Sea Turtle In Residence
We have a new guardian at the Cortes branch – a beautiful, wise, all-knowing Sea Turtle made by Meinjse Vlaming. Everyone who gazes upon it is entitled to make one wish!

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Under the Sea: 2026 Summer Reading Club
That’s a wrap on another Summer Reading Club. So proud of our bookworms for munching bunches of books all summer long. Kids can come by the branch to collect their reading medals and brag about all the books they read. Hang onto your trading cards because they will probably be back next summer along with some new characters!

A BIG thank you to Cortes Kayaks for offering the Grand Prize paddle!

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September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Prepare for this important day by learning more about the 94 Calls to Action and taking steps each day towards Truth and Reconciliation.

Watch the 2026 TRC57 video series: A free, virtual public education series exploring how reconciliation is practiced through learning, responsibility, and relationship with the Land and one another. Essential learning for anyone serving the public, such as teachers, community organizers, workshop facilitators. This season features talks by the authors from the anthology Resurgence and Reconciliation: Indigenous–Settler Relations and Earth Teachings.

Share with your kids: Check out this age-appropriate version of the 94 Calls to Action that everyone in the family can understand and discuss together. Ask at the branch desk if you’d like a printed version to take home.

Books at the library: We have a special display of books about reconciliation, including We are Still Here by Phyllis Webstad, the Residential School survivor who started Orange Shirt Day in 2013.

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Celebrating Literacy Month
“Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society.” - UNESCO 21

At the library we are passionate about helping people achieve their literacy goals. This Literacy Month, we’re highlighting one of our amazing literacy eResources: LinkedIn Learning, an online learning platform featuring high-quality video courses and tutorials made by industry experts.

Here’s how to get started:
1. Visit our VIRL LinkedIn Learning portal.
2. Sign up for your free account using your library card barcode number and PIN.
3. Browse hundreds of videos and tutorials on a huge range of topics and certifications including software skills and learning paths in business, CAD, design, audio and music, photography and video, education, information technology, and SO MUCH MORE!

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Scavenger Hunts – new each month
Every month we have a new scavenger hunt riddle for kids (4-12ish) to solve. Hunt for letters hidden around the library. Successful sleuths can put their name into a monthly draw for their chance to win a book prize.

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Zollipop Zingers
Tell us about a book, sing a song, share a zinger of a new word, a funny joke or a startling fact to the person working at the desk and earn yourself a tasty zollipop! All ages are welcome to participate. One zollipop per person per visit! No repeats, we like to hear fresh material every time ;)

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VIRL 90th Anniversary Passport Program
Until October 31, visit VIRL branches, collect unique stamps, and discover the diverse communities that make our regional library one of British Columbia’s largest and most geographically unique public library systems. Visit any five VIRL branches and collect five stamps to qualify for the Main Prize Draw. FAQs and Info.

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At the branch we have…
- Fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, large print novels, magazines, DVDs, and video games for all ages
- Interesting books on display to entice you, refreshed each week
- Chess, puzzles, Lego, colouring sheets
- Computers for checking your email or playing games
- Comfy seats
- Self-checkout machine for anyone who likes to DIY their books

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Come for a visit!

The Cortes branch is on the bottom floor of the Linnaea Farm Education Centre (1255 Seaford Rd). We have free WiFi, two public computers, black and white printing for $0.25/page, scanner, copier, and shredder that staff can assist you with.

Open: Tues, Friday, Sat: 10 am - 2:30 pm / Wed-Thurs: 2:30 pm - 7 pm

Closed: Sundays, Mondays, statutory holidays, and occasionally due to weather/power outages.

Get in touch: ci1virl.bc.ca / 250-935-6566