about her life in Kitimaat, about her family, and about her writing process. Eden is famous for her infectious laugh, which, combined with her compelling style of storytelling, had the event attendees asking when she would be speaking again.

A second talk is now scheduled for Feb. 22 at the museum at 1 p.m. In this talk, the focus will be on her recent forays into the world of film. Her novel Monkey Beach is currently being adapted into a film, and there is a television series in the works for her Trickster trilogy.

Robinson will also share her experience with the 2020 Canada Reads that is now underway. Canada Reads is the annual CBC Radio literary debate series, with this year’s theme being “One book to bring Canada into focus.” Robinson’s book is being defended by Kaniehtiio Horn.

39 Horn is a Canadian actor from Kahnawake, the Mohawk reserve outside of Montreal. She stars as Mari in the National Geographic series Barkskins, based on the 2016 bestselling novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx, and currently appears in the critically acclaimed comedy series Letterkenny.

In addition to her speaking engagements at the museum, Robinson will be speaking in at the North Island Writers Conference, the Vancouver Island Regional Library, and at the Words on the Water literary festival. She is also providing some one-on-one mentorship to local writers during her residency.

The writing residency at the Haig-Brown House is in its 16th year. The program brings a Canadian author to Campbell River to provide public programming and mentorship, and to work on their writing. Currently there are sponsorship opportunities available for the program. For more information contact Sandra Parrish, Executive Director of the Museum.

The Museum is located at 470 Island Highway in Campbell River. The cost to attend the talk on Feb. 22 is $7. For more information find the Museum on Facebook, go to www.crmuseum.ca or call 250-287-3103.

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40 Beginners ﬂy tying session at the Campbell River Library this Sunday

Fly tying set up ready to go at the Campbell River Library on Sunday. Don Daniels photo

By Don Daniels

This is prime time for me to get out the ﬂy tying materials and tools and get ready to tie up some ﬂy patterns that have been catch ing trout and salmon around Campbell River.

The Campbell River library is an ideal venue to set up the vises and give people a chance to try their hand at learning the fly tying basics and then develop their skills in making fly patterns like a Woolly Bugger, Doc Spratley and leeches. I get a chance to meet people of all ages who have never tried fly tying and want to get a firsthand look at getting started.

This is my ﬁfth year and I try to get the people exposed to using equipment and see if they want to continue this fascinating hobby. Here are a couple of scenarios I have noticed over the years:

1. Some of the ladies have found a box of feathers and fur and the fly tying equipment has been in storage and now they want to tie up a fly and go fishing.

2. Some people have bought a fly tying kit and really don’t do anything with it because they don’t know the basics to get started. I’m a firm believer in try it before you buy it. Learn the basics to get started then go online and see the hundreds of patterns of flies that are available. Yes there are people that will go to the local tackle store and purchase already made flies and go fishing.

I will have four vises set up with all the tools and materials and the session is free and runs from 1 to 3 p.m. at the activity room at the Campbell River library. You can come by and ask questions and see if this hobby is for you. I know that fly tying is being taught at the high school and the fly tying club is active in Campbell River. Also, a group of ladies in Campbell River get together tie flies and go fishing.

If you can’t join us this Sunday, the other conﬁrmed dates will be Sunday, Feb. 23 and Sunday, March 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. and I will be at the Sayward library on Sunday, Feb. 9. At all the sessions for beginners, I will have an abundance of feathers and materials and will give away materials to get you started without spending any money.

During this past year, I mentioned a few fly patterns that really work in local lakes and I will make some draws to give these flies away. I hope to see you Sunday and if you have questions please feel free to ask have some fun and go fishing.

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42 Mental health is health and Psychologists can help – Psychology Month VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) February marks Psychology Month in British Columbia, an annual campaign that raises awareness about the role of psychology in shaping mentally healthy communities. The BC Psychological Association (BCPA) is hosting 21 free public presentations across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island through out the month of February.

Each of the talks will be facilitated by a Registered Psychologist with topics ranging from stress and its impact on mental and physi cal health, managing anxiety, mindfulness, helping children chase away worry, time management, how to upgrade relationships in our disconnected world, and many more.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada notes that mental illnesses and problems aﬀect one in ﬁve Canadians in any given year – regardless of age, background, or geographical location. Mental health problems have a high economic cost (estimated to be $51 bil lion per year) and take an even greater human toll. Mental health is more than the absence of illness – it is a resource that gives us the capacity to enjoy life and deal with challenges.

“Mental illness does not discriminate anyone can experience mental illness, and the burden of untreated mental illness can have negative eﬀects on families, the economy and the health care system,” says Alexina Picard, Operations Manager of the BC Psychologi cal Association. “Many people aﬀected by mental illness do not know where or how to seek help. Our referral service can help con nect them to a highly trained, local Registered Psychologist who can provide assessment, diagnosis and evidencebased treatment.”

There is a growing need for mental health services and resources across Canada. The BCPA hopes the presentation series will raise awareness that eﬀective psychological treatments exist for the vast majority of mental illnesses and identify where British Columbi ans can access treatment. The BCPA believes that all British Columbians deserve access to highquality, clinically proven psychologi cal care provided by Registered Psychologists.

Alexina Picard adds: “We hope that Psychology Month will encourage people to think and talk about their mental health, which is why we are oﬀering free public talks in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Spanish across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Van couver Island and the Interior.”

These free talks are sponsored by BCPA:

Date & Time Title/Presenter Location/Contact Tuesday, February Enhancing Mental Health through Creativity Vancouver Public Library Central Branch 4 Dr. Alina Sotskova 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC 7:309:00pm Wednesday, Stress, Hassles and Burnout Cowichan Public Library February 5 Dr. Barry Stein 2687 James St., Duncan, BC 6:007:30pm Thursday, Stress & it's Impact on Mental & Physical Health Campbell River Library February 6 Dr. DuFay Der 1240 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC 6:007:30pm Thursday, El Manejo de Estrés y la Salud Vancouver Public Library Kensington Branch February 6 Dr. Erika Horwitz (Talk in Spanish) 1428 Cedar Cottage Mews, Vancouver, BC 6:308:00pm Opiate Crisis and the Correctional System: The Need for a Friday, February 7 James Bay Community Project Dramatic Change in approach 2:003:30pm 547 Michigan Street, Victoria, BC Dr. Bruce Monkhouse Saturday, Helping your Child Overcome Anxiety Cook Street Village Activity Centre February 8 Dr. Carlton Duﬀ 380 Cook St., Victoria, BC 1:303:00pm Monday, February Relationships: Staying Connected Cook Street Village Activity Centre 380 Cook St., 10 Dr. David Mensink Victoria, BC 7:008:30pm Tuesday, February The Superpower of Love: How to Unleash it & Upgrade Your Vancouver Public Library Central Branch 11 Relationships in Our Disconnected World 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC 7:008:30pm Dr. Rotem Regev

43 Wednesday, Managing Performance Anxiety: Strategies for Sport, Work, Dunbar Community Centre February 12 and School 4747 Dunbar St, Vancouver, BC 6:308:00pm Dr. Patrick Myers & Ms. Zarina Giannone Wednesday, Neurotribes: Autism in the 21st Century Fraser Valley Regional Library Clearbrook Branch February 12 Dr. Cheryl Ainsworth 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC 7:008:30pm Thursday, Time Management and Stress: Tips and Strategies to get Kelowna Downtown Library ORL Branch February 13 Yourself Back on Track 1380 Ellis St., Kelowna, BC 6:308:00pm Ms. Irene Spelliscy Tuesday, February Enhancing your Personal & Workplace Resiliency Vancouver Public Library Central Branch 18 Dr. Joti Samra 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC 7:008:30pm Wednesday, Don't Panic: Easy, Everyday Ways to Manage Anxiety. City Centre Library February 19 Dr. Rachel Mallory 10350 University Drive, Surrey, BC 7:008:30pm Thursday, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Centre For Mindfulness Canada* 1073711 February 20 Dr. Kasim AlMashat Delbrook Ave, North Vancouver, BC 7:008:30pm Saturday, What is Emotional SelfRegulation and How do we do it? Pathways Clubhouse** February 22 Dr Rosa Wu (Talk in Mandarin) 315 – 8111 Granville Avenue, Richmond, BC 1:002:30pm Saturday, Helping Asian Families with a Transgender Family Member S.U.C.C.E.S.S. February 22 Dr. Wallace Wong (Talk in Cantonese) 28 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC 1:002:30pm Monday, February Emotional Literacy 101 Dunbar Community Centre 24 Ms. Alicja Dobrzanski & Dr. Michael Sheppard 4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC 7:008:30pm Tuesday, February What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)? Vancouver Public Library Central Branch 25 Dr. Debbie Leung (Talk in Mandarin) 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC 7:008:30pm Wednesday, What is Emotional SelfRegulation and How do we do it? New Westminster Public Library Main Branch February 26 Dr. Rosa Wu 716 6th Avenue, New Westminster, BC 6:308:00pm Wednesday, Helping Children Chase Away Worry: Understanding and Coquitlam Library City Centre Branch 1169 February 26 Managing Anxiety in Children Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC 7:008:30pm Ms. Samiramis du Sautoy, RCC Saturday, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Centre For Mindfulness Canada* 1073711 February 29 Dr. Kasim AlMashat Delbrook Ave, North Vancouver, BC 11:00am12:30pm

*Preregistration is required, please visit www.drkasimalmashat.com **Preregistration is required, please email [email protected]

BCPA operates a provincewide free psychologist referral service. Patients can search for a Registered Psychologist by city, client type, area of practice, therapy method and language by visiting www.psychologists.bc.ca/ﬁnd_psychologist_full or by calling 604 7300522 or 18007300522.

About BC Psychological Association

Established in 1938, the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA) and its members are committed to supporting the emo tional health and psychological wellbeing of British Columbians. BCPA believes that all British Columbians deserve access to high quality, clinically proven psychological care provided by Registered Psychologists.

For more information, please contact:

Logan Findlay Ross Sullivan Chris Olsen [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ph: 6046895559 Ph: 6046895559 Ph: 2508084910

44 The library has an adult reading club you can check out through February. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen) Coming up in Cowichan: Reading club; talk on stress and burnout

Feb. 1, 2020 5:00 p.m. / COMMUNITY

Adult Winter Reading Club at the Cowichan library

45 “We’re really excited to use the always popular Kids Summer Reading Club as a model for this great winter blues buster for adults,” says Melissa Legacy, VIRL’s director of Library Services and Planning. “I hope everyone will participate in this fun and innovative program that encourages our adult customers to get in on reading club fun.”

Who ever said reading clubs were just for kids? Visit your branch and start reading your way towards some fabulous prizes.

Visit any local branch for more information.

Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival this weekend at Forest Discovery Centre

The Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival is coming to the BC Forest Discovery Centre on Saturday, Feb.1 and Sunday, Feb. 2.

46 Billed as “2 Days of Maple Syrup Fun!” the annual festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days with tapping demonstrations, mini-workshops, live entertainment, a syrup competition, train rides and a marketplace filled with all kinds of yummy maple syrup and associated products. There are also crafts to keep the little ones occupied.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre has partnered with the Vancouver Island Sapsuckers, a group of local maple syrup producers, to put on this event for the community.

Admission is $10 for adults, seniors and youth (13- 18 years old), $8 for children and children under two years old get in for free. If you have a membership to the BCFDC, this festival is included in your membership.

As the purpose of the festival is to educate the public, this event depends on community support for organizing, sponsoring, and hosting. Businesses, community groups and individuals interesting in helping are asked to call 250-715-1113 ext. 23 to find out how to get involved, or to purchase their 2020 Memberships.

For more information check out www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com.

Free presentation on stress and burnout

47 Wednesday, Feb. 5

The BC Psychological Association is hosting 21 free public presentations across the province during February, and there will be one in Duncan on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

February marks Psychology Month in British Columbia, an annual campaign that raises awareness about the role of psychology in shaping mentally healthy communities. Each of the talks will be facilitated by a registered psychologist, with topics ranging from stress and its impact on mental and physical health, managing anxiety, mindfulness, helping children chase away worry, time management, how to upgrade relationships in our disconnected world, and many more.

In Duncan, Dr. Barry Stein will present “Stress, Hassles and Burnout” from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Duncan library, 2687 James St.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada notes that mental illnesses and problems affect one in five Canadians in any given year, regardless of age, background, or geographical location. Mental health problems have a high economic cost (estimated to be $51 billion per year) and take an even greater human toll. Mental health is more than the absence of illness, it is a resource that gives us the capacity to enjoy life and deal with challenges.

48 “Mental illness does not discriminate — anyone can experience mental illness, and the burden of untreated mental illness can have negative effects on families, the economy and the health care system,” says Alexina Picard, operations manager of the BC Psychological Association. “Many people affected by mental illness do not know where or how to seek help. Our referral service can help connect them to a highly trained, local registered psychologist who can provide assessment, diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.”

There is a growing need for mental health services and resources across Canada. The BCPA hopes the presentation series will raise awareness that effective psychological treatments exist for the vast majority of mental illnesses and identify where British Columbians can access treatment.

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49 Read more below

Halalt lands, the Crofton Road turnoff and Tussie Road are all in view of this aerial drone shot. (Photo by Shawn Wagar) Island communities in recovery mode after massive rainstorm All sorts of heroic tales and strife emerge from floods, evacuations in the Chemainus area

DON BODGER / Feb. 3, 2020 4:05 p.m. / NEWS

A much-needed calm came after an intense storm struck the Chemainus Valley Friday night and early Saturday morning, but the damage was already done.

A Category 4 atmospheric river passed over the Island, bringing torrential rains that flooded the region, causing numerous evacuations and a state of emergency to be declared by the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

50 The Trans Canada Highway was shut down for several hours and, with the back roads severely flooded as well, left no passage south-bound from Chemainus. Fortunately, the water receded quickly when the weather improved Saturday morning and the highway reopened before noon.

Russell Farm Market & Garden Centre was under several feet of water when the Chemainus River spilled way over its banks early Saturday morning. It was full of mud after the water level went down and fridges were upside down.

The lower portion of Mount Sicker Road, all through Westholme and the Halalt First Nation lands and Crofton Road to Tussie Road were particularly hard hit. The Bald Eagle Campsite was also an area of concern.

Flooding in areas of Crofton resulted in the evacuation of about 23 people. A BC Transit bus was used to take 18 residents to the Duncan area to stay with friends and family and the rest were accommodated in Crofton.

Evacuations continued into early Saturday morning and the Cowichan Community Centre was opened at 3 a.m. as a group lodging and reception centre. The centre initially hosted 28 evacuated residents from North Cowichan and the Halalt First Nation.

“The majority of them are on First Nations land,” noted North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring of the evacuees.

Direction was provided to people under the jurisdiction of the First Nations Health Authority.

The high water levels astounded everyone, particularly on the Trans Canada Highway portion of the river. The back roads frequently flood, but seldom on the highway.

“I’ve never ever seen that before,” conceded Siebring.

Even before the rainstorm inflicted its fury, Chemainus was rocked by high winds Friday afternoon and a tree falling in Askew Park resulted in power being out to the main downtown core for up to five hours for some residents until 8 p.m.

Read more below

Great tales always aride during challenging situations.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, two staff members at the Vancouver Island Regional Library in Chemainus ensured the library opened to the public despite local flooding. Circulation Supervisor Jenny James worked frantically through the night to ensure animals on her farm did not drown, but then got ready and went to work in the morning to make sure anyone who needed library services could come to the open library on an otherwise difficult day.

By Sunday morning, roads had turned slick and a series of other mishaps ensued. A vehicle rolled over at the Crofton Road corner trying to avoid another, but no one was seriously hurt.

There was also a single vehicle accident south of Mount Sicker in the northbound lanes, with Crofton and South End fire departments attending.

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53 Large lake formed around Russell Farms. (Photo courtesy of Deborah Lovely)

54 Carol August Morrison’s back yard in Westholme. (Photo by Carol August Morrison)

55 Mount Sicker Road area. (Photo submitted)

Flooded Westholme Road. (Photo by Daniel James Henry)

56 Dan Myers and son Matt on the scene for McBride’s Service Station of Chemainus to haul away another abandoned car at the Crofton Road turnoff. (Photo by Don Bodger)

57 Dan and Matt Myers were busy rescuing stranded cars, but not until the waters subsided. (Photo by Don Bodger)

58 Kelsey Bay marina is a starting point for crabbing and prawning in February. Don Daniels photo End of January fish tales FISHING CORNER: We just have to get through the bad weather

Feb. 6, 2020 1:30 p.m. / LOCAL SPORTS / SPORTS

By Don Daniels

I am happy to see the long month of January gone and the weather slowly improving day by day, even if it has, at times, been sunny.

But that is January.

I always maintain that any day we have no snow is a bonus when it comes to getting out fishing. On the upside, the river levels are higher and that means enough water around for the salmon eggs to hatch and fry get to move about and grow up. The rivers

59 are fishable for catch and release trout and reports for any steelhead activity will increase over the next few months.

Local rivers will be impossible to wade across because of the high water levels but in certain areas, fishing from shore is possible if you are so inclined. For trout anglers, it’s catch and release using small silver spoons or egg patterns then changing over to fry patterns in March.

Once we get through the bad weather conditions, anglers will get out to fish the various pools and, remember, all hooks are barbless. Coming up in a few weeks, I will feature proper catch and release ettiquet and you may be surprised how some anglers simply don’t know or care when it comes to releasing a trout in the Campbell River or any other river system in the area.

I recently had a chance to talk with a few guys out at Kelsey Bay and the boat crews were out and about doing repairs at the dock and the work continues at the marina putting in new docks.

Crabbing has been good in waters north of Yorke Island and Owen Bay. Leaving by boat from the Kelsey Bay marina is always a challenge because of the tides and strong winds. There are a number of

60 bays and areas out of the wind on the backside of Hardwicke Island that can be reached to get down prawn and crab pots.

If you haven’t been to the new library in Sayward, make it a point of stopping by this Sunday and take part or come by and watch what happens when we have the second fly tying session for beginners starting at 1 p.m. Over the past few years, I had sessions that were well attended at the Salmon River Inn but it’s closed at the moment for renovations.

I have some giveaways and the sessions are free for people of all ages. Everyone learns something and we have a few hours of fun learning the basic techniques.

You will take home a few patterns you have made at this session. I got a bunch of flies from Bob Gordon from Campbell River who is a retired fishing guide and his pink pattern really works. I will have the flies at the library.

I will be back at the Campbell River library the last Sunday in February and March from 1 to 3 p.m.I have tied up the Black Ghost streamer pattern in a few sizes and these will be at the library and I should have extra flies to give away.

This streamer pattern has been very good fishing for

61 early spring trout.

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62 Campbell River’s Masters of Hope oﬀering support with mental health and addiction

A Campbell River family is bringing awareness to mental health and addiction.

Tracy Masters and her niece, Krista Masters, created the Masters of Hope support group last spring.

“My daughter passed away March 5th of last year due to a long struggle with addiction,” Tracy says. “In May, I was posting on the Campbell River Rant, Rave and Randomness Facebook page wondering what the community needs. Obviously, we have this huge over dose opioid crisis happening.”

She says Krista jumped in and said “let’s do it, let’s start a support group.”

And, nearly a year later, the group continues to grow.

“Recently, we had two ladies come up from Nanaimo for a meeting because they’re want ing to start their own group down there. So, it’s really branched out and has aﬀected a lot of people.”

Tracy says all are welcome to attend the meetings.

63 “We’re here to help anyone struggling, whether it be addiction, depression or suicidal thoughts. It’s just to have people know there are ways to contact people and to not feel like they are alone.”

Loved ones or those who know someone suﬀering are encouraged to attend as well.

“We wanted to reach out to even family members that are dealing with someone with addiction, what their feelings are and what they’re going through.”

Tracy adds that, as far as she knows, they’re “one of the only groups doing this on a con tinuous basis” in the area.

Online, Masters of Hope now has over 300 members on Facebook and there’s no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Meetings are held from 6:00pm until 7:00pm on the ﬁrst and third Tuesday of every month at the Campbell River Library.

