The Vancouver Island Regional Library has announced it will close its branch in Chemainus on Sundays and Mondays, effective Sept. 21.
In a letter to the Municipality of North Cowichan, the VIRL’s interim executive director Eileen Gillette said that currently, the branch operates 55 hours per week, serving approximately 3,000 residents, which exceeds the typical standard for small branches that serve 4,500 to 6,700 residents and operate 35 to 44 hours per week, usually Tuesday through Saturday.
She said that under the standardized model, the Chemainus branch will transition to 42 hours per week, aligning its schedule with other branches of the same classification.
“The adjusted hours will bring Chemainus in line with other branches of similar size within our system,” Gillette said.
“This was a difficult decision, made following a thorough analysis of demographics, usage patterns, branch size, and service requirements, while supporting equitable library service across all communities.”
Gillette said VIRL is committed to supporting its staff at the Chemainus branch throughout this transition and will maintain clear and consistent communication with the public.
She said that inquires on the issue from the public can be directed to her at [email protected].
VIRL began a comprehensive review of its services and operations in 2023 and, as a result of this work, VIRL is implementing system-wide changes at a number of its 39 branches, including adjustments to operating hours and staffing levels.
In anticipation of possible cuts at their library branches, some in the Cowichan Valley said a few months ago that the libraries have become important gathering places in their communities for more than just providing library services.
During power outages and other crises, some library users said they are places where people could go to charge their phones and warm up or cool down, depending on the season, and spend some time with their neighbours.
North Cowichan council noted how important the Chemainus library is to many in the community at its meeting on Sept. 17, and voted for Mayor Rob Douglas to write to VIRL advocating for the lost hours at the branch to be restored.
