New Sooke library set to open before month’s end

Thursday, February 10, 2022 – The District of Sooke is sharing this announcement from the Vancouver Island Regional Library:

The wait is almost over for library lovers in Sooke and Juan de Fuca area. For months, the community has watched with interest as the building on Wadams Way has taken on its eye-catching circular form on a previously undeveloped parcel of land known as Lot A. With construction nearly complete and most of the interior work in place, Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is targeting the week of February 21 to open the doors and welcome the public inside.

“This project has been a priority for successive Boards and to see it so close to completion speaks to the commitment and dedication of many passionate people,” says Gaby Wickstrom, Chair of the VIRL Board of Trustees. “I would like to thank everyone who helped get us here today, including Trustees past and present, Sooke Mayor and Council, District staff, and the entire community. I cannot wait to join the smiling faces of people experiencing their new library for the first time.”

The final collection size of approximately 35,000 items is double that of the old branch and will include thousands of opening day titles specifically curated for the community. With a total surface area of almost 13,500 square feet, library users will have plenty of space and amenities to pursue their passions and interests, conduct meetings, study, socialize, read, research, and explore.

“As anyone who has visited the Sooke region in recent years can attest, the community is developing quickly and is only poised to continue its growth,” says Sooke Mayor, Maja Tait. “Beloved though it was, the old library simply did not have enough space to meet community expectations any longer. We know that vibrant, well used libraries are important indicators of healthy communities — when the doors open and the public experiences it for themselves, all will understand how this new library marks an important milestone in our community’s evolution.”

Some key features and amenities of the library include:

  • Increased staffing
  • Expanded hours of operation and program schedule
  • Vibrant children’s area
  • Fireplace lounge
  • Laptop bar
  • Study space
  • Bookable rooms
  • Makerspace with a 3D printer and other exciting technologies

The library also boasts several sustainability enhancements to help ensure its operations minimize environmental impacts. The branch has been built in alignment with the Wood First Initiative, which sources local, sustainably procured wood. The parking area includes three electric vehicle charging stations for public use and one for staff, in addition to high-capacity underground bicycle parking. To maintain a comfortable interior climate, the branch contains a solar shading device to prevent solar heat in the summer and allow heat gains in the winter. The building’s roof is designed to capture rainwater and divert it to an absorbent rock pit and bioswale.

The building also includes provisions for future solar energy integration.

Grand opening celebrations, including speeches, entertainment, and library tours, are being planned for later in March. Further details will be provided as they become available, as will a firm date for the soft opening.

Additional details about all the features of the library are available on the project webpage.

Media Contact
David Carson, Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Cell: 250.327.3651
Email: dcarson@virl.bc.ca