64 Dorothy Steinbacher and Heidi Scheifley get behind the fly tying vise at the Sayward Library. Don Daniels photo Fly tying sessions get everybody pining for summer

Feb. 13, 2020 1:30 p.m. / LOCAL SPORTS / SPORTS

By Don Daniels

While driving to Sayward, last week, the highways were in great condition although between the rain and wind I was thinking about the weather for Sunday.

Well, the weather and highway were excellent which was good because I had committed to doing a two- hour fly tying session at the Sayward Library. The venue was just what I was looking for. It has a private activity room and the tables were ideal to set up the fly tying vises and materials. I was ready for

65 Sayward residents to arrive and learn the basic art of playing with materials like feathers deer hair and tinsel.

I was delighted to see a few students and other residents show up so we got started. I do maybe three or four free sessions each year between January and March. It gives me a chance to learn what people are thinking when they want to learn to tie flies and go fishing. These tying sessions attract people of all ages and the idea of sitting down with enthusiastic people is exciting as they learn the basics of fly tying and then advance at their own level. It’s especially fulfilling when they progress to the point where they catch a fish with a fly they have made up.

At the beginning, many of their creations look a bit crude but you have to start somewhere and then get better.

I had set up five tying stations and there was enough feathers and fur to outfit an army. We had the materials to start with a basic streamer fly pattern resembling a Mickey Finn. I then watched as the participants changed colors and re constructed a pattern that they could use in lakes and local rivers.

Heidi, Jocelyn, Tim and Dorothy spent two hours at the vise and they took home their flies and hopefully they will get out and use them this fishing season. I

66 am planning another session in Sayward. The dates have yet to be determined. My next sessions are in Campbell River at the library the last Sunday in February and March starting at 1 p.m. and lasting for two hours.

The nice thing about doing the beginners fly tying lessons is that I get a chance to go through my materials and give it away to beginners. We all know we collect stuff and now it’s time to downsize and help others.

When I got back to Campbell River, I met avid fly angler Graham Kelly and I asked him if he could only have three flies in his possession what would they be. He wrote down Woolly Bugger, Mosquito and Black Bug.

Some of the local rivers have excellent dry fly fishing in early May and the fishing opportunities in this area are endless. If you have a favorite fly pattern let me know email [email protected]

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67 Local author and VIU professor Susan Juby will be reading from two unpublished books at Nanaimo Harbourfront Library on Feb. 22. (Josef Jacobson/The News Bulletin) Author and VIU professor Susan Juby previewing pair of unpublished books 'At Your Service' is an adult crime comedy and 'Me 3' is a child's eye view of MeToo

Feb. 18, 2020 12:00 a.m. / ENTERTAINMENT

Susan Juby doesn’t remember the last time she did a reading of her work in Nanaimo but the local author and VIU professor is making up for it by offering a sneak peek of a pair of unpublished books.

On Feb. 22 Juby will be at Nanaimo Harbourfront Library to read excerpts from At Your Service, an adult crime comedy about a former Buddhist nun

68 investigating a murder at a Gulf Island new age retreat centre, and Me 3, a middle-grade book about a boy whose father has been accused of “impropriety” with women with whom he works.

During the discussion portion, Juby said she’s open to covering “just about anything that’s not completely off-topic.” She said that could include her writing and revision process, the publishing industry and the subject matter she’s tackling in her books.

“I’ll bring up what they’re about and we can have a conversation about that, including about is it appropriate for middle graders to get any exposure to the MeToo movement. How would you approach that? Because I have,” she said.

Both books are firsts for Juby. At Your Service being her debut crime novel for adults, while Me 3 is her first book aimed for middle-grade students. She said she wrote them simultaneously and doesn’t “pander to gatekeepers” when writing for different age groups.

“What I’m trying to do is just authentically create characters who are the age that they are,” she explained. “So if have a 33-year-old former Buddhist nun, I want to inhabit that consciousness. And if I’m writing about a 12-year-old whose family has

69 suddenly fallen apart and who comes to terms with what’s happened, I want to inhabit that consciousness in as authentic a way as I can.”

Juby, a self-described “crime junkie,” has been working on At Your Service for the past three and a half years, long by her standards. She said she’s hoping to turn it into a series, “so it’s taken me a really long time to get the first one right.” Juby said she’s nearly done the first draft. She’s read portions of it in the past, but she’ll go further into the book on Feb. 22.

This will be the first time Juby reads from Me 3, her take on a child’s eye view of the MeToo movement. She said it’s important to discuss issues like consent and personal boundaries with middle-grade children, who range from eight to 12 years old.

“Before kids turn into teenagers, that’s when they’re developing a lot of their ideas about who they’re going to be in relationship to the opposite sex or what their ideas are about girls versus boys and boundaries…” she said. “So I hope that the book will start some conversations.”

WHAT’S ON … Susan Juby author reading at Nanaimo Harbourfront Library, 90 Commercial St., on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. [email protected] us on Facebook

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RDN and Trust taxes increasing - Gabriola Fire District projecting no increase Derek Kilbourn Sounder News Wednesday, February 19 2020

Electoral Area B (Gabriola, Mudge, DeCourcy islands) will contribute $1,653,480 to the Regional District of Nanaimo in the budget for 2020 - up from $1,490,887.

By comparison, the City of Nanaimo will contribute $24,215,934, and the Town of Lantzville will contribute $931,287.

Area B typically shows lower than the other Electoral Areas, as planning services are operated through the Islands Trust, and fire protection is serviced through the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District. Both these local governments establish their own budget and requisition. Big ticket items like sewage are also not a service for Area B.

According to the 2020-2024 financial plan, the RDN tax requisitions over the next five years are scheduled to increase as follows:

• $56,651,871 (2020)

• $61,534,663 (2021)

• $65,271,521 (2022)

• $69,737,316 (2023)

• $72,462,829 (2024)

Unlike with a municipality, an overall tax increase for the RDN does not exist. Each property within each Electoral Area or member municipality receives a combination of 106 services that the RDN provides and, as such, the financial implications vary widely by property.

For Electoral Area B, the “average” home is assessed at $419,176. Total 2020 RDN tax requisition for an average home in Area B will be $417 for 2020, an increase of $41 from 2019.

The largest increases for that average home are:

Community Parks (up $6.27);

RDN Administration (up $5.83);

Feasibility Studies (up $4.75);

Drinking Water and Watershed Protection, as well as Regional Parks (both up $4);

Electoral Area Administration (up $3.68);

and Vancouver Island Regional Library contribution (up $2.67).

The costliest service functions for Gabriola through RDN are:

Community Parks: $340,377, up from $315,164 from 2019.

Vancouver Island Regional Library: $263,514, up from $252,043 from 2019.

Gabriola Transit Contribution (GERTIE): $139,470, decreased from $139,906 in 2019.

Gabriola Island Recreation (Gabriola Recreation Society and Gabriola Arts Council): $131,223, up from $127,401 in 2019.

71 Southern Community Recreation (Area B’s contribution to recreational facilities throughout the southern part of the RDN including City of Nanaimo): $107,856, up from $103,076.

The five-year financial plan will next be in front of the RDN Board on Tuesday, February 25. See www.rdn.bc.ca for agendas and to watch the meeting online.

Islands Trust

While the Islands Trust is expecting an overall three per cent increase in expenditures, the proposed 2020-2021 budget will only increase taxes by 1.5 per cent overall - other than Bowen Island Municipality, which will see a 2.7 per cent projected general tax increase.

$383,650 will be drawn from surplus funds, to balance the budget (surplus funds are unspent monies accumulated from previous years).

Two key elements in the coming year which are causing the increase (according to the Trust) are the climate actions funded through regular operations and strategic plan projects - as well as Trust Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan funded through regular operations and program funding, in support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliations Commissions Calls To Action.

Trust Council next meets March 10 to 12 on Salt Spring Island and will have finalization of the 2020-2021 budget on the agenda.

Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District

The budget for the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District was projected to increase by 2.1 per cent in 2020.

The provincial levy - which includes the operating budget (expenses) of the fire department, as well as any long-term debts also being paid through taxation - will not increase.

A long-term debt owed on one of the fire trucks is being paid off - District staff say this will offset the budget increase, keeping taxes at the 2019 levels.

The main portions of the operations budget which are increasing are training (+$5,000) and equipment (+$3,000) plus $1,000 added in for legal fees.

Overall, the budget is up $14,000 over 2019 for a total of $683,600.

The February meeting of the fire board was cancelled; the next meeting of the board is currently scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 4:45 p.m.at the Albert Reed Memorial Fire Hall #1. back to top

Contact Information: Weather: Ofﬁce Address: Mailing Address: Publisher/Sales: Unit 1 510 North Rd PO Box 62, Sarah Holmes - [email protected] (Madrona Marketplace) Gabriola Island, B.C. Gabriola Island, B.C. V0R 1X0 Editor: Derek Kilbourn - [email protected] Hours: Telephone: Tuesday - Thursday: 9:30 to 4:30 PST Phone: 250-247-9337 General: Friday: 9:30 to Noon Fax: 250-247-8147 (Closed Saturday - Monday) General Email - [email protected] H

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74 Teen Advisory Group starts up at Parksville library Youth can recommend programs and books for the facility

CLOE LOGAN / Feb. 27, 2020 1:30 a.m. / COMMUNITY / LOCAL NEWS

Two teens want to attract more young people to the Parksville library, so they’ve joined a group dedicated to brainstorming ideas to make it happen.

Janel van Dongen and Dekaiah Haupt, both 12 years old, have been going to the library for years. They agree it is a great place to hang out, and think if more teens gave it a try, they’d think so as well.

READ MORE: Library month celebrates Indigenous people, culture in Parksville

75 The group is still in the beginning stages, but van Dongen said she hopes to work with the other 11 members to find ways to attract more young people to the library with new programs and books.

“There are many things that I’d like to see happening, but I’d especially like to see more people coming to the library,” said van Dongen.

Haupt echoed van Dongen, who he’s known since he was a toddler, and added that he thinks there’s plenty of programming that the library has put on that people would enjoy.

“Everyone is so attached to their devices and stuff,” he said. “There’s tons of events and it would just kind of be fun to help organize those events and be part of the community.”

The Teen Advisory Group has just started up at the Parksville library. Other libraries have the program, which gives young people an opportunity to share ideas about programs, book selections are more. Librarian Susan Pierce said it’s more valuable to have a teen council to directly tell the library what they’re interested, rather than guessing.

If you want to get involved, email Pierce at [email protected]. [email protected]

76 The Cowichan Camera Club is celebrating its 40th birthday with a show at Portals Gallery in the Cowichan Community Centre in March. (Carl Erland photo) Cowichan Valley Camera Club celebrating 40 years One of the club’s highlights for 2020 is a photographer’s show from March 3 to 27

Mar. 2, 2020 6:00 a.m. / ENTERTAINMENT / LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT

By Lois DeEll

How does a camera club start and remain active after 40 years?

In 1980, several people including Charles Worsley, John Sargeant, Patricia Rankin, and Denny Wagg, had a vision to promote photography in the Cowichan Valley for professionals, semi- professionals, amateurs, and hobbyists. The vision

77 started at the 1979 Cowichan Exhibition Photography section, asking people if they were interested in forming a camera club. The journey started with the first meeting held on Oct. 16, 1980, at the Cowichan Community Centre. The annual membership was $12 for adults and $6 for juniors. Today the annual membership is $40 for individuals, $55 for families, and $20 for students.

By January 1981, with 14 members, Nancy Robertson was the club’s first president. The first field trip was on Sunday, March 8, 1981, to photograph Fort Rodd Hill, Esquimalt Lagoon, and the Victoria Inner Harbour. Advertising circulated via the Cowichan Pictorial, and Cablevision Channel 3. The club’s Constitution was adopted on March 19, 1981. At the May 17, 1981 executive meeting, the club took out membership with the National Association for Photographic Art (NAPA), now the Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA), and became a member on June 1, 1981, and continues to be a member. At the May 21, 1981 meeting the club decided to meet twice a month. Today the club meets three nights a month.

September 1981 also saw involvement with the local fall fair. In 1982, there were 88 entries in the Cowichan Exhibition, with the Pictorial newspaper requesting the winners to submit their images for

78 publication. Today there are approximately 280 entries in the Cowichan Exhibition. The club is still actively involved with the Photography Division.

In November 1981, the club entered their first photography competition in NAPA. They received an Honour Award Ribbon in February 1982 for the theme competition “Pals”. November 1983 saw a huge win for the club — first place out of 49 clubs in a NAPA slide competition. The club has been active throughout the years in judging many photography competitions, with the first one in 1987. The club continues to enter CAPA competitions and won a Gold Medal in November 2017 for Photojournalism.

In February 1983 the club started to meet at Queen Margaret’s School, and in March 1983 they joined the Cowichan Valley Arts Council and participated in the Spring Arts Festival.

Print exhibitions and shows were held throughout the years at the Ecomuseum, Cowichan Theatre Lobby, The Loft, Vancouver Island Regional Library, local hotels, restaurants, and wineries, and photography outlets.

The club has had many opportunities to promote their photography with various service and local interest groups, hospitals, businesses, seniors homes, the hospice society, Millennium 2000 Project, Cowichan Tourism, Chamber of Commerce,

79 World Youth Organization, physical fitness groups, telephone book covers, local publications, 55+ BC Summer Games in 2005, political members, Summer Festival, Somenos Nature House, and Ballet Jorgen Canada.

The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) was held in the Cowichan Valley in 2008, with many photographers highlighting the games for the participants. Another event in 2018 brought forth several photographers to capture the B.C. Summers Games.

One of the club’s highlights for 2020 is a photographer’s show with more than 80 photos will be on display from March 3 to 27 at the Portals Gallery, with a reception held on March 7.

In 2004 the club developed their website and a PBase database for digital images was created so images could be downloaded.

Has technology changed the way a photographer takes a photograph, processes the photograph, and prints the photograph? During the course of the club’s 40 years, technology has made photographers more portable. The little black box of a camera has become a sophisticated piece of electronic equipment. Welcome to the digital age. Photographers can shoot at the moment, edit and

80 change settings to whatever their needs are, and transfer their photos from anywhere there is an internet connection.

Back in the day, processing was done in a darkroom with a roll of film, black and white or colour. Slides were popular. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, one hour photo finishing kiosks popped up throughout the country. Now, photographers can sit in a comfortable chair in front of their computers, download their images from a scan disk, and edit and develop their images in various available post processing software programs. From those software programs they can print their images on their home printer.

The Cowichan Valley Camera Club members have embraced this technological change, and to this date are still producing award winning images.

Lois DeEll is the vice president of the Cowichan Valley Camera Club.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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A small footprint Canadian Tire store nearing completion in Calgary, Alberta. Rumours have been swirling that Sooke had been sighted by the national retailer as part of its growth strategy on southern Vancouver Island.  Canadian Tire Corporation

COMMERCIAL, WESTSHORE Response to rumours of Canadian Tire's expansion to Sooke reveal town's desire for commercial services MIKE KOZAKOWSKI, CITIFIED.CA PUBLISHED MARCH 2, 2020 Rumours of a Canadian Tire expansion into Sooke are just that, according to the Ontario-based retailer.

A vacant parcel west of Otter Point Road between the 6700-block of Highway 14 and Eustace Road has long been envisioned as a future retail hub for the community of 20,000, and most recently the talk about town has led some to believe Canadian Tire Corporation was interested in opening its newest south Island store in Sooke’s town centre.

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82 That is not to be, at least not yet. The organization has confirmed to Citified is it not presently pursuing an expansion west of Langford. What may have gained the rumour legs is the chain’s decision to anchor a new commercial plaza on the northern-most tip of the Saanich Peninsula in North Saanich (near BC Ferries’ Swartz Bay terminal). A store in the western-most tip of the Capital Region, therefore, seemed quite plausible, particularly with the company's expansion into the smaller-scaled brick-and-mortar sector.

The lack of commercial and retail service for a community (comprised of Sooke-proper, East Sooke, Otter Point and Shirley) that is larger in population than any of Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, Metchosin, North Saanich, Oak Bay, Sidney and View Royal – not to mention quite removed from the remainder of the West Shore – has been a hot-button topic among residents who are heavily reliant on Langford for all but the most basic of services and retail options.

But change is coming, albeit slowly.

The town’s main retail complex, known as Evergreen Centre, is undergoing an expansion that will deliver 6,400 square feet of new retail space with frontage onto Sooke Road’s traffic circle at Brownsey Boulevard. The building will stand on what was once an RBC Royal Bank branch (now situated on the south side of Sooke Road across form Evergreen Centre) and offices that were destroyed by fire about a decade back. Tim Hortons plans to open its second Sooke drive-thru coffee shop in one of the retail units with H&R Block occupying another; a third remains for lease.

In mid-2019 the T’sou-ke Nation opened a joint Tim Hortons and Petro Canada gas bar east of Edward Milne Community School along the 6000-block of Sooke Road. Future plans for the property may include a medical and dental facility.

Back in the town centre local pharmacy chain Forbes Pharmacy will be opening its latest location near the intersection of Sooke Road and Otter Point Road. The business will join Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmasave as purveyors of prescription drugs, and make space available for health practitioners.

Meanwhile the Sooke branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is awaiting its construction start on Wadams Way at Townsend Road. The 14,600 square foot, two-storey building was slated to begin in 2019 but work has yet to launch and no anticipated construction windows have been communicated by the VIRL.

As a further nod to a town as sizable as Sooke dragging its heels on local amenities, BC Transit has recently acknowledged that Sooke’s inter-community transit options are the least developed of any British Columbia community of its size. As part of a service review now underway, the transit operator plans to launch several local routes and a new Sooke-Langford-Victoria connector that will operate as an added layer of regional service to the existing #61 trunk route. Currently residents have no formal transit services other than those offered by a small loop by the #61 as it terminates its run to Sooke, and limited rural connectors that run a handful of times per day.

The new transit services will coincide with $86 million in improvements to Highway 14/Sooke Road, which will see an approximate one kilometre-long expansion to four lanes in the 17 Mile Pub area and several kilometers of shoulder widening between Otter Point and Shirley. The project starts this summer.

Despite the present-day challenges of a growing community faced with limited services, the silver lining is things can only improve, and judging by the reaction to the news of STAY CONNECTED TO CITIFIED Canadian Tire shopping around for a new space, the improvements are long overdue. C

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83 File photo of downtown Courtenay. Survey reveals safety concerns of downtown Courtenay business owners

SCOTT STANFIELD / Mar. 3, 2020 1:30 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS

A survey conducted by the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association sheds some light on the level of security felt by downtown merchants.

The Downtown Courtenay Illegal Activity Survey, which closed Feb. 24, elicited 92 responses. Eighty per cent said staff have felt uncomfortable at their business due to a person(s) under the influence in the last year. More than 70 per cent have noticed an increase in urination and/or defecation in the area of their business in the last year.

84 More than 73 per cent of respondents said staff have been harassed or felt uncomfortable walking to their car/leaving work. About she same number say customer concerns around safety have increased.

Following are some of the comments:

•Almost daily we have customers make comments about the obvious increase in ‘shady people,’ and express concerns for staff safety due to our extended hours;

•Customers have not come into stores due to persons on the street nodding off or acting oddly;

•My clients will sometimes circle the block and show up late for their appointments because they’re too scared to park at the library.

Less than half the respondents dealt with shoplifters in the last year.

Nearly 60 per cent called police due to an incident last year.

Some respondents said public washrooms are needed downtown. Others said daily police foot patrols would help.

At Monday’s meeting, council approved a resolution from Doug Hillian to have staff investigate the possibility of installing on-street video cameras

85 outside the Courtenay Library and other ‘strategic locations’ to enhance public safety downtown. His motion for a possible public downtown toilet facility, similar to the Portland Loo, also passed.

The Portland Loo is designed to prevent problems commonly experienced with public toilets. The modern kiosk discourages crime with graffiti-proof wall panels and open grating.

