Visiting the Library FAQs

• Browse a large selection of popular items for all ages.
• Place a hold on items in our vast physical collection.
• Return items.
• Digital collection including ebooks, e-audiobooks, streaming movies and music.
• Public computers.
• Upgrade an online library card for full library access.
• Renew a library card.
• Online programming and events plus limited outdoor programs.
• The Heritage Room (Central Branch).*
• Information and assistance via our phone line (250-940-4875).

* The Heritage Room at the Central Branch is open during regular branch hours and includes local history, genealogy, and discovery resources. 

Are GVPL's spaces official emergency warming centres?

No. Our libraries are warm and welcoming spaces for all visitors. However, it is important to note that our libraries are not designated as official emergency warming centres. For more information on extreme weather resources in Greater Victoria, visit Local Emergency Program Websites.

No. The payphones that had been located at our Central Branch were removed by Telus on September 8, 2022. 

No, pre-booking a computer is not necessary. Patrons may book (reserve a specific date and time) a public computer, but computers can also be immediately accessed without booking through staff first, subject to availability.

Computer sessions are available in 15-minute increments (For Express computers) and 60-minute increments (for Regular and Adaptive computers). A reservation can start at any time during the hour, subject to availability.

Photocopying and printing services are available at all branches; printing is available for patrons who are using a library computer. Access to printing ends 15 minutes before the library closes when computers automatically shut down. Currently, there is no cost for printing or photocopies.

Public washrooms are available at all locations.

If you are interested in a specific title, topic or author and you don’t see it in the browsing collection, you can:

• Talk to staff in the branch. They may be able to access a similar title or place a hold on specific titles for pick up later.
• Search for items using our catalogue and place a hold on items you want to borrow. You will be added to the holds queue. When an item becomes available for you to pick up, we’ll contact you by email, phone or text.

If you need help finding items, please phone us using the Customer Service Line during open hours at 250-940-4875. We’re here to help.

Through Niche Academy, GVPL helps you learn all about the library’s online resources and collections with these easy-to-use video tutorials. Learn more.

If you are still having trouble, please phone us using the Customer Service Line during open hours at 250-940-4875. We’re here to help.

We are working to process your hold(s) as quickly as we can. Thousands of holds are made available every day at branch locations and many factors influence how and when we process holds. Factors contributing to prolonged wait time include:

• Availability of item
• Volume of holds placed.
• Number of patrons ahead of you in the holds queue.
• Transit time of material between GVPL branches.

Each branch location has a selection of popular materials to borrow on the spot. The virtual library features ebooks, e-audiobooks and streaming movies and music and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through GVPL.ca.

If you can’t get to the library within the five business days allotted to pick up your hold, you can contact us. Extensions may be possible. We’re here to help. Contact us by phone at 250-940-4875.

To cancel, suspend, or change a pickup location on a hold:

Log into your library account to modify a hold. Tap or click My Account.

1. Select Holds, then select Library Holds.
2. Identify which item you want to modify.
   • On a mobile device, tap More next to the item.
   • On a desktop, use the checkbox next to the item.
3. Select Cancel Hold, Edit Pickup Location, Edit Hold Suspension, or Cancel Hold Suspension. 
   • To Cancel a Hold, confirm the cancellation by selecting Yes or No.
   • To Edit a Pickup Location, select a branch and then tap Save.
   • To Edit a Hold Suspension, enter the start and end dates then tap Suspend.
   • To Cancel a Hold Suspension, confirm the action by selecting Yes or No.

You can apply changes to your holds anytime.

Please note, if an item has the status “available for pick up”, please call the Customer Service Line at 250-940-4875. Staff can make changes for you.

The ‘Fast Collection’ includes both Fastreads and Fastviews (physical and digital items) and is an exclusive collection that is not part of the holds pick up service. Items in the ‘Fast Collection’ have shorter loan periods and are not renewable. 

We are no longer accepting donated material. If you have books or other media you would like to donate, kindly consider the following:

Brentwood Bay
Salvation Army, 7177 West Saanich Rd, 250-652-7846

Langford
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, 2784 Claude Rd, 250-478-0282

Saanich
Camosun College, Alan Batey Library Media Centre, 3100 Foul Bay Rd, 250-382-3714
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, 735 Cloverdale Ave, 250-590-8390
Women In Need (WIN), Donation Centre, 555 Ardersier Rd, 250-480-4006 ext. 204

Victoria
Salvation Army, 525 Johnson St, 250-384-3755
Times Colonist Book Drive. Details in the TC early in the New Year each year.
Value Village, 1810 Store St, 250-380-9422