I’ve been a library patron since I was a kid. First it was the elementary school library then the local public library with my mom, located in those days in the leafy, misty Deep Cove of my childhood and then the high school library followed by others, including the amazing Vancouver Public Libary.
The architecture of the Campbell River library might not have found its way onto a postcard, however, I was delighted to discover, upon moving here in 1992, that the library awaiting me was more than adequate for my voracious information junkie needs.
Looking for a central place to find out what’s happening where in town? Check out their large noticeboard as you walk in. On a recent visit a poster on twice-weekly summer puppet shows at the Campbell River Museum was front and center. A multitude of information brochures are also available.
The free Internet access is always popular, especially after a holiday as people catch up on email. All you need is a libary card to take advantage of this service.
A new feature is Express Reads - popular books that are available for only a week. It’s a great way to keep up to date with current favorites. Another feature I appreciate is the option to check out your own books, magazines, cds, whatever. It’s handy if you’re in a hurry and there’s a line up for a real person.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking for or how to go about it, the staff is more than willing to point you in the right direction.
More often than not, I can be found in the children’s section, amongst the books of my childhood. Thanks to the libary I’ve revisited favorites by Beverly Cleary, Enid Blyton, E.B. White, and Dr. Seuss.
Immediately beside the children’s area is Young Adult, another regular hang out. Here I’ve discovered the giggle-inducing books by Brit Louise Rennison, the sobering and compelling Tomorrow series by Australian John Marsden, and a myriad of other authors I wouldn’t have enjoyed had I stayed in the adult section.
Library hours are 10am to 8pm Monday through Friday and until 5pm on Saturday. The book deposit is available after hours. It’s located in the pink building on Shopper’s Row, beside the Tidemark Theatre.
And for those days when you can’t manage an in-person visit, check out (!) their website at www.virl.bc.ca. From home you can renew books, find out due dates for material you’ve already borrowed, put in a request, and search through a multitude of book lists for a different (or familiar) genre.
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