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86 Bookmarks that will be available at the Chemainus library, provided by the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society. (Photo by Don Bodger) Commemorative bookmarks being given out at library opening Chemainus Festival of Murals Society providing the keepsake

DON BODGER / Mar. 6, 2020 2:25 p.m. / COMMUNITY

BOOK ‘EM

The Chemainus Festival of Murals Society is donating 10,000 commemorative bookmarks to help celebrate the opening of the new Chemainus library. They’ll be available at the opening Saturday. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Bookmarks that will be available at the Chemainus library, provided by the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society. (Photo by Don Bodger)

87 Don Bodger

The Courier

Chemainus Festival of Murals Society providing the keepsake

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88 The grand opening of the new Chemainus library is coming up on Saturday, March 7 at 1 p.m. (Photo by Don Bodger) Grand opening of new Chemainus library on March 7 There will be cake, refreshments, a ribbon- cutting ceremony and more

DON BODGER / Mar. 6, 2020 3:00 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS

The grand opening of the new Chemainus library is being celebrated Saturday, March 7.

The latest addition to the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s branches at 9796 Willow St. will be alive with revellers, entertainers and dignitaries to officially welcome the state-of-the-art new library to the community.

89 “From the moment the new branch opened its doors to the public in early 2020, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and excited,” noted Brenda Leigh, the VIRL’s board chair. “I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to bring this beautiful library to reality. This new, modern Chemainus library is sure to bring inspiration and excitement to our library users.”

The fun starts at 1 p.m. and includes an official welcome from Stz’uminus elder Buffy David, speeches, a ribbon cutting, cake and refreshments, and the always-enigmatic children’s entertainer, Captain Thunderpants. From there, attendees are welcome to peruse the library at their leisure and to familiarize themselves with the beautiful new space.

The first 30 people there will receive a prize pack.

The branch, with its West Coast inspired design and abundance of natural light, offers 5,000 square feet of floor space; increased staffing levels; expanded hours of operation; a larger collection with many new materials; an expanded program schedule; more public computers; a vibrant children’s area; a lounging area with fireplace; a laptop bar; study space; a bookable multipurpose room and more.

COMMUNITY

90 The games arcade area has pinball machines lined up against a wall and foosball games, making it look like the old Sports Centre in downtown Chemainus. (Photo submitted) Finishing touches being applied to new downtown Chemainus Market Official grand opening will be on March 28 as excitement builds

DON BODGER / Mar. 7, 2020 6:00 a.m. / BUSINESS / LOCAL BUSINESS

Like fine wine, some things take a little more time than expected.

The highly-anticipated grand opening of the Chemainus Public Market will now be on Saturday, March 28 instead of the end of February because there’s still lots of finishing touches to be done.

91 The Market, located in the former Chemainus Foods building on Willow Street across from Waterwheel Park, will include a fish and chips restaurant, 1950s- style ice cream parlour and diner and arcade. And, there will be dozens of vendors running booths, tables and other venues selling art, crafts, jewelry, baking, seafood, books, First Nations carvings and knitting, and much more.

“It is really beginning to take shape,” said Laurie Douglas, the general manager of the Chemainus Public Market. “I know people are going to love the look of the renovation and we’re looking forward to a great energy in the space.”

Most of the booths that are being created have been spoken for, she added, but there is still room for a few more.

“The vendors who have committed to spaces will be busy over the next month getting ready for the grand opening. We’re painting, putting in doors and windows, doing the necessary plumbing and it’s a huge undertaking, but it’s very exciting.”

A partnership with two entrepreneurs who are experts in the world of pinball machines and video games has created an arcade that will feature more than two dozen games.

92 “It’s a spectacular room and I know people can’t wait to play these games and just hang out with their friends,” Douglas says.

“We’ll be putting together packages for kids’ birthday parties or other youth group events. So, groups can come in and enjoy some fun food like chili, hot dogs or even fish and chips and then spend some time in the arcade.”

Chemainus Foods closed four years ago and Douglas says it’s a dream come true to be able to see the lights on in the building once again.

“It really hurt the downtown core and now with the beautiful new library open just next door, it’s really going to revive that corner of Chemainus.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of marketing and we’re expecting not just local folks but people from Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan and Victoria to come up to see what’s going on at the Market. And while they’re here, they’re going to be visiting the downtown and Old Town stores and restaurants. It’s going to be great for the whole town.”

For more information about the Chemainus Public Market, call Laurie Douglas at 250-732-1549 or [email protected].

93 “We’re also in the process of hiring people to work in the restaurants and for other jobs at the Market,” Douglas adds.

“We’ll probably be needing up to 30 full- and part- time employees.”

BUSINESS

94 5℃ LIGHT RAIN › 99.7 2DAY FM Powered by Vista Radio Ltd. Scott Helman - PDA  menu

NEWS New $14m library proposed for Campbell River

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Troy Landreville, sta  Monday, Mar. 9th, 2020

95  Existing Campbell River Library. (Troy Landreville, MyCampbellRiverNow.com sta)

A new library could be in the works for Campbell River.

The Vancouver Island Regional Library is looking to borrow $14 million from the Strathcona Regional District to build the facility.

The money would be repaid by the VIRL in annual installments to cover all principal, interest and other costs.

The plan is to demolish the existing building and replace it with a two-storey facility on the same site.

The City of Campbell River is committed to the project.

The next step for the VIRL would be approval from eligible voters to borrow the funds.

If you oppose this idea, you can send a written objection to the regional district by March 20th.

96 David Carson, director of corporate communications for the Vancouver Island Regional Library, at the podium for the Chemainus library’s official opening. (Photo by Don Bodger) Official opening puts importance of new Chemainus library into perspective Large crowd packs into the space to celebrate the remarkable addition to downtown

DON BODGER / Mar. 8, 2020 12:30 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS

Read into it what you will, but the packed crowd that assembled Saturday for the official grand opening of the new Chemainus library signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library in the midst of a downtown Chemainus revival.

97 It was very much a community celebration, with ceremony, cake, entertainment, a chance to look over all the amenities that many have already come to know since the building opened Jan. 13 and to appreciate the facility’s importance.

The numbers speak volumes about what has already transpired since the soft opening.

David Carson, director of corporate communications for the VIRL, pointed out about 1,000 people went through the doors during the first two days after the branch opened; 6,000 book checkouts occurred in January; and 200 people signed up for library cards in January and February.

“From the moment the doors opened, the response from the community has been immediate and overwhelmingly positive,” said Carson.

VIRL representatives were on Cloud Nine with the response to the official opening and enjoyed greeting all the people who made comments or asked questions.

“It’s so great to see the community come out for this,” enthused Carson. “We’ve known for a long time there was a lot of excitement about this branch. It’s totally a community celebration. We couldn’t be happier.”

98 Joel Adams, the VIRL’s director of finance, concurred, recalling the Municipality of North Cowichan committed to the space in 2016 and how the process of formulating plans for the library developed from there.

“It’s neat to see the community came out for the first consultation and the excitement,” he said.

“As we designed it, we were able to pull in the wood and the timber and all the design elements. We’ve made it a really good place to gather.”

Chemainus Rotary Club finances went toward equipment for the children’s area, Adams pointed out, and that’s been a typical show of support for how much the library means to the community.

The bookable space has also been a popular feature, with community groups using it and essentially having enough room for two meetings at once with a retractable wall in the middle.

Library manager Steven Warren has been impressed with the number of bookings so far. Adams added the investment in a new collection, lots of technology and such simple things as curved shelving for a modern look have already paid off to produce a library that will long be a source of great pride.

99 Stz’uminus elder Buffy David conducted a ceremonial official welcome.

“It makes my heart feel happy to see this place,” she said.

And having such a wonderful facility with access to so many books, “it’s good medicine.”

The library’s expanded hours mean “it’s open when you when you want to be here which is absolutely fantastic,” added Carson.

“There’s so many new amenities and facilities that totally make this a 21st Century library.”

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100 Stz’uminus elder Buffy David welcomes the crowd gathered for the Chemainus library grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Buffy David, a Stz’uminus elder, at the Chemainus library official opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

101 David Carson, director of corporate communications for the Vancouver Island Regional Library, acknowledges contributors to the new Chemainus library during the official grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Some of the large crowd assembled at the new Chemainus library Saturday for the official grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

102 Joel Adams, director of finance for the Vancouver Island Regional Library, at the front of the large crowd assembled for the Chemainus library grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Joel Adams, director of finance for the Vancouver Island Regional Library. (Photo by Don Bodger)

103 North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring conducts the ribbon-cutting at the new Chemainus library’s official grand opening, with some help from his little friends Mia Sampson, 7, Weston Magee, 6, and Annabella Sampson, 10. (Photo by Don Bodger)

North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring conducts the ribbon-cutting at the new Chemainus library’s official grand opening, with some help from his little friends Mia Sampson, 7, Weston Magee, 6, and Annabella Sampson, 10. (Photo by Don Bodger)

104 North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring conducts the ribbon-cutting at the new Chemainus library’s official grand opening, with some help from his little friends Mia Sampson, 7, Weston Magee, 6, and Annabella Sampson, 10. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Weston Magee, 6, of Crofton, enjoys some colouring in a corner of the new Chemainus library. (Photo by Don Bodger)

105 VIRL mascot Tales with Sylvia Wende. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Chemainus Rotary Club’s Tom Andrews chats with VIRL director of finance Joel Adams. (Photo by Don Bodger)

106 Natasha Bartlett and other VIRL staff dish out cake at the Chemainus library official opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Let them eat cake, Natasha Bartlett and David Carson of the VIRL. (Photo by Don Bodger)

107 Chemainus library is a busy place during the official grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Children’s entertainer Captain Thunderpants makes an appearance at the Chemainus library’s official grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

108 Children’s entertainer Captain Thunderpants attracts a following while making his way through the Chemainus library during the official opening Saturday. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Captain Thunderpants entertains during the new Chemainus library official opening Saturday. (Photo by Don Bodger)

109 File photo of downtown Courtenay. Growth in ‘shady people’ raising safety concerns in downtown Courtenay Survey of business community reveals significant levels of concern

SCOTT STANFIELD / Mar. 10, 2020 1:30 p.m. / BUSINESS / LOCAL BUSINESS

A survey conducted by the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association sheds some light on the level of security felt by downtown merchants.

110 the last year. More than 70 per cent have noticed an increase in urination and/or defecation in the area of their business in the last year.

More than 73 per cent of respondents said staff have been harassed or felt uncomfortable walking to their car/leaving work. About she same number say customer concerns around safety have increased.

Following are some of the comments:

•Almost daily we have customers make comments about the obvious increase in ‘shady people,’ and express concerns for staff safety due to our extended hours;

•Customers have not come into stores due to persons on the street nodding off or acting oddly;

•My clients will sometimes circle the block and show up late for their appointments because they’re too scared to park at the library.

Less than half the respondents dealt with shoplifters in the last year.

Nearly 60 per cent called police due to an incident last year.

Some respondents said public washrooms are needed downtown. Others said daily police foot patrols would help.

111 At Monday’s meeting, council approved a resolution from Doug Hillian to have staff investigate the possibility of installing on-street video cameras outside the Courtenay Library and other ‘strategic locations’ to enhance public safety downtown. His motion for a possible public downtown toilet facility, similar to the Portland Loo, also passed.

The Portland Loo is designed to prevent problems commonly experienced with public toilets. The modern kiosk discourages crime with graffiti-proof wall panels and open grating.

112 https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

DON BODGER / Mar. 11, 2020 12:30 p.m. / COMMUNITY

It was very much a community celebration, with ceremony, cake, entertainment, a chance to look over all the amenities that many have already come to know since the building opened Jan. 13 and to appreciate the facility’s importance.

113 1 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/ The numbers speak volumes about what has already transpired since the soft opening.

“From the moment the doors opened, the response from the community has been immediate and overwhelmingly positive,” said Carson.

VIRL representatives were on Cloud Nine with the response to the official opening and enjoyed greeting all the people who made comments or asked questions.

Joel Adams, the VIRL’s director of finance, concurred, recalling the Municipality of North Cowichan committed to the space in 2016 and how the process of formulating plans for the library developed from there.

“It’s neat to see the community came out for the first consultation and the excitement,” he said.

“As we designed it, we were able to pull in the wood and the timber and all the design elements. We’ve made it a really good place to gather.”

Chemainus Rotary Club finances went toward equipment for 114 2 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/ the children’s area, Adams pointed out, and that’s been a typical show of support for how much the library means to the community.

The bookable space has also been a popular feature, with community groups using it and essentially having enough room for two meetings at once with a retractable wall in the middle.

Stz’uminus elder Buffy David conducted a ceremonial official welcome.

“It makes my heart feel happy to see this place,” she said.

And having such a wonderful facility with access to so many books, “it’s good medicine.”

The library’s expanded hours mean “it’s open when you when you want to be here which is absolutely fantastic,” added Carson.

“There’s so many new amenities and facilities that totally make this a 21st Century library.”

115 3 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

Weston Magee, 6, of Crofton, enjoys some colouring in a corner of the new Chemainus library. (Photo by Don Bodger)

116 4 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

VIRL mascot Tales with Sylvia Wende. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Chemainus Rotary Club’s Tom Andrews chats with VIRL director of finance Joel Adams. (Photo by Don Bodger)

117 5 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

Natasha Bartlett and other VIRL staff dish out cake at the Chemainus library official opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Let them eat cake, Natasha Bartlett and David Carson of the VIRL. (Photo by Don Bodger)

118 6 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

Chemainus library is a busy place during the official grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Children’s entertainer Captain Thunderpants makes an appearance at the Chemainus library’s official grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

119 7 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

Children’s entertainer Captain Thunderpants attracts a following while making his way through the Chemainus library during the official opening Saturday. (Photo by Don Bodger)

David Carson, director of corporate communications for the Vancouver Island Regional Library, at the podium for the Chemainus library’s official opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

120 8 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

Captain Thunderpants entertains during the new Chemainus library official opening Saturday. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Stz’uminus elder Buffy David welcomes the crowd gathered for the Chemainus library grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

121 9 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

Buffy David, a Stz’uminus elder, at the Chemainus library official opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

David Carson, director of corporate communications for the Vancouver Island Regional Library, acknowledges contributors to the new Chemainus library during the official grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

122 10 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

Some of the large crowd assembled at the new Chemainus library Saturday for the official grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Joel Adams, director of finance for the Vancouver Island Regional Library, at the front of the large crowd assembled for the Chemainus library grand opening. (Photo by Don Bodger)

123 11 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/official-opening-puts-importance-of-new-chemainus-library-into-perspective/

Joel Adams, director of finance for the Vancouver Island Regional Library. (Photo by Don Bodger)

124 12 of 12 3/19/2020, 4:17 PM All Vancouver Island Regional Libraries closed as of evening March 16

Do not return books to the drop-oà while libraries are closed

By West Shore Voice News - March 16, 2020

Monday March 16, 2020 ~ NANAIMO

by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News

Vancouver Island Regional Library As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and in light of the recommendations put forward today by the BC Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is closing all branches to the public as of 8 pm tonight Monday March 16.

That includes the branches in Sooke, Tofino and Port Renfrew on the west side of the island.

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

“In coming to this difficult decision, we paid particular This is the existing Sooke Library attention to the Province’s prohibition on gatherings of in leased space at Anna Marie more than 50 people, and the strong appeal for everyone Road, which is now too small to to stay home during this critical time,” says VIRL’s provide services to a growing Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “In this rapidly community. New library still in changing environment, we believe this is the best the works for the location on decision for our staff, customers, and larger public,” she Wadams Way. [2017 file photo] said.

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.

125 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.

VIRL has 39 branches on Vancouver Island (outside of the Greater Victoria area), plus Books By Mail and Creativity Commons.

126 A Girl Guide camp planned for Sooke has been cancelled. (File - Sooke News Mirror) Girl Guides cancel summer gathering at Camp Bernard in Sooke The event was expected to host more than 2,500 Guides and women from across Canada

Mar. 16, 2020 12:00 a.m. / NEWS

Rick Stiebel

Sooke News Mirror

The cancellation of the Spirit of Adventure Rendezvous due to the COVID-19 virus has left a void that will be difficult to fill for Girl Guides across the country.

127 The event, which was scheduled for June at Camp Barnard, would have brought more than 2,500 Guides and women – most from B.C. and some from other parts of Canada – to Sooke.

The decision is part of the cancellation of all similar Girl Guide activities at the national level because of the worldwide situation caused by the virus, said Laurie Hooker, public relations director for SOAR 2020.

ALSO READ: 2,200 Scouts descend on Camp Barnard

“It’s very unfortunate to have to make that call for all of the Guides who were looking forward to it and working so hard fundraising,” Hooker said. A group of 40 people have been planning the event two years in advance, so there are many factors that played a role in making the decision to cancel, including logistics and financial considerations.

The event was held once before at Camp Barnard in 1998.

“We plan on hosting it again and will try and bring it back to Sooke in 2021 if everything can be worked out,” Hooker said.

128 She encourages anyone who wants to assist efforts to purchase Girl Guide cookies, the organization’s main fundraising initiative.

“We purchased a lot of extra cookies to sell this year for SOAR 2020,” she added.

Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said the cancellation of SOAR 2020 is an example of the kind of tough decisions that are being made because of the virus.

“It’s very disappointing for the Girl Guides who were so excited about the event,” Tait said. “All organizations that have planned events are watching this closely to be able to give notice in advance. Everything is changing so rapidly, the situation is changing daily.”

Tait said having consistency across the province from all levels of government is important in terms of informing residents on how to prepare to deal with the changes as they unfold.

The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce is working hard to keep local businesses impacted by the virus informed of the latest information provided by the provincial government, said Karen Mason, president of the Sooke Region Chamber.

129 “As Prime Minister Trudeau said in his address this morning, the impact on the economy is changing hourly. The Sooke Chamber will continue to work closely with the B.C. Chamber and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, who in turn have a voice at the of economic development nationally and provincially,” Mason said.

Please go online to facebook.com/SookeChamber/ for regular updates.

OTHER EVENTS CANCELLED

• Sooke Philharmonic Society cancelled the performance of Mozart’s Requiem scheduled for April 4 and 5. The society hopes to reschedule the performance in the future.

• The Sooke Food & Brew Festival scheduled for March 21 at the West Coast Grill was cancelled last week due to the outbreak.

• Singer Bryce Allan has cancelled his Country Night concert at Edward Milne Community School Theatre on April 4.

• The Sooke Transition House Society has postponed a Beer and Burger Night at the Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday (March 21).

• Due to the CORVID-19 concerns, the Sooke Royal

130 Canadian Legion is closed until April 1.

• The Vancouver Island Regional Library closed,, effective last Monday. VIRL has also decided to cancel all remaining programs until further notice. [email protected] us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

SOOKE NEWS MIRROR

131 All 12 GVPL branches closed after tonight amidst COVID-19 fears. (Black Press Media file photo) Greater Victoria libraries shut doors until further notice All GVPL, VIRL branches close after tonight amidst COVID-19 fears

NICOLE CRESCENZI / Mar. 16, 2020 1:55 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS

The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) will be closing all 12 of its branches until further notice, beginning at 6 p.m Monday.

“In light of the recommendations of the BC Ministry of Health, Health Canada and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have decided to close the library to help protect the community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CEO Maureen Sawa in a statement.

132 READ MORE: B.C. bans gatherings of 50+ people to slow COVID-19 transmission

All loan periods for items will be extended for six weeks from March 17 until April 28. The GVPL is asking people not to return library items through branch book drops during the closure.

In the meantime, digital content, such as e-books, audio books, movies, music, newspaper and magazines will still be available and accessible to all with a library card. Residents can sign up for a library card online at gvpl.ca.

The Vancouver Island Regional Library also closes its branches as of 8 p.m. Monday.

“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,” Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno said in a statement. “In this rapidly changing environment, we believe this is the best decision for our staff, customers, and larger public.”

VIRL also extended due dates by six weeks and asks customers not to return any library materials until branches have reopened to the public.

133 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. [email protected]

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram

CORONAVIRUS GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

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134 Knitters and crocheters at the Port Clements Library meet on Wednesday, Nov. 11 to work on some of the 50 rainbow blankets that will yarn-bomb Port Clements Canada Days next year. (Andrew Hudson/Haida Gwaii Observer) All Haida Gwaii Libraries will be closed as of March 16 at 8 p.m. in precautionary measures against COVID-19. All programs are cancelled effective immediately. Seen here are knitters and crocheters at the Port Clements Library Nov. 11, 2018. (Andrew Hudson/Haida Gwaii Observer) Haida Gwaii libraries to close Returns are not required for six weeks

Mar. 16, 2020 3:10 p.m. / COMMUNITY / NEWS

Haida Gwaii libraries in Sandpit, Masset, Port Clemens and Queen Charlottte, as well as in Bella Coola,will close on March 16 in precautionary measures against COVID-19. Due dates will be extended by six weeks and borrowers are asked not to return items until branches reopen.

“As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and in light of the recommendations put forward today by the BC Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver

135 Island Regional Library (VIRL) is closing all branches to the public as of 8 pm tonight,” a Vancouver Island Regional Library, said in a press release.

READ MORE: ‘It’s going to be hard’: B.C. bans gatherings of 50+ people to slow COVID-19 transmission

“We are monitoring this evolving situation very closely based on the direction we heard today…to limit out contact with other people, limit gatherings, we thought it was the best decision to close the libraries for the health and safety of our customers, staff and the public as well, ” David Carson, director of corporate communications and strategic initiatives said

When asked by The Haida Gwaii Observer if an exception would be considered for Haida Gwaii due to it’s location and population the answer was no.

“Not at this time. We are going to monitor the situation closely, but at this time all branches are closing, ” said Carlson.

“These are well used branches in their communities. We recognize it is going to be an impact on people, but in weighing the consequences of not taking action, we thought the best course of action was to close all of our branches at this time, ” Carlson said.

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

READ MORE: Islanders quiet about Masset library plan

“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,” said Rosemary Bonanno, executive director of VIRL.

“In this rapidly changing environment, we believe this is the best decision for our staff, customers, and larger 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.

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137 All the libraries on Vancouver Island operated by the Vancouver Island Regional Library, including the new one in Chemainus (pictured), closed as of March 16 due to the COVID-19 crisis. (File picture) Libraries on Vancouver Island close due to COVID-19 Vancouver Island Regional Library's eLibrary remains open

Mar. 16, 2020 12:00 a.m. / NEWS

Vancouver Island Regional Library will close all of its library branches to the public on March 16 at 8 p.m. due to the COVID-19 situation and recommendations put forward today by the province’s chief medical health officer.

138 “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,” said VIRL’s 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.

COWICHAN VALLEY CITIZEN

139 Library branches closing indeÕnitely amid outbreak

Times Colonist MARCH 16, 2020 04:05 PM

All branches of the Greater Victoria Public Library system are closing their doors indeÕnitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

All 12 Greater Victoria Public Library branches are closing their doors indeÕnitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

So are all branches of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, which operates from Bella Coola all the way south to Sooke and Sidney.

Both systems are asking people not to returned loaned items until branches have reopened. All loan periods are being extended by six weeks. Fines will not accumulate.

“Many library resources are available remotely through our virtual branch,” said Maureen Sawa, CEO of the Greater Victoria system. There are more than 25 platforms on which anyone with a library card can — for free — read, watch or listen online.

$95

“Residents can sign up for a GVPL library card online in two minutes and begin accessing digital resources immediately,” said a statement from the GVPL.

Likewise, the Vancouver Island system said its eLibrary — which includes thousands of ebooks and audiobooks, plus downloadable music, streaming movies and TV — will remain available to anyone with a VIRL library card. All other programs are closed, though.

“In coming to this diÞcult 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,” said VIRL’s executive director, Rosemary Bonanno.

140 Vancouver Island libraries to close until further notice

The library service is asking the public not to return borrowed items through The library service is asking the public not to return borrowed items through branch book drops during the library system closure. (Google Maps)

Public libraries on Vancouver Island will close until further notice Monday night in an eﬀort to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) chain says all 12 of its branches will close at 6 p.m. The Vancover Island Regional Library (VIRL) service is closing its branches at 8 p.m.

Both library operators say all loan periods will be extended by six weeks.

“In coming to this diﬃcult decision, we paid particular attention to the province's prohi bition on gatherings of more than 50 people, and the strong appeal for everyone to stay home during this critical time,” said VIRL executive director Rosemary Bonanno in a statement Monday afternoon.

“In this rapidly changing environment, we believe this is the best decision for our staﬀ, customers, and larger public.”

Important notes during library closure: (1) Please do not return library items; drop boxes will be closed. (2) All due dates will be extended until Monday, April 28. (3) Fines and fees will not accumulate during the system closure.

— GVPL (@gvpl) March 16, 2020

The library services are asking the public not to return borrowed items through branch book drops during the library system closure.

141 Due to COVID19, GVPL is closing to protect the health and safety of staﬀ and the com munity. All 12 branches will be closed until further notice as of 6 pm today. Due dates will be extended by six weeks to April 28. Updates here: https://t.co/ZrPVlxWwJj

— GVPL (@gvpl)

142 The Nanaimo Art Gallery announced on March 17 that it is temporarily closing in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (News Bulletin file) Nanaimo Art Gallery is latest cultural venue to close in response to COVID-19 Port Theatre, Nanaimo Museum, library branches among currently shuttered spaces

Mar. 17, 2020 12:00 a.m. / ENTERTAINMENT

The Nanaimo Art Gallery is the latest cultural venue to shut its doors in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

143 On March 17 the NAG announced through its social media channels that the art gallery, gallery store and ArtLab education and workshop space have all been closed to the public and all scheduled programs have been postponed.

Josef Jacobson @JosefJacobson

@nanaimoartgllry just announced it is closing indefinitely starting today and all upcoming programs have been postponed until further notice in response to COVID-19.

2 1:41 PM - Mar 17, 2020

See Josef Jacobson's other Tweets

144 “Our first priority is ensuring the health and safety of our visitors, program participants, staff, their families and our community,” the announcement said. “Our staff will continue to work on- and off-site, planning our exciting future programming.”

Some of the other arts, culture and entertainment venues that have shut down for the time being are the Port Theatre, Nanaimo Museum, Vancouver Island Military Museum, Vancouver Island University’s View Gallery, all Vancouver Island Regional Library branches and Casino Nanaimo. The City of Nanaimo has also closed all of its recreation facilities and all registered programs and rentals have been cancelled.

VIU’s Malaspina Theatre and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre are both cancelling or postponing events with more than 50 people in adherence to the orders of B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C. health minister Andrian Dix. Henry and Dix also ordered the closure of all bars.

The Yellow Point Drama Group, Western Edge Theatre, Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra and Vancouver Island Symphony are among local arts groups that have cancelled scheduled performances. [email protected] us on Facebook

145 Read more below

(Black Press file photo) Ongoing list of Ladysmith COVID- 19 cancellations and closures Everything in Ladysmith that has been impacted by COVID-19

LADYSMITH NEWS STAFF / Mar. 17, 2020 11:00 a.m. / COMMUNITY / LOCAL NEWS

This article previously stated there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ladysmith. That information can neither be confirmed or denied as Island Health is not releasing information on which communities have confirmed cases. Residents should take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as recommended by regional, provincial, and federal health authorites.

COVID-19 is causing lock downs, quarantines and cancellations around the world. Here’s a list of cancellations and precautionary actions in Ladysmith. This list will be updated daily with more information as it becomes available.

School closures now in effect

British Columbia is suspending K-12 classes for an unknown time period due to

146 the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier John Horgan said Tuesday, March 17.

Students were expected to return to school March 30 at the end of spring break. Students who are on track to progress to the next grade, or graduate, will do so. As well, arrangements will be made to help provide school meals for at-risk students.

READ MORE: Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district developing plans after COVID-19 suspends classes provincewide

School districts are being asked to start planning for how learning will continue in the absence of in-class time, according to Fleming. Charlene McKay, Nanaimo school board chairwoman, said while the district is happy to comply for the time being, it is too early to talk about how it will proceed.

Town of Ladysmith

The Town of Ladysmith is now closing all public offices and facilities until further notice.

Effective Tuesday, March 17, Town-run facilities including Frank Jameson Community Centre, Aggie Hall and Forrest Field will be closed to the public.

In addition to closed facilities, the Town is also suspending all spring break day camps, and classes, as well as cancelling all rentals at Aggie Hall and Forrest Field until further notice.

“These measures are meant to safeguard the public health of our residents and were approved by Ladysmith Council at a special meeting on Monday, in accordance with the latest recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry to limit public gatherings to 50 people,” a Town press release stated.

All essential services such as utilities, garbage collection, communications, finance, and governance will continue. City Hall, Development Services, and Infrastructure Services Staff will be available during regular business hours of 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. The Town requests residents use email or phone as the primary method of communication with town offices.

Read more below

The regular meeting of council for March 17 has been postponed. The meeting will be held online next week.

147 Future public notices from the Town of Ladysmith will be posted at the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, 49th Parallel Grocery Store, Save-On-Foods, Guardian Hillside Family Pharmacy, Ladysmith Pharmasave, RX Drug Mart and the Canada Post office.

LRCA suspends non-essential programming

In an effort to encourage ‘social distancing’ the LRCA is suspending all non- essential programming.

The Food Bank will remain open with full services, but will be using social distancing and increased hygiene measures.

The Cold Weather Shelter will remain open with social distancing and increased hygiene measures as well.

Seniors’ Medical Transportation is available, also with social distancing and increased hygiene measures. Individuals using the service should call in advance.

Housing support services are available, also with social distancing and increased hygiene measures. Individuals using the service should call in advance.

The Income Tax Program is available if people call in advance. Intake is being done over the phone and paperwork required should be dropped off.

Seniors’ Services are available, individuals should call in advance for an appointment.

49th Parallel Phones are available. Call on Wednesdays to place orders.

Volunteer Counselling, and Family and Youth Suppot Services are available. Sessions offered by phone and video conference only. Call the LRCA for more information.

Victim services are available. Call in advance for an appointment.

Seniors’ Drop-in Coffee, and Dad’s drop-in are both suspended until further notice.

Born Healthy is available, services will be offered by phone and video conference. Group sessions are cancelled until further notice.

Adventures in Early Literacy, Mother Goose, and Triple P are all on spring hiatus and cancelled until further notice.

148 Soup Kitchen and Restorative Justice services have yet to be determined.

Boys and Girls Club programs closed

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island will close all pre-school, school-based, before and after school, evening, and day camp programs effective March, 17 at 6:00 pm. The programs will be closed up to and including Friday, March 27.

VIRL branches close

READ MORE: Libraries on Vancouver Island close due to COVID-19

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.

VIHA visitors restrictions

Island Health is limiting the number of visitors entering its facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One adult caregiver or support person is allowed at the following: hospital emergency departments, critical care areas, perinatal units, inpatient areas — along with the additional precautions in place — primary and urgent care area and outpatient clinics.

Two adult caregivers or support persons are allowed in inpatient pediatric and adult areas — along with routine precautions in place — neonatal ICUs and long term care homes.

READ MORE: Visitor restrictions in place at Island Health facilities in response to pandemic

For palliative and end of life patients, Island Health will accommodate patient and family needs while consulting with Infection Prevention and Control.

Effective immediately, no visitor who is unwell — with any of these symptoms: fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat and diarrhea — may visit any Island Health facilities.

149 Further, anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has been in contact with a person infected with the virus, must not visit patients or residents in any Island Health facility or long-term care facility.

Read more below

Patient navigators have been put in place at entrances of all facilities to ensure visitors are aware of the restrictions.

Dental offices

Dentists across B.C. will no longer be performing elective or non-essential procedures, the profession’s regulatory body announced Monday afternoon.

The College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia said the move was in line with recommendations from B.C. and federal officials.

READ MORE: B.C. dentists to suspend all elective, non-essential dental work due to COVID-19

The move comes in effort to limit possible exposure to COVID-19 after a person with the virus attended a Vancouver dental conference.

This means that Orca Family Dental, Ladysmith Dental, Dr Suzanne Otterson Family Dentistry, Dr Holly Blaikie’s office, Dr. Matthew McMillan’s office, High Street Dental, and Dr. Hunter’s office, are all closed until further notice.

Downtown Businesses

Forget Me Not, Nancy’s Fashion, Neck of the Woods, and the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce are now closed.

Wild Poppy Bistro is closed until further notice. Some pre-packaged gluten free options will be available at Old Town Bakery beginning March 18.

Old Town Bakery remains open, but is serving take-out only. They have taken extra health precautions and are asking customers to maintain a distance of one to two metres. Old Town Bakery is also offering to bag up orders and have them ready for customers who call ahead.

Plantitude is seating every second table to accomodate B.C. government regulations on social distancing. Modified hours of operation are in effect: Wed, Thurs, Sun 11am-7pm, Fri and Sat 11am-9pm. They also offer take-out.

150 The Wigwam is closed for dine-in options, but is still open for take-out orders.

The Fox and Hounds remains open, but will be removing bar stools and blocking tables around the bar to enforce social distancing. They will also be enforcin table separation. Fox and Hounds are also offering take-out. Their hours have been reduced to noon until 8:30 pm.

CrossFit Ladysmith shifts to online

CrossFit Ladysmith will be closed as a precaution against COVID-19. They will be offering members online classes, as well as free daily workouts for the community on their public facebook page.

READ MORE: CrossFit Ladysmith offers online workouts during COVID-19 closure

Resident Alien filming postponed

The production for Resident Alien has opted to shut down for a two-week hiatus as they assess how to deal with COVID-19. Resident Alien was scheduled to return for filming in Ladysmith from March 13 to March 17.

Filming was scheduled to take place at the First Avenue and High Street intersection on Sunday, and in the general area of First Avenue from Roberts Street to Gatacre Street, as well as Roberts Street from the Trans Canada Highway up to First Avenue. Night filming was also scheduled to occur on Sunday and Monday.

READ MORE: Resident Alien production takes two-week hiatus amid COVID-19 pandemic

Without any film crews occupying parking lots and streets, everything will be open as normal.

At this time there is no information on when Resident Alien will return for filming.

Ladysmith Constituency Day Cancelled

Paul Manly’s one-day constituency office at the LRCA has been cancelled. The Nanaimo constituency office will still be staffed. Anyone in need of assistance with federal services can still call Paul Manly’s office at 250-734-6400.

READ MORE: Ladysmith constituency office opens for one-day a month

Little Theatre closes

151 Ladysmith Little Theatre has cancelled the rest of the shows planned for Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun. They have also cancelled the upcoming Vancouver Island Vixens Burlesque show. The Vixens are looking to reschedule for a date in the fall.

Ladysmith Healthcare Auxillary closes stores

Both the Ladysmith Thrift Store and the gift shop at the Ladysmith Community Health Centre are closed until further notice.

Legion hours reduced

All legion activites are cancelled and hours have been reduced.

Camera Club cancelled

The Ladysmith Camera Club has cancelled its March 24th meeting.

Ladysmith Downtown Business Association

The Ladysmith Downtown Business Association has cancelled its upcoming AGM.

Waterfront Gallery

The Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery is closed until further notice. In a post on their Facebook page, they encouraged people to stay home and do art. They will have a skeleton staff in the office to answer questions by phone or email.

“Read your newsletter, and remember we have an online show you can participate in. When this is over we will have a party,” their post said.

CORONAVIRUS

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152 Read more below

Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre is among several local facilities and institutions closed doors to the public until further notice. (Black Press Media File) Public life grinding to a halt on the Saanich Peninsula Several key public and private facilities have closed down or scaled down services

WOLF DEPNER / Mar. 17, 2020 4:00 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS

153 Life across the Saanich Peninsula is grinding to a halt as various public facilities and private businesses close their doors amid COVID-19.

Public access to all municipal buildings in Sidney including municipal hall, the community safety building, and public works and parks yard has remained “restricted” since Monday morning following a decision by the municipality. “We have taken this measure to ensure the health of our staff and the public as we all work together to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” read the announcement. “We are continuing municipal operations to the fullest extent possible during this time and prioritizing essential services.”

This move continued the closures of various facilities that started last week and has continued through the week. Perhaps the most significant closure last week was the decision of Beacon Community Services to close Sidney’s SHOAL Community Centre, a hub of activity for the community, especially for seniors, on Friday, March 13.

“The safety of our members, residents and volunteers is paramount,” said Bob Boulter, chief executive officer of Beacon Community Services, the charity which operates the centre. “We know seniors are at highest risk of illness due to COVID-19 and so, out of an abundance of caution, it seems prudent to close for the time being.”

The next significant closure happened Sunday afternoon when the Sidney Museum announced it would close until further notice. The Town of Sidney announced its move Monday morning, effective 11 a.m., and the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea had closed its doors by Monday afternoon after having remained open during the preceding weekend.

The Vancouver Island Library also announced Monday that it would close all of its branches, including its branch in Sidney serving that community, as well as North Saanich. A complete list of facilities that have either closed until further notice or restricted public access in Sidney is available here.

RELATED: COVID-19: MP Elizabeth May self-isolates, works from home,

154 contemplates learning ukelele

RELATED: Popular Sidney aquarium closes over coronavirus

RELATED: Sidney restricts access to all municipal buildings

RELATED: Sidney Museum closes in wake of COVID-19 spread

Two other local institutions in Sidney also closed their doors. The Mary Winspear Centre announced on its website Tuesday morning that it would close to the public until further notice.

“As a central hub for gathering on the Peninsula, it is our utmost responsibility that we take every precaution to keep our patrons and staff safe to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” it read. Sidney’s Star Cinema closed effectively Monday. “It was a difficult decision to make, but our priority is to keep our customers, especially our senior guests, and employees as healthy and safe as possible,” it said in a statement.

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Elsewhere on the Saanich Peninsula, Central Saanich announced Tuesday that it is limiting public access at municipal hall and the police station to public appointments only. “Municipal operations continue and the public can reach staff by phone or email,” said Britt Burnham, manager of community services, adding the municipality continues to monitor the situation.

The municipality had earlier restricted public access to Fire Station 1 on Keating Cross Road. Private function spaces at Fire Station 1, Municipal Hall and the Fieldhouse and shelters at Centennial Park had also become unavailable for booking until further notice.

155 Central Saanich Police has also curtailed its catalogue of services. For the time being, it will not be offering in person criminal record checks, fingerprinting, crop protection permits and freedom-of-information applications.

Activities have also been winding down at the Central Saanich Cultural Centre in Brentwood Bay used by four different user groups. The Centre for Active Living 50+ is closed and the Greater Victoria Public Library closed its branch in that location Monday afternoon part of a system-wide closure.

As for North Saanich, Rebecca Penz, communications manager, said the district is taking its direction from the province and Island Health. “Currently, the guidance is to limit public gatherings to 50 people,” she said. “Even on a busy day, the District’s facilities including municipal hall, firehalls and green waste facility, do not, individually, have nearly that many individuals gathering at a time.”

The municipality has increased its cleaning protocols, she added. “We have also updated our business continuity plan, including ensuring that staff that are able to do their work from home are set-up electronically in the event that the District receives guidance that further isolation is required.”

Panorama Recreation Centre, which serves all three communities, has been scaling down activities as well and will close until further notice at 5 p.m. Tuesday night.

“To support community health and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Peninsula Recreation Commission has directed staff to close recreation facilities at 5 p.m. today, March 17,” read a statement sent out Tuesday afternoon. “All Panorama Recreation programs and services will cease until further notice with the exception of Spring Break Camps which will remain in operation until 5 p.m., Friday, March 20.”

156 Sooke Municipal Hall is closed to the public to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, but most municipal services are still running. Above, Sooke Municipal Hall. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror) Sooke Municipal Hall closed to stem spread of coronavirus Businesses and community groups also announce closures, cancellations

KEVIN LAIRD / Mar. 17, 2020 12:40 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS

Sooke Municipal Hall is closed to the public to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The library and SEAPARC are shuttered too.

But municipal services are still available to residents, with the District of Sooke ramping up its capability to serve the public remotely. Residents are encouraged to contact municipal staff by email or telephone.

157 RELATED: Royal B.C. Museum closes due to COVID-19 situationOfficials said plans could quickly change, but here’s a rundown of district plans on Tuesday.

• Council meetings are cancelled for at least 30 days.

• District of Sooke Municipal Hall at 2205 Otter Point Rd. is closed to the public.

• All municipally-operated parks washrooms are closed.

• Sooke Fire Hall is closed to the public.

• Sooke Fire Rescue personnel will continue to serve the community and respond to emergencies.

• District staff will continue operation of the wastewater treatment plant.

• The District Emergency Operations Centre is activated for level one response and will continue to monitor and act on information and directives from federal and provincial agencies. The EOC is not open to the public.

These actions reinforce the public health recommendation to practice social distancing to help flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the

158 current threat in Sooke is low, these are unified and cautionary measures, the district stated in a press release.

“This action is not intended to panic residents but provide some assurance that the situation is being heavily monitored,” Matt Barney, EOC director, said.

Mayor Maja Tait said, if necessary, council will meet through tele-conferencing. Council must pass its five year financial plan by May 15, plus other legislation.

“It is important to take every precaution to help keep our community safe by reducing opportunities for contact,” Tait said. “In doing so, we help protect all Canadians. Getting ahead of this is hugely dependent on a cohesive approach, and the district is on board with nationwide efforts to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.”

Meanwhile, several other institutions and businesses have announced closures, and many community events cancelled.

• The Capital Regional District closed all recreation facilities on Tuesday, including SEAPARC in Sooke.

• The Sooke Region Museum is closed until further notice.

159 • The Vancouver Island Regional Library closed Monday. The library also cancelled all programs until further notice.

• The Sooke branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will stay closed until April 1.

• Sooke Philharmonic Society cancelled the performance of Mozart’s Requiem scheduled for April 4 and 5. The society hopes to reschedule the performance.

• The Sooke Food & Brew Festival scheduled for March 21 at the West Coast Grill was cancelled last week.

• Singer Bryce Allan cancelled his Country Night concert at Edward Milne Community School Theatre planned for April 4.

• The Sooke Transition House Society postponed its Beer and Burger Night at the Royal Canadian Legion set for Saturday (March 21).

• The Sooke Harbourside Lions will not hold its annual Duck Race this year.

• The ARTiFACTS art show at Sooke Region Museum planned for March 21 to May 12 is cancelled.

160 • Several business have also announced closures, including Little Vienna Bakery, Mom’s Cafe, and Suds and Pups’ dog wash.

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161 Two days after closing all of its branches, Vancouver Island Regional Libraries announced today that it is laying off the majority of its staff. (News Bulletin file) Vancouver Island Regional Library issues notices of layoff to most staff VIRL closed all libraries on March 16 to mitigate spread of COVID-19

Mar. 18, 2020 12:00 a.m. / NEWS

Vancouver Island Regional Libraries announced today, March 18, that it is laying off the majority of its staff.

The move comes two days after VIRL closed all of its library branches indefinitely in order to prevent to spread of COVID-19.

162 “As a result of the closures and as per the two collective agreements that VIRL staff fall under, we made the decision to issue notices of layoff to the majority of staff,” said the announcement.

The statement went on to clarify that BCGEU and CUPE staff will get their full pay and benefits for up to eight weeks and 30 days, respectively. Benefits will also be extended for all unionized staff for at least an additional 30 days after the layoff period notice ends. All casual or on-call employees will be paid for shifts scheduled during those notice periods.

“As we all know, the COVID-19 situation is changing daily, and VIRL is committed to responding as needed in the best interests of our staff,” the announcement said. “All options are on the table, including extending the length of time that employees continue to receive their wages and benefits.”

VIRL also hopes to go back to offering limited service in some branches and return to “more normal” working conditions in the future.

“But if we do enter a period of protracted closure, we will respond in the best interests of our staff,” the statement said. [email protected] us on Facebook

163 Covid-19 News

Vancouver Island Regional Library laying oà staà

Times Colonist MARCH 18, 2020 05:58 PM

Having closed its branches due to the pandemic, the Vancouver Island Regional Library is laying oà most of its staà.

Layoà notices were issued to members of its two unions Wednesday. Those belonging to the BCGEU will be paid full wages and beneÕts for up to eight weeks. Those in CUPE will receive them for 30 days.

A statement from the library system said VIRL is trying to do what’s best for its workers.

“All options are on the table, including extending the length of time that employees continue to receive their wages and beneÕts,” it said.

“We are also hopeful that, at least in some branches, we may be able to return to oàering limited services in the days and weeks ahead and look forward to engaging our employees on their ideas to ensure that our communities can access our services.”

The system operates branches on most of Vancouver Island, including in Sidney and Sooke, but is separate from the Greater Victoria Public Library, whose dozen branches have also been closed.

164 Spending time at home tying up flies during the coronavirus. Photo by Don Daniels Fly tying workshop cancelled at Campbell River Library

Mar. 24, 2020 1:30 p.m. / LOCAL SPORTS / SPORTS

By Don Daniels

Coronavirus has halted all group gatherings locally and we have to adjust daily activities and be safe to avoid getting sick and ending up in the hospital.

Since the Campbell River library is closed, the fly tying workshop scheduled for this Sunday is cancelled and I am hoping that the regulars who have attended the past two sessions will continue to improve the flies they have developed over the winter months and go fishing. In our group sessions

165 everyone is a beginner and they learn at their own pace working with feathers, fur and an abundance of other materials used in fly tying.

At this time we can all stay home and we certainly have some extra time to spend behind the vise. Enjoy tying up attractor and bug patterns and then get out on a lake or river and put the flies to the test. Since we can’t get together as a group, I can be reached via text 250-895-1691 or email dddon [email protected] if you have any questions regarding fly tying.

The ants have appeared and more are coming. When you drive around they will hit your windshield. At the lakes, black ant patterns tied on a dry fly hook are magic.

Fry patterns are very popular and are very effective in fishing the local rivers for catch-and-release trout.

On the Oyster River I had tried a silver bodied fly with purple deer hair and the tugs came after a few minutes.

It may seem like spring here in the city but upper elevation lakes will be hard to get to and it will be wait-and-see to get out there fishing.

166 The Salmon River can be fished in the upper reaches then you run into snow and you can go no further.

Last week, a mother and daughter were looking around a store downtown and they were sifting through some used fishing tackle and the daughter held up a couple of flashers and said to mom that they were big lures with no hooks so she took some pictures for her social media friends.

A couple of guys were fishing and I could hear them across the lake and they mentioned that the trout feed best best around 2 o’clock because that’s when they are fed at the hatchery. Maybe that’s to some degree correct but could it be that the warmest part of the day is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and the bug hatch is more active?

Over the weekend on Discovery Pier, a lone angler was out there and, yes, he was wearing a face mask. As a final note this week, the Fishing Corner will move from Friday to Wednesday.

In weeks to come: lures and flies that catch fish and people; feathers in a Rainbow nylon box; and whatever happened to camera film containers used to hold hooks?

167 The Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) doors are closed but their online “shelves” are open. File photo/Black Press Vancouver Island Regional Library doors closed but online services still available We’ve got all the links to make it easier for you

Mar. 27, 2020 4:30 p.m. / COMMUNITY

Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) branches remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they still have much to offer VIRL cardholders across their library system.

From existing online resources to new and enhanced offerings, VIRL will continue to offer services, amenities and entertainment to help in these challenging times.

168 Here are some of the newest services and enhancements VIRL has made available:

Online Registration

Online registration is available for anyone who wants to take advantage of VIRL’s online resources. A library card is your gateway to ebooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and TV, music, and more.

24/7 WiFi

To help everyone stay connected, VIRL is now offering 24/7 WiFi outside its branches for as long as they are able to. Those taking advantage of this service are reminded to follow all social distancing protocols as mandated by health authorities.

Overdrive

VIRL has added unlimited copies of ebooks and audiobooks available on a wide selection of popular titles — no holds, no waitlists.

Other online resources at VIRL:

RBDigital

Access to thousands of downloadable audiobooks

169 and magazines.

Lynda.com

Lynda.com offers courses with a focus on skills for business, creative industries, education, information technology, software, and web development. The tutorials are high quality and led by industry experts.

Find Lynda.com in their All Databases section.

Press Reader

The world’s largest online newspaper and magazine kiosk, where you can browse and read hundreds of full-content premium newspapers and magazines from around the globe.

IndieFlix

This streaming movie service provides unlimited access to award-winning shorts, feature films, and documentaries from major festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, Cannes.

Tumblebooks

Teachers and homeschoolers can find free educational ebooks for students from kindergarten to high school. No library card is required to access Tumblebooks.

170 • Kindergarten – elementary

• Middle school – high school

Mango Languages

Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 45 different language courses, including Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

Music

Access millions of downloadable and streaming music from Freegal Music and the Naxos music library.

“Social distancing can be a lonely experience for our customers, and VIRL staff have been working hard to find new, innovative, and exciting ways to help,” says VIRL’s Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “Your libraries remain as places you can turn to for support, services, and connection. We will continue to innovate in the face of the fluid and unpredictable landscape we find ourselves in as a result of COVID-19.”

We’ve got a lot more to keep you engaged, entertained and informed in these uncertain times. Be sure to follow VIRL on social media, check our website regularly at virl.bc.ca

171 Or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter for tips, tricks, recommendations, and stories from across our system.

We’re here for you, just like always.

RELATED: Vancouver Island Regional Library issues notices of layoff to most staff

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172 Read more below

Self Publish in Canada OPEN We Edit, Design, and Market Books. Request Our Free Publishing Guide to Learn More.

Campbell River community COVID- 19 agencies, services and resources Retired & want to takeAs Renewingyour equity Mortgage out or of list Refinancing?yourConsultant home? ……...I work for you The list outlines status of social agencies in the community – not the banks.

ALISTAIR TAYLOR / Apr. 2, 2020 3:40 p.m. / LOCAL NEWS / NEWS

The Campbell River and District Coalition to End Homelessness has released a list of agencies and resources and the current status of their services they are currently offering and a list of community resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CRDCEH hopes to keep the list current and they ask people to email any updates to [email protected]

Last updated: April 1, 2020.

173 The Coalition to End Homelessness will do our best to keep our community posted of any social service agency closures/hour changes due to the COVID- 19 pandemic that may impact those experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) homelessness. This list will be updated as information comes in.

CITY CONTACT:

City of Campbell River

The Emergency Operations Centre has a direct line for request from the community for emerging needs

– 250-286- 4033

FOOD SECURITY:

Salvation Army Lighthouse

Open for daily bagged lunches @ 11:30 Monday- Friday.

If people in need of clothing, items can be handed out as well through the door.

Salvation Army Family Services

Available for food hamper pick up. Call 250-287-2699 between 9 and 11 Wednesday to Friday

Radiant Life Church

All meals are operational and all are takeout only with the building shutdown; bagged meals at the door.

Monday- Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Tuesday- Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Wednesday- KDC Breakfast @ 08:30 – offering bag breakfasts

Wednesday – Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Thursday- Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Friday- Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Saturday- lunch cancelled for time being

Sunday- Lunch @ 11:30

174 Campbell River Food Bank

Still open and taking the proper precautionary health & safety measures- shifting to delivering packages outside. No plans to ration food; however, availability of food inventory may change from local providers/stores.

EMERGENCY SHELTER:

Salvation Army Evergreen Shelter

Shelter guests and some staff are isolating in place. No new intakes until further notice.

Campbell River & North Island Transition Society

The Ann Elmore House will continue to provide crisis intervention and support via telephone (250-286-3666) and safe shelter for women with urgent need – no visitors will be allowed and social distancing will be an expectation.

SUBSTANCE USE:

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society – Sobering Assessment Centre

8 of 12 beds are open; operational 24 hours/day.

Second Chance Recovery

Detox beds are closed for two weeks and re-evaluated at that time. No visitors allowed and no Day client referrals being accepted at this time. Clients are not permitted to attend outside meetings.

Kwakiutl District Council (KDC) Health

KDC able to distribute harm reduction supplies through an on call format – call Leanne @ 250-203-9713 for on nation supports/KDC clients at this time.

KDC is also able to support access to opioid agonist therapy for clients who may be quarantined with support from North Island Medical Centre & Coastal Community Medical Centre as prescribers. Please contact Leanne @ 250-203- 9713 to coordinate support through various community partners.

OUTREACH SERVICES & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:

Campbell River & North Island Transition Society – Programming & Supports

– All group gatherings have been cancelled for the time being

– No intakes into the Recovery program at this time.

175 – Counselling appointments are being done by phone.

– High touch surfaces will be disinfected 3-4 times per day.

– Public showers are not allowed at the community office (Rose Harbour) at this time.

Campbell River & North Island Transition Society – Women’s Centre

– Supplying hygiene supplies available to homeless women – ie bottled water and small bottles of soap

– The Women’s Centre will continue to be open from 10:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Thursday, however only 5 people at one time may be in the centre for a maximum of one hour.

Read more below $30,772 2020 Honda Civic Sedan Touring Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) $5,995 2005 Nissan X-Trail X TRAIL XE/SE

– Food and poverty relief supplies will still be available.

– Income Tax clinic at the Women’s Centre is not available at this time.

Kwakiutl District Council (KDC) Health

KDC Health is operating under essential services only – we’re supporting our members that are not well enough to be left unattended. Rotating staff in the office, all other are operating the best they can from home. Please connect with Tanille ([email protected] ) if you’re made aware of a KDC Community Member that needs immediate service and we’ll coordinate to support them.

Campbell River Head Injury Support Society

Programs are also on hold until further notice but we are available by phone and emails.

John Howard Society of the North Island

JHSNI homelessness prevention is available by appointment 250.286.0611

Sasamans Society

Closed to visitors but we’re working rotating shifts at the office and the remainder from home.

176 Volunteer Campbell River $49,404

Office is currently closed with staff working remotely. Planning a video call for non-profits early next week so we can connect with each other locally and see what is needed. 2020 Hyundai IONIQ Electric Ultimate Automatic Call Us North Island Employment Services (NIEFS)

Permission from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to close our physical offices to the public but are still staffed and providing services virtually and by phone. Our official message is on our website here: 2020 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate Automatic https://www.niefs.net/covid-19 1-866-286-6788

We will continue to work with folks in any capacity we can. We also have restrictions for those who need to sign documents but don’t have access to the internet to do so. We have a sign posted on our door with instructions for clients in this situation.

Campbell River Beacon Club

Closed – members are aware.

Campbell River & District Division of Family Practice

Keeping the public informed on our website www.campbellriver.fetchbc.ca – updated regularly.

Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL)

All locations including Campbell River are closed.

Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North

Events cancelled and volunteer shifts suspended.

Campbell River and District Association for Community Living

CRADACL has closed all non essential services.

North Island Métis

Office closed- staff available remotely – supporting Metis people with the following needs: emergency supplies (food, household, medications) or assistance with transportation costs to get to appointments.

SENIORS RESOURCES:

Campbell River Family Services – Better at Home

177 Connect with and support the individuals they currently serve and will receive referrals from Community Health Services for new clients. Able to offer phone connection and some shopping services for the most in need.

Volunteer Campbell River- Senior Peer Support Program

Provide phone connections to isolated seniors who are “new referrals” either self referrals or from the community. May be able offer some other supports depending on volunteer capacity. Further messaging about the Senior Peer Support Program ready and distributed as soon as possible.

INCOME ASSISTANCE:

Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

– Restricting number of clients accessing building

– In-Person Ministry offices remain open to serve applicants and clients.

– My Self-Serve and the Contact Centre at 1.866.866.0800

– My Self Serve and phone service as the preferred method of communication wherever possible. Please also encourage clients to use electronic deposit. This is in keeping with the BC Provincial Health Officer’s recommendation to maintain ‘social distance’ protocols and help protect our staff and the people we serve.

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-Cheque issue will continue the same although number of people allowed in the building will be restricted. All clients will be picking up cheques at 908 Pandora but they will be doing triage outside all day and allowing those to pick up their cheques at each wicket or cubicle.

GENERAL:

City of Campbell River & Strathcona Regional District

Community Centre, Sportsplex and Strathcona Gardens are closed.

RESOURCES FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS: http://cnh3.ca/resources/ – Resources regarding mitigating COVID-19 in encampments & shelters

178 http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid https://bcnpha.ca/news/covid-19-coronavirus-new-resources-for-housing- service-providers www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/diseases- maladies/vulnerable-populations-covid-19/vulnerable-groups-eng.pdf https://www.bchousing.org/covid-19

RESOURCES – Campbell River & District Division of Family Practice:

Island Health: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/diseases- conditions/novel-coronavirusinformation

Outbreak update: https://www.canada.ca/en/public- health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

BC Centre of Disease Control – Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

First Nations Health Authority has information for its audiences here: https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/information-on-novel- coronavirus

National coronavirus info line 1-833-784-4397.

In addition, the Coalition has created a list of community resources to help with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last updated: April 1, 2020 @ 12:00

LOCAL RESOURCES:

1. WASHROOMS:

Currently, public washrooms at Spirit Square are accessible from 07:00 – 20:00. The City is looking into further options and a request has been made for a portable washroom downtown.

2. WATER SOURCES:

The City of Campbell River has installed a potable water station installed at Spirit Square.

3. HAND SANITIZER:

Medical grade hand sanitizer available in 750mL and 20L containers – contact

179 [email protected] for resourcing this supply.

4. OUTDOOR HAND WASHING STATIONS:

The City of Campbell River has installed two outdoor hand washing stations located at:

– Spirit Square

– Radiant Life Church

5. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):

If you are a BC Housing operative facility/organization- liaise with your local BC Housing contact for supplies – as instructed via a web-conference March 22, 2020 by BC Housing leadership.

6. EMERGENCY FOOD: a. Food bank – still open and taking the proper precautionary health & safety measures- shifting to delivering packages outside. No plans to ration food; however, availability of food inventory may change from local providers/stores. b. Salvation Army – Available for food hamper pick up. Call 250-287-2699 between 9 and 11 Wednesday to Friday c. Salvation Army Lighthouse – bag lunches available weekdays @ 11:30 d. Radiant Life Church- bagged meals at the door

Monday- Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Tuesday- Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM Wednesday- KDC Breakfast @ 08:30 – providing bag breakfasts

Wednesday – Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Thursday- Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Friday- Kind Hearts, Grass Roots Dinner @ 5:00 PM

Saturday- lunch cancelled until further notice.

Sunday- Lunch @ 11:30

7. EMERGENCY HOUSING PLANNING:

180 a. Initial planning teleconference held today- for emergent concerns or community solutions- please email the Coalition [email protected] to share feedback or participate in planning. b. This dialogue is with the City of Campbell River, the Strathcona Regional District, Coalition member agencies and local physicians and associated community organizations looking at local solutions in the interim. c. “The province does have a task force that is working on a plan for the homeless population so local governments should be focusing on other operations at this time until that task force releases its operational guidance” – Emergency Management BC

8. DONATIONS & COMMUNITY RESPONSE: a. The Coalition has been contacted by the Everyone Deserves a Smile Project and community members looking to offer supports at this time b. Coalition to send out a press release with identified community needs from organizations supporting vulnerable populations c. If you are an organization in need of donations, supplies, resources or finances, please email the Coalition [email protected]

9. AGENCY UPDATES: a. Info on what is open/closed/changed can be found here www.crhousing.net

RELATED: Group to advocate for needs of Campbell River’s homeless and vulnerable populations

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181 Where will homeless go now? I hope the only place left is not the river bank.

Apr. 2, 2020 9:51 a.m. / LETTERS / OPINION

Where will homeless go now?

Vancouver Island Regional Library is closed (Cowichan branch). Many homeless were there on cold/rainy/snowy days. Where do they go now? The shelter only allows them in the building in the evening, there is nothing downtown open. Where are they? Where do they go? I hope the only place left is not the river bank.

Housing and rehabilitation was ignored for far too long.

Christina Hunt

182 Chemainus

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183 The Quesnel branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is providing support for individuals over the phone, online and in-person for scheduled one-on-one meetings, ensuring safe social distancing during the pandemic. Pictured here, from left, food security co- ordinator Kirsten Balaski, program co-ordinator Stephanie Aaslie and admin support Tracine Charest stand with Maureen Davis, executive director of Canadian Mental Health Association Prince George, during the grand opening of the Quesnel office in 2019. (Quesnel Cariboo Observer File Photo) COVID-19: Caring for your mental health during a global pandemic Canadian Mental Health Association Quesnel offers advice, resources to deal with anxiety and stress

SASHA SEFTER / Apr. 7, 2020 5:30 a.m. / COMMUNITY

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe and countries have instituted measures such as physical distancing and social isolation to slow the spread of the virus, some are struggling to maintain their mental health.

184 A release form the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control regarding the mental health of self- isolating individuals states that these individuals may experience high levels of stress and that isolation may heighten pre-existing emotional difficulties.

“Confinement, loss of routine, separation from loved ones and reduced social and physical contact is a major cause of boredom, frustration, stress and distress,” said the release. “Loss of income and financial strain may be a significant stressor, while some individuals may be concerned about medical conditions and treatment requirements. Isolation may also intensify pre-existing stressors or emotional difficulties, which in turn can heighten feelings of isolation.”

Stephanie Aaslie, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) program co-ordinator in Quesnel, says it is important for people to remember that during this time that they have to keep a physical distance from one another, it is important not to forego their emotional connection to friends and family.

“We encourage people to remember that social distancing does not mean no connection — it is still really important to connect with family and friends and other supports,” said Aaslie.

185 Aaslie recommends that individuals who are self- isolating try to keep their daily routines as close to their “normal” as they can in order to maintain their mental health.

“I think trying to keep things as normal as possible — it’s a new normal right now — but still trying to keep that routine, get up when you would typically get up, go to bed when you would typically go to bed, get dressed during the day, those types of things that you do will help you feel better,” she said.

Aaslie says anyone who is beginning to feel as though their mental health is deteriorating during this time should not hesitate to reach out to friends and family and communicate over the phone or Internet, go for a walk outside while making sure to practise safe social distancing, or take advantage of some of the free mental health resources available.

BounceBack, HeretoHelp and B.C. COVID-19 Mental Health Network are three resources that Aaslie recommends to those in need of some help with their mental health during this time.

BounceBack is a free skill-building program for individuals aged 15 and older, which is delivered online or over the phone and is designed to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress. More information can be found at bouncebackbc.ca.

186 HeretoHelp is an online resource project from seven leading mental health and substance use non-profit agencies, which provides access to quality information on mental health, mental illness and substance use. The resource library and more information can be found at heretohelp.bc.ca.

The B.C. COVID-19 Mental Health Network is a network of emerging British Columbia-based mental health professionals who are volunteering to support communities through free short-term one-on-one counselling online or via telephone for individuals struggling with issues related to the pandemic. Individuals who would like to inquire about an appointment are asked to email [email protected].

Aaslie says although the CMHA office in Quesnel is currently closed to the public, they are still here to support the community and are encouraging individuals to access their online and telephone support. They are also still available for scheduled in-person one-on-one meetings, ensuring social distancing guidelines will be followed.

For more information on resources currently being offered by the CMHA in Quesnel, individuals can call 236-424-1946 or find updates on the Canadian Mental Health Association Facebook page.

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187 programs being offered in Quesnel

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188 Headlines Indigenous News Sooke Youth Arts and Entertainment Columnists Letters

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Province enhances digital library services throughout B.C. (and a look at VIRL resources) April 8, 2020

Book lovers of all ages will soon have greater access to online learning and reading resources, thanks to a one-time $3-million government investment in public libraries.

Libraries can use this new funding to provide enhanced digital and connectivity services by expandin Wi-Fi capabilities, offering community digital literacy training, enhancing online library programs an purchasing technology, such as scanners, tablets, microphones and cameras. Libraries will work together to deliver a province-wide collection of ebooks, magazines and other online services that people will be able to access with their library card.

Part of these funds, $1.8 million, will be allocated through the BC Libraries Co-operative to support electronic resource licensing and

189 Headlineshelp expand Indigenous online common News collections Sooke forYouth all Arts and Entertainment Columnists Letters B.C. public libraries. The additional $1.2 million Weatherwill be distributedDining directly Jobs to libraries. Traffic  Calendar Books Polls About  Submit an Article VIRL/Sooke Library information Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) branches remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still have so much to offer VIRL cardholders across our library system. From existing online resources to new and enhanced offerings, VIRL is committed to offering services, amenities and entertainment to help in these challenging times.

Here are some of the newest services and enhancements VIRL has made available:

Online Registration

We are so excited to be able to offer online registration for anyone who wants to take advantag of VIRL’s amazing online resources. A library card is your gateway to ebooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and TV, music, and more.

24/7 WiFi

To help everyone stay connected, VIRL is now offering 24/7 WiFi outside our branches for as long as we are able to. Those taking advantage of this service are reminded to follow all social distancing protocols as mandated by our Health Authorities.

Overdrive VIRL has added unlimited copies of ebooks and audiobooks available on a wide selection of popular titles — no holds, no wait lists.

Here some more examples of exciting online resources at VIRL:

RBDigital Access to thousands of downloadable audiobooks and magazines.

Lynda.com Lynda.com offers courses with a focus on skills for business, creative industries, education,

190 Headlinesinformation Indigenous technology, News software, Sooke and web Youth development. Arts and The Entertainment tutorials are high Columnistsquality and led b Lettersy industry experts. Weather  Dining Jobs Traffic  Calendar Books Polls About 

SubmitFind Lynda.coman Article in our All Databases section.

Press Reader The world’s largest online newspaper and magazine kiosk, where you can browse and read hundreds of full-content premium newspapers and magazines from around the globe.

IndieFlix This streaming movie service provides unlimited access to award-winning shorts, feature films, and documentaries from major festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, Cannes.

Tumblebooks Teachers and homeschoolers can find free educational ebooks for students from kindergarten to high school. No library card is required to access Tumblebooks.

• Kindergarten – elementary • Middle school – high school

Mango Languages Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 45 different language courses, including Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

Music Access millions of downloadable and streaming music from Freegal Music and the Naxos music library.

We’ve got a lot more to keep you engaged, entertained and informed in these uncertain times. Be sur to follow VIRL on social media, check our website regularly at virl.bc.ca

or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter for tips, tricks, recommendations, and stories from across our system.

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191 Headlines Indigenous News Sooke Youth Arts and Entertainment Columnists Letters

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192 Despite closed doors, libraries are as busy as ever

Lindsay Kines / Times Colonist APRIL 9, 2020 06:00 AM

In just two weeks, the Greater Victoria Public Library has processed 400 online applications for new library cards. Photograph By TIMES COLONIST

The physical branches are closed, but public libraries across Vancouver Island are as popular as ever in the age of COVID-19 — maybe more so.

From movies to ebooks, music to online courses, the library’s digital resources are in hot demand as people look for ways to pass the time in social isolation.

In just two weeks, the Greater Victoria Public Library has processed 400 online applications for new library cards, while the Vancouver Island Regional Library system has received more than 600 registrations since closing its branches.

“I think that’s just a testament to the fact that people are hungry for services, they’re hungry for learning opportunities, for media, for books, for all sorts of things and being able to provide those resources in an online environment is huge for our communities,” said David Carson, director of corporate communications and strategic initiatives with the Vancouver Island Regional Library

Daphne Wood, director of planning and engagement with the Greater Victoria Public Library, said people are looking for things to read, to watch, to listen to and to learn. “We have all of those things available on our virtual branch.”

The B.C. government recognized that important work Wednesday by announcing a one-time $3-million investment in public libraries. “I think this is crucial for everyone in B.C.,” Education Minister Rob Fleming said in an interview. “We have to practise strict social distancing so we can get through this pandemic together and protect lives. But also, it’s a time for people to nourish their souls, and stay connected to one another and to libraries, which are such a beloved part of communities across B.C.”

Fleming said it’s diÞcult for libraries to operate behind closed doors, so he hopes the additional money will allow them to expand Wi-Fi capabilities, enhance online programs and buy scanners, tablets, microphones and other technology.

The B.C. Libraries Co-operative will get $1.8 million to expand common online collections for all libraries, while the remaining $1.2 million will go directly to libraries. “We are thrilled that the government is investing in public libraries across the province,” Wood said. “We were really pleased to see the investment go to the B.C. Libraries Co-Op to support consortium pricing for collections that we can all share. That really makes sense.”

As well, Wood said the money will allow the Greater Victoria Public Library to reduce wait times for its popular digital collection and purchase additional titles in greater quantities.

“We’ll also look at adding new collections, or services depending on what our collections librarians recommend,” she said. “Of course, as you can imagine, they have a wish list.”

193 The Vancouver Island Regional Library, which serves the rest of the Island as well Haida Gwaii and Bella Coola, is still weighing its needs, said Carson.

“We’re seeing a signiÕcant spike in our demand for online resources as people are socially isolating, which presents challenges for people,” he said. “But we also see that as potentially an opportunity to continue to expand those online resources and help build digital literacy skills. So this grant could go a long way to helping with those types of initiatives.”

The B.C. government says there are 71 public libraries with 249 branches throughout the province. More than two million people have library cards.

“It has incredible reach,” Fleming said. “And this [money] allows them to reach out even further during the pandemic. I think libraries are going to be a key support for lots of people who are battling isolation.” [email protected]

194 The City of Parksville issues a COVID-19 update for April 9. (File photo) COVID-19: Latest update from the City of Parksville City utility notices pushed back, remind residents to keep physical distancing

Apr. 10, 2020 12:00 a.m. / NEWS

The city of Parksville sent an update out on April 9 reminding residents of several changes due to COVID-19.

Included in the release was:

Ongoing city operations: City services continue to operate and with our offices closed to the public, contact is by phone (250 248-6144) or email ([email protected]) Direct department contact

195 information may be found on our website. City offices are closed for the Easter statutory holidays (April 10 and April 13)

City parks: Our parks remain open to use by the public. It is extremely important those using the parks remember to keep distance from others in public spaces. Bylaw compliance officers and City staff will be patrolling to assist in enforcing the public health officer’s orders. If people using parks do not practice physical distancing, we may have no choice but to close our parks.

READ MORE: 132,000 B.C. jobs lost just the start of COVID-19 impact, finance minister says

Utility notices: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the due date for City utility notices covering water, sewer, garbage and recycling has been extended to June 30. If you did not receive your notice in the mail, please call 250 248-6144. With City offices closed to the public until further notice, we encourage the public to pay this utility bill via Canada Post or through online or telephone banking.

Library: The VIRL is committed to offering services, amenities and entertainment to help in these challenging times Library branches remain closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Books and materials out on loan will not be required

196 to be returned until the library re-opens. In the meantime, VIRL is offering many online resources – explore these digital resources including ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspaper, music, learning tools and more all available 24/7 with your VIRL card.

The city also reminded everyone that “It is unlikely we will return to normal any time soon as we may be in a period of social isolation for sometime to come. More than ever, as Council members and community residents, we need to be flexible and continue to do the best we can during this unprecedented time.”

The city said everyone needs to continue to limit their numbers of outings and continue to physical distance. They said they’d love to hear of stories about how the community is staying connected, by email at [email protected].

— NEWS staff, submitted

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197 Grant boosts connectivity for Powell River library Timing of the support is ideal, says chief librarian

Powell River Peak APRIL 15, 2020 07:00 AM

STILL ACTIVE: Powell River Public Library chief librarian Rebecca Burbank has indicated the library continues to be busy, even though it has been shut down to patrons. Paul Galinski photo

While the doors might not be open to the public, Powell River Public Library remains busy.

Chief librarian Rebecca Burbank said she was thrilled to hear about the generous boost to connectivity and digital resources the province, through the libraries branch, is providing.

The province has announced it is providing $3 million to BC libraries to provide enhanced digital and connectivity services by expanding WiFi capabilities, oàering community digital literacy training, enhancing online library programs and purchasing technology, such as scanners, tablets, microphones and cameras. Libraries will work together to deliver a province-wide collection of eBooks, magazines and other online services people will be able to access with their library card.

Burbank said the provincial funding will enable libraries to put digital content into more hands.

“While the grant is not tied to the current health crisis, the timing of this support is ideal,” said Burbank. “In the past month we have seen a dramatic uptick in the use of our online resources. Growing those in this moment will support our patrons who are looking for learning and recreation opportunities from home. This funding is the direct result of the advocacy work of the BC Libraries Partners, who have been sharing the stories of libraries and patrons across the province.”

Burbank said while the physical library has been closed, it continues to oàer digital content and resources.

“We have even transitioned a few of our programs to an online format,” said Burbank.

She said the most popular digital resource during the closure has been Overdrive, which is the main eBook and eAudio platform. The holds placed on items have skyrocketed in the past month, she added.

Other favourites include Mango Languages for language learning, and lynda.com, which is an online professional development resource. The library also provides free access to the New York Times and a huge variety of magazines, Õlms and eAudio through RBdigital.

The following is a list of databases maintained by the library: prpl.ca/research/databases/complete-list/.

“It’s important that people have access to digital literacy programs, ebooks and online learning,” stated provincial minister of education Rob Fleming in a media release on April 8. “I am proud to see the innovative ways our libraries continue to support and connect people who want to learn, explore and be entertained through digital resources. This funding will help bring libraries into the homes of families throughout the province.”

198 Burbank said programming the library is oàering currently includes a webcast of preschool storytime, video guides for digital resources, one-to-one tech support by phone, and a digital meetup of a weekly writers group. Library patrons can follow on Instagram or Facebook for updates.

The following link is a connection to the library’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCPX1uMLo89xVw6Ux5h4S2FQ/playlists.

“Our staà has been working to make sure people know that if they have the internet at home, they have access to library resources with their card,” said Burbank. “For those in town with no card, we are issuing new cards by email every day.”

For more details on how to stay connected with Powell River Public Library and its resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to prpl.ca.

199 9℃ MOSTLY CLOUDY › 99.7 2DAY FM Powered by Vista Radio Ltd. Delaney Jane - Bad Habits  menu

NEWS City’s support for local business community pivots during COVID-19

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Troy Landreville, sta  Monday, Apr. 20th, 2020

200  Photo supplied by: Ethan Morneau, MyCampbellRiverNow.com sta

Campbell River’s economic development oce is changing with the times.

The oce is looking to provide increased support for local businesses during the pandemic.

Over the last four weeks, sta has worked with the Campbell River Area Angel Group to help businesses learn more about things ranging from adjusting cash ow management, working remotely, health strategies to atten the curve, e-commerce, and free business tools to help during the pandemic.

Economic development ocer Rose Klukas calls the COVID-19 situation “unprecedented,” adding that they’ve pivoted their immediate focus to “help empower and inspire the local business community.”

“Communities have faced hardships, including things like mills closures and natural disasters, and with COVID-19 aecting everyone all around the world, we’re continuing our series of virtual meet-ups to help businesses be better informed to deal with change.”

All webinars are recorded and available on the events page of TECHatchery.ca.

201 “In crisis, people can feel very alone. These weekly meet-ups maintain community connection and keep us learning from each other,” Klukas added.

Upcoming events include:

Wednesday at 8:00am – Vancouver Island Regional Library will join the meet up to talk about free business resources available to anyone with a library card.

Thursday at 6:00pm – Conversation with Minister Claire Trevena – B.C. Government’s COVID-19 Supports for Business

“This global health crisis is causing hardship for people and for our business community. Every level of government is aware of the signicant impact COVID-19 has on people’s health and on the economy,” Campbell River Mayor Andy Adams said.

“Federal and provincial governments are working hard to provide nancial relief programs, and every day new announcements are made. Local governments, as mandated by B.C.’s Community Charter, are working hard to provide support through business retention and expansion programs.”

Klukas said that the many resources available during this storm can also be stressful.

“We’re pleased Minister Trevena is available to answer questions from Campbell River business owners as part of this series. It’s all part of helping connect you with what will work for your situation,” she added, pointing to TECHhatchery.ca for links to all resources, webinar topics and blog posts.

City economic development is currently nalizing details of a business recovery program set to start the week of May 15th.

Working with Spring Activator, this will include a collection of virtual tools, access to mentorship, support for unique issues and connections with business development experts.

The City is also collaborating with other community organizations like Destination Campbell River, CRAAG, Campbell River Chamber of Commerce, Strathcona Community Futures and regional economic development organizations to share these resources and expertise.

“The world has been aected greatly by COVID-19 and Campbell River is no

202 exception,” city manager Deborah Sargent said.

“Doing business looks dierent now and into the future. It’s heartening to see many Campbell River businesses have already made changes to operate in this new business climate. We’re committed to supporting businesses by helping them pivot.”

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At VIRL, fiction is much more popular than non-fiction with thrillers coming out ahead as a favourite genre followed by romance and mystery. British television is also a favourite amongst VIRL users.

235 “It’s so wonderful libraries were positioned to help during this time … ready to jump in with this kind of support,” Woollard said. “Out of necessity, people are pushing their technological skills and we’re grateful to be able to play a role in bridging the digital divide.” Looking for a

READ ALSO: ‘Our community loves a good mystery’ – GVPL lists New Hobby? favourites of 2017 orl.bc.ca

Okanagan Regional Some of the most popular titles in each library system are as follows: Library

Most read eBooks at VIRL Photography, Coding, Drawing, Painting, The Alice Network Animation, Music, Film and Many More Courses. Where the Crawdads Sing

The Woman in the Window

The Good Daughter OPEN

The Kept Woman: Will Trent Series, Book Eight

Past Tense: A Jack Reacher Novel

Little Women

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Dark Sacred Night: Renee Ballard Series, Book Two

Most read eBooks at GVPL

Kingdom of the Blind

Becoming

Dark Sacred Night

Blue Moon

The Boy from the Woods

Where the Crawdads Sing

Walk the Wire

A Conspiracy of Bones

The Glass Hotel

236 Popular eAudiobooks at VIRL

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

The Last Widow: Will Trent Series, Book Nine

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Beating About the Bush: Agatha Raisin Mystery Series, Book 30

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

Everything I Never Told You

Becoming

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

Where the Crawdads Sing

The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away my Belongings, and Discovered Life is Worth More than Anything You can Buy in a Store

Popular eAudiobooks GVPL

Becoming

Untamed

Where the Crawdads Sing

Station Eleven

I Found You

Braiding Sweetgrass

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

The Making of Us

Popular Kids/Teen Books GVPL

The Book Thief

Big Nate and Friends

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

237 Cabin Fever

Throne of Glass

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Chain of Gold

Sisters

Guts

Karen’s Witch

Online Learning at VIRL

Top five languages: French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Mandarin

Ninety per cent of most popular classes focus on using and designing digital content

Two-hundred people have completed a bookkeeping basics class through the eLibrary this year

Movies at GVPL

Waiting for Anya

Hunky Dory

Agatha and the Truth of Murder

From Time to Time

Northanger Abbey

TV Series at GVPL

My Life is Murder

Keeping Faith

Good Karma Hospital

Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries

Collision

Music at GVPL

238 2020 Grammy Nominees CD

80s Mixtape CD

“Future Nostalgia” – Dua Lipa

“Lover” – Taylor Swift

The Greatest Showman soundtrack [email protected]

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239 Vancouver Island Regional Library has signed up more thant 1,300 new members since it launched its online card registration March 17. (File photo) COVID-19: Interest in digital offerings soars in Vancouver Island libraries More than 1,300 people sign up for online membership

MICHAEL BRIONES / May. 12, 2020 11:00 p.m. / COMMUNITY / LOCAL NEWS

Since suspending all in-branch services in March due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, eBooks and eAudiobooks have been increasingly popular for the Vancouver Island Regional Library.

The VIRL has placed more focus on promoting and expanding its digital offerings. It includes increasing the number of always-available eBook and

240 eAudiobook titles; offfering Wi-Fi services, in most cases 24/7, outside all VIRL branches; increasing access to the popular streaming TV and film platforms Kanopy and AcornTV; and promoting VIRL’s platforms and resources across all channels and to community partners.

Since VIRL launched its online card registration March 27, more than 1,300 new people have signed up for membership.

READ MORE: Libraries still ofering services to cardholders

As a result, VIRL saw a 50 per cent increase in eBook borrowing; a 30-per-cent increase in eAudiobook borrowing; 19-per-cent increase in digital magazines checked out each day; 15-per- cent increase in movies, TV shows and music streamed daily; and 15-per-cent increase in the use of online learning through Lynda.com.

VIRL’s two most popular eBook and eAudiobook platforms — Overdrive and RB Digital — have seen a spike of 132% in the average daily number of customers setting up accounts to download library content.

241 Notable trends in VIRL customer interests show that fiction far more popular than non-fiction while thrillers are the most popular genre of fiction. Romance and mystery follow closely behind.

The most read eBooks are:

1. The Alice Network

2. Where the Crawdads Sing

3. The Woman in the Window

4. The Good Daughter

5. Becoming The Kept Woman: Will Trent Series, Book 8

6. Past Tense: A Jack Reacher Novel

7. Little Women

8. Harry Potter and Sorcerer’s Stone

9. Dark Sacred Night: Renee Ballard Series, Book 2

The most downloaded eAudiobooks are:

1. Harry Potter and Sorcerer’s Stone

2. The Last Widow: Will Trent Series, Book 9

3. The Tattooist of Auschwitz

242 4. Beating About the Bush: Agatha Raisin Mystery Series, Book 30

5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

6. Everything I Never Told You

7. Becoming

8. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

9. Where the Crawdads Sing

10. The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store

For online learning, the top five languages customers are interested in learning online with Mango Languages are French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Mandarin. While nine of the 10 most popular classes on Lynda.com focus on using and designing digital content. As well, 200 customers have completed a bookkeeping basics class through the eLibrary this year.

Since March 17, VIRL members are reading 19 per cent more online magazines and newspapers through our digital platforms.

243 There also has been a 15 per cent increase in the use of the library’s streaming platforms, which feature documentaries, British TV favourites, and a wide range of other video content. The most viewed TV show is the ‘Brokenwood Mysteries’ and the most viewed movie is ‘Renoir’.

– NEWS Staff, submitted

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244

NEWS VANCOUVER ISLAND REGIONAL LIBRARY LAUNCHES ONLINE CRAFT HUB

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Jon Gauthier, staff Tuesday, May. 12th, 2020

Campbell River Library. (Vista Radio stock photo)

Vancouver Island Regional Library is giving everyone the chance to create some arts and crafts projects.

It has launched Creativebug, the newest resource in its online library, which offers unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft classes and award-winning video classes taught by top designers and artists, anytime, anywhere.

VIRL’s Divisional Manager Emily Mathews says the online craft hub is perfect for everyone.

245 “Whether they’re just getting started with crafting, are experienced DIY’ers looking for new and creative ideas, or families in search of some fun and engaging activities, Creativebug has so many rich and engaging projects to offer. We are beyond excited to offer this new service to our customers,” Mathews said.

Categories on the web and mobile apps include art & design projects, crafts for kids, sewing, jewelry, and many more.

The classes never expire, so projects can be started and stopped, according to people’s schedules and interests.

Creativebug is available now for anyone with a VIRL library card.

If people would like to sign up for a membership while in-branch services are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, you can register here.

246 Board of Trustees Meeting May 30, 2020 Item 8 (b)

Correspondence

247 From: To: Board Communications Subject: Bowser library Date: Sunday, February 2, 2020 10:10:47 AM

To be read into the minutes.

Feb, 2,2020

To the attention of the Board Chair and all Directors,

I would like to bring to the attention of the above that many of the residents of Bowser, Deep Bay and surrounding communities are unhappy with lack of opening hours., especially on Saturday.

Based on the rent that we taxpayers pay for our librarys present opening hours it is unacceptable.

Waiting for your reply,

, Bowser,BC

248 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

February 4, 2020

Original sent via:

Dear ,

Re: Bowser Library

Thank you for bringing forward your concerns with the current hours of operation at Vancouver Island Regional Library’s (VIRL) Bowser branch.

We have established processes when assessing whether branch hours require amending, which includes asking the community for input and asking the Library Manager to help inform the process and outcome.

Additionally, this summer, VIRL is embarking on a system-wide series of public engagement sessions to inform our 2021 – 2025 Strategic Plan. At those sessions, we hope to hear from members of the public about how we can provide the best possible customer service now and for years ahead. This could include a strong desire from the public for expanded hours of operation.

I have forwarded your request to our Director of Library Services and Planning who will follow up with the Library Manager and other relevant staff.

Thank you again for bringing this matter to my attention. If you have further questions, please reach out to me any time.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Bonanno, BA MLS Executive Director cc: VIRL Board of Trustees Director of Library Services & Planning

249

From: To: Executive Director; Board Communications Subject: Lay offs at VIRL Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 7:03:44 PM

Ms. Leigh, Ms. Bonanno:

I am writing in my capacity as a librarian and a BC resident to ask you to please reconsider your recent decision to lay off VIRL employees.

As you know, many library workers across Canada are working remotely and providing much needed support and comfort to their communities.

These are extraordinary times when compassion and kindness—not cruelty and callousness—are needed from community leaders such as yourselves. Please reconsider.

Sincerely,

250 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

March 19, 2020

Original via email:

Dear :

Re: Layoffs at VIRL On March 16, we made the difficult decision to close all branches at the end of the day. This was in response to the directives we received from our Prime Minister and Chief Medical Health Officer to do whatever we can to mitigate the spread of this virus in our communities.

As a result of the closures and as per the two Collective Agreements that VIRL staff fall under, we made the decision to issue notices of layoff to the majority of staff.

This is what these notices mean:

• BCGEU staff are paid their full wages for up to eight weeks, including all benefits • CUPE staff are paid their full wages for 30 days, including all benefits • Benefits will be extended for all unionized staff for a minimum of an additional 30 days after the layoff period notice comes to an end • All Casual (on call) Employees are being paid for every scheduled shift over the course of these notice periods

As we all know, the COVID-19 situation is changing daily, and VIRL is committed to responding as needed in the best interests of our staff. All options are on the table, including extending the length of time that employees continue to receive their wages and benefits. We are also hopeful that, at least in some branches, we may be able to return to offering limited services in the days and weeks ahead and look forward to engaging our employees on their ideas to ensure that our communities can access our services.

We hope to be able to return to more normal working conditions in the very near future, but if we do enter a period of protracted closure, we will respond in the best interests of our staff.

251

Page 2 of 2

This is a stressful time for everyone involved and we are committed to working closely with our employees to ensure they are protected and secure.

For the latest updates, please visit http://virl.bc.ca/covid-19-update.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Bonanno, BA MLS Executive Director cc: The Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Education VIRL Board of Trustees Executive Leadership Group

252

From: To: Board Communications Subject: Hooplah limits during Covid19? Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 12:55:00 PM

Hello,

I like so many others are contending with challenges at this time, homeschooling kids, job loss etc... I'm sincerely asking that VIRL consider removing the Hooplah limit to online material at this time.

What can you do to allow families and individuals more access to online resources using Hooplah while the library branches are closed?

Remove the monthly and daily limits?

Please and thank you...

253 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

April 14, 2020

Original via email:

Dear ,

Re: Hoopla limits during COVID-19? Thank you for your email regarding Hoopla.

Our team is hard at work expanding our eLibrary and we have redoubled our efforts in the face of COVID-19. Wherever possible, we are investing in always-available content, which allows for maximum customer access.

Our new and expanded investments include: • OverDrive is Vancouver Island Regional Library’s (VIRL) most popular eBooks and eAudiobook platform with close to 19,000 titles. We significantly expanded the number of always-available audiobooks and eBooks in OverDrive to ensure better accessibility and availability. You can access thousands of popular fiction and non-fiction titles through the award winning Libby App.

• RBdigital has over 9,000 downloadable audiobook titles, close to 4,000 magazines, and hundreds of streaming TV and movies titles (including Acorn TV). VIRL is expanding the number of always-available audiobooks so there is even more content for unlimited use.

• AcornTV offers world class mysteries, dramas, comedies and documentaries including classic series like Poldark, Murdoch Mysteries, Vera, etc. We’ve significantly increased the availability of our popular TV streaming service AcornTV so more customers can binge watch their favourite shows.

• Kanopy is a streaming platform with one of the largest and most unique collections in the world. It includes The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, Kino Lorber, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers. The content is stimulating and educational and very popular with families and students. We’ve increased our monthly limits for Kanopy to ensure that more customers get access.

254

Page 2 of 2

All of these platforms are accessible through mobile apps, computer browsers or tablets with detailed tutorials you can find on our website.

In the weeks leading up to COVID-19, we were contemplating cancelling Hoopla. The business model for Hoopla forces libraries to either frustrate their customers by placing limits, as you have encountered, or cause unsustainable pressure on budgets due to the platform’s extremely high cost-per-use content. As you can imagine, this leads to challenges on all sides. Given the unprecedented events of the past three weeks, we have decided to hold off on a decision about Hoopla, but are not promoting or expanding Hoopla at this time.

I apologize for any frustration you have experienced, and encourage you to explore the other digital content described above. In the coming days we are looking forward to launching other virtual services which will provide overviews of each platform and opportunities for personal assistance in getting started.

Sincerely,

Anne O’Shea Deputy Executive Director / COO cc: Vancouver Island Regional Library Board of Trustees Executive Leadership Group

255

From: To: Board Communications; [email protected]; Malcolmson.MLA, Sheila Subject: Lay-offs at VIRL bad for the Islands Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2020 6:23:47 PM

I read recently in the Library Journal about how public libraries across Canada have moved to online delivery of services, finding innovative ways to continue serving their communities, and value and support their employees by transitioning to online service delivery. This was not the case in Nanaimo, and throughout the Vancouver Island Regional Library system, where the library senior managers and board chose to lay-off the vast majority of Librarians, technicians and library assistants within two days of shutting the physical buildings due to COVID-19. The rushed lay-offs do not fit with what the vast majority of public systems are doing. I urge VIRL re-instate all staff fired due to COVID-19 and continue to serve communities with the public resource model; not a corporate private sector cost-cut model. Look to functioning alternate service delivery in other jurisdictions.

"In a few cases, including at Vancouver Island Regional Library in British Columbia and Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library in Ontario, layoff notices followed building closures. Vancouver Island Regional Library closed its 39 branches at the end of the day March 16, then announced a few days later the majority of staff had been laid off." from: Library Journal Mar 25, 2020 https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=canadian-libraries-respond-to-covid-19

Stats from VIRL website: - Vancouver Island Regional Library has over 370 employees serves over 430,000 people on Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and the Central Coast (Bella Coola) - 2.6 million visits to our branches and our customers borrowed 4.6 million items

Regards,

256 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

April 6, 2020

Original via email:

Dear ,

Re: Layoffs at VIRL bad for the Islands As a regional library system, our Board of Trustees is comprised of 39 elected officials representing all of our municipalities and regional districts. Different from public library systems, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is governed by the BC Library Act and Trustee By-law. Our Board does not get involved in VIRL’s operations and instead focuses on the organization’s strategic direction and policies. Decisions regarding staffing are operational in nature and do not fall under the Board’s mandate.

Every decision made in response to COVID-19 has been in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of staff and the public. For VIRL’s Executive Director, the difficult decision to proceed with layoffs was guided by the following:

• We could not guarantee a safe environment for anyone, let alone staff, and needed to get everyone to the safety of their homes as quickly as possible; • We believed it was of paramount importance to treat all unionized staff equally; and • We needed to balance what was best for staff with the sustainability of the organization.

The majority of VIRL’s 456 staff are unionized under both BCGEU and CUPE. At the time the notices of layoff were issued on March 16, staff were provided with the following assurances:

• BCGEU staff are paid their full wages and benefits for a minimum 4 weeks to maximum of 8 weeks depending on seniority; • CUPE staff are paid their full wages and benefits for up to 30 days; • Health and welfare benefits have been extended to all unionized staff for a minimum of an additional 30 days (post layoff); and • All Casual (on call) employees are being paid for every shift scheduled over the 30-day notice period.

257

Page 2 of 2

By acting quickly to close down our branches, staff were redirected to the safety of their homes with full wages and benefits in place. This approach also afforded time to have all VIRL service locations deep cleaned for when the branches reopen.

I firmly stand behind the decision to close all branches on March 16 and to sending staff home with their wages and benefits intact. As I have already said, this decision was made with the health and safety of staff as its primary driver. In the days since the closure, VIRL management have been hard at work developing alternative service models and hope to re-engage with staff in the very near future to bring these services to fruition.

As the COVID-19 situation has continued to evolve, I am aware of further measures being implemented to extend financial security and benefits to all affected staff. These are unprecedented times that have required VIRL to be nimble in its responses. As an organization, VIRL will always strive to balance what is best for staff, the organization, and everyone’s collective health and safety.

Sincerely,

Brenda E. Leigh Chair VIRL Board of Trustees

Rosemary Bonanno, BA MLS Executive Director

cc: VIRL Board of Trustees VIRL Executive Leadership Group Sheila Malcolmson, MLA, Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog, City of Nanaimo

258

From: To: Board Communications Subject: Library access during COVID-19 Date: Friday, April 17, 2020 10:31:44 AM

Hello,

I am a long term library lover! I am also self employed. My work helps people to reduce the intensity of strongly felt emotions. I am aware of how difficult it is for many people to be at home for weeks on end, without many healthy distractions. Anxiety and fear are running rampant. Books are an excellent distraction, a delightful way to spend a few hours taking minds off of current realities and overwhelming feelings, thereby decreasing cortisol and stress levels while also improving immune function.

I have a few suggestions as to how the libraries could help to minimize the epidemic of panic and overwhelm felt by many.

1.Reinstate books by mail immediately. The post office is working. The libraries could too, for anyone with online access to the catalogue or a phone to make a request or ask for a suggestion.

2. Follow the lead of the Burn's Lake library, and others, by providing a sanitized pick up service for books that have been ordered. Apparently the librarians put the books ordered in a bag with the client's name on it. They then leave the package outside the library door when the person has let them know that they are there, (keeping a safe distance), or going to be there at a specific time, (either by phone, text, or email).

You can help many folks to read more and entice others who are yet to be library users by enacting these two suggestions.

Thank you in advance for considering my suggestions.

259 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

May 20, 2020

Original via email:

Dear :

Re: Library Access During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and disruptions across industries, organizations, and individuals. We have all been affected and libraries are no different. On March 16, 2020, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) temporarily suspended all in-branch services to help combat the spread of COVID-19 — a decision that held the health and safety of VIRL staff and the public as its central guiding tenant.

On May 7, British Columbians received news from the provincial government that the province will begin a gradual release of COVID-19 related restrictions.

To prepare for increased services, VIRL formed a Renewal and Recovery Taskforce that is moving forward with plans to re-instate some services to library customers across our service area. The Taskforce is proceeding with a phased model to safely and efficiently bring services into our communities.

Today, additional information has been posted to the VIRL website, https://virl.bc.ca/library-services-in-the- new-normal/ . Please also monitor the News & Update section of our website for the latest information. VIRL branches are not open, but we do anticipate the resumption of some services in the very near future. It is vital that we only move forward once we have everything in place to do so safely.

I understand just how important libraries are to so many. My staff also understand this and are working hard to deliver safe and sustainable services for communities large and small. Stay tuned for more information.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Bonanno, BA MLS Executive Director cc: Vancouver Island Regional Library Board of Trustees Executive Leadership Group

260

Saho Lindberg

Subject: Re: open the libraries

From: Date: April 28, 2020 at 4:25:15 PM PDT To: Board Communications Subject: re open the libraries

Please work on some solution to reopening libraries.

Thanks,

North Saanich

261 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

May 20, 2020

Original delivered via email:

Dear :

Re: Re Opening the Libraries The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and disruptions across industries, organizations, and individuals. We have all been affected and libraries are no different. On March 16, 2020, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) temporarily suspended all in-branch services to help combat the spread of COVID- 19 — a decision that held the health and safety of VIRL staff and the public as its central guiding tenant.

On May 7, British Columbians received news from the provincial government that the province will begin a gradual release of COVID-19 related restrictions.

The government, working with public health officials, businesses and labour organizations, will begin to lift restrictions in phases, gradually allowing for more social and economic activity, while closely monitoring health information to minimize the risk to the public. Under this plan, libraries fall under Phase 2, which the government says will likely come into effect on May 19. To prepare for increased services, VIRL formed a Renewal and Recovery Taskforce that is moving forward with plans to re-instate some services to library customers across our service area. The Taskforce is proceeding with a phased model to safely and efficiently bring services into our communities.

Today, additional information has been posted to the VIRL website, https://virl.bc.ca/library-services-in- the-new-normal/ . Please also monitor the News & Update section of our website for the latest information. VIRL branches are not open, but we do anticipate the resumption of some services in the very near future. It is vital that we only move forward once we have everything in place to do so safely.

Rosemary Bonanno, BA MLS Executive Director cc: VIRL Board of Trustees Executive Leadership Group

262

Saho Lindberg

Subject: Libraries during Covid

From: > Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 11:00 AM To: Executive Director Subject: Fwd: Libraries during Covid

Please see below forwarded email and please excuse typo in addresses.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ From: Date: Mon, May 4, 2020 at 10:55 AM Subject: Libraries during Covid To: , ,

Dear Esteemed Vancouver Island Regional Library staff and board, My family loves our local libraries. When we visit, we bring home so many books that it is almost too much to carry. Going to the library is a favourite event for my boys (ages 12, 11 & 7). Even writing this brings a smile to my face. We very much miss our local library. Reading helps my boys cope during this pandemic. They have spent much of their time reading. Although we have many books, we have run out! This is hard on them and their resulting boredom is hard on us as parents. Recently, public libraries in North Vancouver opened a take-out style system to check out books. We moved from North Vancouver to Nanaimo 3 years ago and are seeing our NV friends very happy with this new system. We are hoping that Vancouver Island Regional Libraries could do something similar. Having access to books would be a huge support to families in our communities. Please do not underestimate the importance of libraries and books in the well-being of our communities especially during this time of physical isolation. Having new stories and magical worlds to visit would very much alleviate some of the stress of our current reality. Public access to free books may be more important than ever. Please review the changes made in North Vancouver and consider making similar changes here in Nanaimo. I am sure a safe solution can be found that provides the community with much needed access to books.

Regards,

263 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

May 20, 2020

Original delivered via email:

Dear :

Re: Libraries During COVID The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and disruptions across industries, organizations, and individuals. We have all been affected and libraries are no different. On March 16, 2020, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) temporarily suspended all in-branch services to help combat the spread of COVID-19 — a decision that held the health and safety of VIRL staff and the public as its central guiding tenant.

On May 7, British Columbians received news from the provincial government that the province will begin a gradual release of COVID-19 related restrictions.

Rosemary Bonanno, BA MLS Executive Director cc: VIRL Board of Trustees Executive Leadership Group

Mariah Patterson

Subject: FW: Library re-opening

From: > Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 2:29 PM To: Info ; Board Communications ; Executive Director Subject: Library re‐opening

Dear Esteemed Vancouver Island Regional Library staff and board,

My family loves our local libraries. Going to the library is a favourite event for my kids (ages 10 & 12). We very much miss our local library. Reading helps my kids cope during this pandemic. They have spent much of their time reading. Although we have many books, we have run out! This is hard on them and their resulting boredom is hard on us as parents. Recently, public libraries in North Vancouver opened a take‐out style system to check out books. We have friends who live in North Vancouver and they are very happy with this new system. We are hoping that Vancouver Island Regional Libraries could do something similar. Having access to books would be a huge support to families in our communities. Please do not underestimate the importance of libraries and books in the well‐being of our communities especially during this time of physical isolation. Having new stories and magical worlds to visit would very much alleviate some of the stress of our current reality. Public access to free books may be more important than ever. It is also important to note that while we are happy to access online books, we are really trying to encourage the reading of actual, physical books. Screen time is up 100% more in my house in these difficult days and fresh books would help distract from the constant lure of screens. Please review the changes made in North Vancouver and consider making similar changes here in Nanaimo. I am sure a safe solution can be found that provides the community with much needed access to books.

Regards,

265 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

May 20, 2020

Original delivered via email:

Dear :

Re: Library Re-opening The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and disruptions across industries, organizations, and individuals. We have all been affected and libraries are no different. On March 16, 2020, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) temporarily suspended all in-branch services to help combat the spread of COVID-19 — a decision that held the health and safety of VIRL staff and the public as its central guiding tenant.

On May 7, British Columbians received news from the provincial government that the province will begin a gradual release of COVID-19 related restrictions.

Rosemary Bonanno, BA MLS Executive Director cc: VIRL Board of Trustees Executive Leadership Group

266

Saho Lindberg

Subject: FW: Rural libraries

From: Date: May 9, 2020 at 12:35:47 PM PDT To: [email protected] Subject: Rural libraries

Hello Those of us who live in remote areas could really benefit by our libraries re opening. We have very limited media resources, slow internet, no cell service, etc. Opening our libraries and books by mail would help with our isolation and can be done easily In remote areas without causing any covid 19 contamination to either library staff or the public. Please do this. Thanks

https://virl.bc.ca/about/senior-staff/

Sent from my iPad

267 Mariah Patterson

Subject: FW: Member of Public Concern over Library Closure

From: Ian Gould Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2020 1:08 PM To: Mariah Patterson Cc: Ruby Decock ; Elizabeth Cumming Subject: Fw: Member of Public Concern over Library Closure

Hi Mariah

I am not sure what the plans currently are with the reopening of libraries. I was waiting for stage two of the BC plan to start and then was expecting an update. If you could provide me (and the village) with some direction to what the plans may be, it would be appreciated. Boldly going where no font has gone before Ian

From: Elizabeth Cumming Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2020 12:45 PM To: Ian Gould ; Kazamir Falconbridge Subject: Member of Public Concern over Library Closure

Good Afternoon Councillors Falconbridge and Gould,

We are passing on a concern that contacted us about regarding VIRL and how it is not open to the public.

She identified that herself, and other, community members, especially those without digital access, were very frustrated about the Libraries being closed (I did identify to her the current Public Health Order, and other considerations were mitigating factors that would have been accounted for in initial closures).

She is hoping that the municipality may be able to bring up her concerns with VIRL and that they may provide a response to us, especially in light of the BC Restart plans, on when the on‐location library services may be restarting.

Apparently she reached out to VIRL directly and got no response (she also reached out to the news and MLA Jennifer Rice), so she is quite frustrated in getting the runaround.

Ruby identified that I could pass on this message to you two as the Village’s VIRL reps that you would be able to pass on these concerns.

Regards,

Elizabeth Cumming Deputy Clerk Village of Port Clements Ph: 250.557.4295 Fx: 250.557.4568 www.portclements.ca

268

This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information (including all attachments) that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and delete the original and any copies of this message. Please do not print, copy, disseminate, or otherwise use this information. Thank you.

269 Administration Box 3333 | 6250 Hammond Bay Road Nanaimo, BC Canada V9R 5N3 t: 250.758.4697 f: 250.758.2482 e: [email protected] w: www.virl.bc.ca

May 20, 2020

Original via email:

Dear :

Re: Rural Libraries The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and disruptions across industries, organizations, and individuals. We have all been affected and libraries are no different. On March 16, 2020, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) temporarily suspended all in-branch services to help combat the spread of COVID-19 — a decision that held the health and safety of VIRL staff and the public as its central guiding tenant. On May 7, British Columbians received news from the provincial government that the province will begin a gradual release of COVID-19 related restrictions. The government, working with public health officials, businesses and labour organizations, will begin to lift restrictions in phases, gradually allowing for more social and economic activity, while closely monitoring health information to minimize the risk to the public. Under this plan, libraries fall under Phase 2, which the government says will likely come into effect on May 19. To prepare for increased services, VIRL formed a Renewal and Recovery Taskforce that is moving forward with plans to re-instate some services to library customers across our service area. The Taskforce is proceeding with a phased model to safely and efficiently bring services into our communities. Today, additional information has been posted to the VIRL website, https://virl.bc.ca/library-services-in-the- new-normal/ . Please also monitor the News & Update section of our website for the latest information. VIRL branches are not open, but we do anticipate the resumption of some services in the very near future. It is vital that we only move forward once we have everything in place to do so safely. I understand just how important libraries are to so many. My staff also understand this and are working hard to deliver safe and sustainable services for communities large and small. Stay tuned for more information. Sincerely,

Rosemary Bonanno, BA MLS Executive Director

CC: Ian Gould, Trustee, VIRL Board of Trustees Kazamir Falconbridge, Councillor, Village of Port Clements Elizabeth Cumming, Deputy Clerk, Village of Port Clements VIRL Executive Leadership Group

270

Board of Trustees Meeting May 30, 2020 Item 8 (c)

Media Releases

271 Media Advisory

Gabriola Branch

Meeting Space Addition to Library on Gabriola Island

Friday, February 21, 2020, Gabriola Island, BC: The Gabriola Island branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) will be increasing its footprint to add on a meeting room in the coming months. Meeting rooms and study spaces are features of many branches in the library system, and the Gabriola Island branch was able to capitalize on an opportunity working with the neighbouring Royal LePage real estate office to acquire some additional space.

“This is a project I’ve wanted to undertake for a very long time as the idea of offering a meeting room space to our customers is one that makes a lot of sense to me. Libraries provide gathering places for communities to come together and I know it is needed on our island. The opportunity became available, the time was right, and I am delighted to finally share this news with Gabriolans,” says Amy Dawley, Assistant Director, Experience & Engagement (Central).

“Given how active the Gabriola Island branch is with programming, visiting speakers, and author visits, the addition of a meeting room space is going to give us a lot more flexibility to be able to accommodate everyone who wants to use our space,” says Jeff Strain, Customer Services Librarian II at the Gabriola Island branch. “We often have authors and visiting speakers that draw crowds big enough to fill our reading and study areas. Having this meeting room will help us ensure we are not displacing others who want to be studying or working. Also, being able to offer a separate, bookable space for groups is going to be a huge bonus.”

The project is underway and construction will be taking place in the coming months. The meeting room will be approximately 300 square feet and will be separated from the current space by an internal door off the foyer of the branch. VIRL staff are working on the final details, but the space will include furniture, equipment, and technology needed for small meetings.

######

For more Information

Jeff Strain Customer Services Librarian II – Gabriola Island branch 250.247.7878 [email protected]

272 Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chemainus library Grand Opening celebrations!

Tuesday, February 25, 2020, Chemainus, BC – Celebrate with us at the Grand Opening of the brand new Chemainus library! On Saturday, March 7, the branch will be wall-to-wall with revelers, entertainers, and dignitaries as we officially welcome the state-of-the-art new library to the community.

“From the moment the new branch opened its doors to the public in early 2020, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and excited,” says Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) Board Chair, Brenda Leigh. “I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to bring this wonderful community amenity to reality. This state-of-the-art facility is sure to foster innovation, inspiration, and connection for many years to come.”

The fun starts at 1pm and includes an Official Welcome from Stz’uminus Elder, Buffy David, speeches, a ribbon cutting, cake and refreshments, and the always-enigmatic children’s entertainer, Captain Thunderpants. From there, attendees are welcome to peruse the library at their leisure and to familiarize themselves with the beautiful new space.

The branch, with its West-Coast-inspired design and abundance of natural light, offers: • 5,000 square feet of floor space • Increased staffing levels • Expanded hours of operation • A larger opening day collection with many new materials • An expanded program schedule • More public computers • A vibrant children’s area • A lounging area with fireplace • A laptop bar • Study space • A bookable multipurpose room

More information about VIRL’s Capital Projects is available online.

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Media Contact David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248 Cell: 250.327.3651 Email: [email protected]

273

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A new library for Woss!

Monday, March 9, 2020, Woss, BC – Planning is underway on a new library for the community of Woss. Part of Vancouver Island Regional Library’s (VIRL) Rural Prototype Model, the new library is sure to become a hub of the community and a vibrant gathering place for many years to come.

Once built, the community can look forward to the following features and amenities in their new library:

 Larger floor space, approximately 1,400 sq. ft.  Dedicated meeting space for clubs and community groups  Additional public computer stations  Exciting new programs  Expanded hours of operation

“Our commitment to rural and remote communities is unwavering,” says VIRL’s Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “With this build, the people of Woss are getting so much more than a new library — they’re getting a space for groups to meet, ideas to incubate, children to learn, and community to grow. We are so excited about this project.”

As VIRL moves ahead with planning, we are asking the community to complete a short hours survey to help inform how Woss’ hours of operation could be expanded. The survey runs until March 20.

Additional details about this project, including timelines and opportunities for the community to provide input, will be communicated as they become available.

This project is the second in VIRL’s Rural Prototype Model, a sustainable, scalable approach to building that allows VIRL to construct new branches in some of the communities most in need. VIRL opened its first Prototype branch in Sayward in late 2019 and the response from the community has exceeded all expectations.

More information about VIRL’s Capital Projects is available online.

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274

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Art Displays at Nanaimo’s Creativity Commons

Monday, March 9, 2020, Nanaimo, BC – Nanaimo is home to a vibrant community of artists and creators. The Creativity Commons at the Nanaimo Harbourfront branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) wants to encourage and launch artists of all kinds through its services and programs. As part of this endeavor, the branch now has five free art exhibit spaces open to the Nanaimo community.

“These five spaces will provide burgeoning and established artists an opportunity to share their work, especially those artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so,” says Amy Dawley, VIRL’s Assistant Director, Experience and Engagement (Central). “It’s about more than just having art displayed — it’s a place for the community to gather and celebrate our local artists.”

To help enhance the exposure of the pieces on display, branch staff will promote the artists and their works through social media and other communications channels.

Interested artists are encouraged to visit the Creativity Commons — second floor of the Nanaimo Harbourfront branch at 90 Commercial Street — to see what the exhibit space has to offer. Application forms are available at the Creativity Commons Information Desk.

The art will be showcased on a rotating basis.

More information is available in VIRL’s Use of Library Space for Art Exhibits Policy, by email at [email protected], calling 250.753.1154 ex. 251, or any time at the branch.

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Media Contact David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248 Cell: 250.327.3651 Email: [email protected]

275

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIRL closing all branches end of day March 16 in response to COVID-19

Monday, March 16, 2020, Vancouver Island, BC – As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and in light of the recommendations put forward today by the BC Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is closing all branches to the public as of 8pm tonight (March 16).

VIRL has also decided to cancel all remaining programs today, 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,” says VIRL’s 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.

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Media Contact David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248 Cell: 250.327.3651 Email: [email protected]

276

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 27, 2020: Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) branches remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still have so much to offer VIRL cardholders across our library system. From existing online resources to new and enhanced offerings, VIRL is committed to offering services, amenities and entertainment to help in these challenging times.

Here are some of the newest services and enhancements VIRL has made available:

Online Registration We are so excited to be able to offer online registration for anyone who wants to take advantage of VIRL’s amazing online resources. A library card is your gateway to ebooks, audiobooks, streaming movies and TV, music, and more.

24/7 WiFi To help everyone stay connected, VIRL is now offering 24/7 WiFi outside our branches for as long as we are able to. Those taking advantage of this service are reminded to follow all social distancing protocols as mandated by our Health Authorities.

Overdrive VIRL has added unlimited copies of ebooks and audiobooks available on a wide selection of popular titles — no holds, no wait lists.

Here some more examples of exciting online resources at VIRL:

RBDigital Access to thousands of downloadable audiobooks and magazines.

Lynda.com Lynda.com offers courses with a focus on skills for business, creative industries, education, information technology, software, and web development. The tutorials are high quality and led by industry experts.

Find Lynda.com in our All Databases section.

Press Reader The world’s largest online newspaper and magazine kiosk, where you can browse and read hundreds of full-content premium newspapers and magazines from around the globe.

IndieFlix This streaming movie service provides unlimited access to award-winning shorts, feature films, and documentaries from major festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, Cannes.

Tumblebooks Teachers and homeschoolers can find free educational ebooks for students from kindergarten to high school. No library card is required to access Tumblebooks.

277

• Kindergarten – elementary • Middle school – high school

Mango Languages Mango immerses you in real, everyday conversations in 45 different language courses, including Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

Music Access millions of downloadable and streaming music from Freegal Music and the Naxos music library.

We’ve got a lot more to keep you engaged, entertained and informed in these uncertain times. Be sure to follow VIRL on social media, check our website regularly at virl.bc.ca or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter for tips, tricks, recommendations, and stories from across our system.

We’re here for you, just like always.

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Media Contact David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248 Cell: 250.327.3651 Email: [email protected]

278

Vancouver Island Regional Library offers fun and safe ideas for long weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 9, 2020: Despite a drop in new COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island, experts are reminding the public that social-distancing measures remain in effect and will continue throughout the upcoming long weekend. But rest assured, VIRL is here for you, offering cardholders an array of fun and safe things to do this long weekend.

“Distancing from loved ones, especially through a long-weekend or celebration can be hard,” says VIRL’s Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “But we can still find ways to connect and care for our families and our communities, while continuing to minimize the impacts of COVID- 19 this upcoming weekend.”

Here are a few ideas to get your weekend started:

Learn a new language. While we may not be able to travel to far distant places, we can bring those places to us by learning a new language through Mango Languages. Buena Suerte!

Try a new playlist. Why not kick back in your yard and create a sun-loving playlist from Freegal (‘free & legal’) music catalogue or stream away with Naxos Music.

Check a few items off the to-do list. From easy home makeovers to that squeaky door you’ve always been meaning to fix, VIRL’s Do-It-Yourself section offers online guides for all levels of experience.

Spend some time in the garden. With the frost at bay and a full week of sun on the horizon, now is the time to plant those seeds and starters. Head over to our magazine rack and check out PressReader or RB Digital for some of the most popular magazine titles available, including several devoted to green thumbs.

Learn a new skill. From photography to 3D animation, VIRL’s Lynda.com database offers business, software, technology and creative video courses and tutorials taught by industry experts. Find Lynda.com in our All Databases section.

Fun with the kids. The TumbleBookLibrary also offers educational games and National Geographic videos. Also, through OverDrive, VIRL is offering unlimited access to the first book in the Harry Potter series in both eBook and eAudiobook, and a whole lot more.

No library card? VIRL’s online registration is now open for anyone who wants to take advantage of VIRL’s amazing online resources

Have a fun-filled, safe long weekend.

Media Contact David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248

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VIRL announces new virtual services for customers and a road map to in- branch services

Monday, May 4, 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges and disruptions across industries, organizations, and individuals. We have all been affected and libraries are no different. On March 16, 2020, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) temporarily suspended all in-branch services to help combat the spread of COVID-19 — a decision that held the health and safety of VIRL staff and the public as its central guiding tenant.

“Looking back, it’s hard to imagine that just a few short months ago, COVID-19 was not even a word, let alone a global pandemic impacting our lives, loved ones, and many of our livelihoods,” says VIRL’s Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “As the realities of COVID-19 became apparent, we acted quickly and decisively to ensure that our staff and customers were not in harm’s way. Closing our branches was the best decision we could make to keep people safe. I am proud of the response my staff provided to our customers up and down our service area.”

Initial Response

In the immediate days after suspending in-branch services, staff quickly pivoted and focused efforts on promoting and expanding VIRL’s digital offerings. This included:

 Expanding the number of always-available eBook and eAudiobook titles  Offering WiFi services, in most cases 24/7, outside all VIRL branches  Increasing access to the popular streaming TV and film platforms, Kanopy and AcornTV  Promoting VIRL’s platforms and resources across all of our channels and to our community partners

As a result of these efforts, VIRL saw:

 50% increase in eBooks borrowing  30% increase in eAudiobook borrowing  19% increase in digital magazines checked out each day  15% increase in movies, TV shows, and music streamed daily  15% increase in the use of online learning through Lynda.com

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On March 27, VIRL rolled out an online membership platform. Since launching this service, almost 1,200 people have signed up for a library card to take advantage of VIRL’s exciting and diverse digital services.

Expanded services

In the coming days, more services are coming to help VIRL customers stay connected and informed.

Customers with questions about VIRL’s digital tools, resources, and databases will be able to set up virtual appointments with staff over the phone, email, or web-based platform to have their questions addressed. Expanded email and telephone service will also allow staff to engage more quickly and thoroughly with customers.

Online programming, including Storytimes, books clubs, learning opportunities, and more, are in the pipeline and nearing implementation.

Looking ahead

A recently formed Renewal and Recovery Taskforce will develop a strategy and roadmap for how VIRL can resume offering in-branch services to customers. All decisions will be driven by the direction and guidance of health authorities.

In recent days, a number of library systems in BC have begun rolling out curbside pickup of physical materials and VIRL has heard from a growing number of customers who are hungry for books. The models being implemented by other systems will be carefully reviewed by the taskforce, among other ideas and plans put forth by team members and other library systems.

“We understand just how important libraries are to so many in our communities,” says Melissa Legacy, VIRL’s Director of Library Services and Planning. “Whether it’s providing books to families, combatting social isolation for seniors, or offering a safe and welcoming space to people in need, libraries mean so much to so many and we are committed to providing services and supports to our communities as soon as it is safe to do so.”

As a regional system covering almost 45,000 square kilometres — including a mix of urban, rural, and remote branches — VIRL has unique challenges, considerations, and opportunities that the taskforce will consider. There is no one-size-fits-all model VIRL reopening our branches, but all options are on the table as the taskforce arrives at its

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recommendations. While it is too soon to pin a timeline to the resumption of in-branch services, VIRL is committed to bringing services back to our communities with health and safety as the number one consideration.

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Media Contact David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248 Cell: 250.327.3651 Email: [email protected]

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Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIRL’s Indigenous Voices Initiative wins international ALA award

Wednesday, May 6, 2020: Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has another award for the trophy case. VIRL’s Indigenous Voices Initiative has been selected to receive a 2020 American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects.

“Since its launched in 2018, Indigenous Voices has grown into a movement that brings people closer in communities large and small,” says VIRL’s Executive Director Rosemary Bonanno. “It has been integral in our commitment to reconciliation for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of our community.”

The goal of Indigenous Voices is to work with First Nations Elders across VIRL’s service area to create innovative, entertaining and thought-provoking programming that celebrates and shares the rich diversity, voices, and perspectives of Vancouver Island and increases community understanding and closeness.

When Indigenous Voices first launched in 2018, more than 1,300 people came out for almost 60 Elder-led programs. At Indigenous Voices programs, attendees have learned about reconciliation and residential schools, listened to creation stories, embarked on medicine walks to discover medicinal uses of local plants, participated in drum making sessions and smudging ceremonies, and much more.

As part of ALA’s recognition, an article about Indigenous Voices will be published in the July issue of American Libraries magazine.

Indigenous Voices was also the recipient of a British Columbia Library Association 2019 Building Better Communities award.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful initiative.

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Media Contact David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248

Cell: 250.327.3651 Email: [email protected]

283 Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New crafting platform offers countless opportunities for crafters and makers on Vancouver Island

Tuesday, May 12, 2020: Calling all creatives! Pull out your paints and grab your glue gun — it’s time to get crafty! Creativebug, the newest resource in Vancouver Island Regional Library’s (VIRL) online library, offers customers unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft classes, and award-winning video classes taught by top designers and artists, anytime, anywhere.

“People are going to love Creativebug,” says Emily Mathews, VIRL’s Divisional Manager of Collections and Support Services. “Whether they’re just getting started with crafting, are experienced DIY’ers looking for new and creative ideas, or families in search of some fun and engaging activities, Creativebug has so many rich and engaging projects to offer. We are beyond excited to offer this new service to our customers.”

Accessible on the web and mobile apps, categories include:

 Art + Design  Crochet  Food + Home  Kids  Knitting  Jewelry  Quilting  Sewing

The classes never expire, so projects can be started and stopped according to people’s schedules and interest.

Other features include:

 Videos featuring prolific crafters well known in their field  Unlimited usage  Daily craft challenges  Great for all ages  Perfect for home schooling and children  Open for a range of skill levels

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 Short crafts to lengthy projects  Something for every interest!

Creativebug is available now for anyone with a VIRL library card. If people would like to sign up for a membership while in-branch services are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, they can register here and start crafting.

This newest database in VIRL’s collection was made possible thanks to a funding injection from the Province supporting digital resources and services for BC libraries. VIRL received approximately $43,000 as part of this support.

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Media Contact David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives Direct: 250.753.1154 ex 248 Cell: 250.327.3651 Email: [email protected]

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