Libraries and bookstores

The recently-renovated Mearns Centre for Learning

UVic Libraries

As a UVic faculty member, you are entitled to borrow materials from any campus library. Anyone not affiliated with UVic can buy an external borrower's library card; check the libraries website for current fees.

UVic Bookstore

The UVic Bookstore's general book department carries a wide selection of academic titles as well as a great collection of general interest books for all ages. Check out their stock online to see what they carry. They also offer special order services. Bookaholics can get a Simplicity book club card for extra savings on all general books.

UVic's Internet Shakespeare Editions

The University of Victoria's Internet Shakespeare Editions website was created to inspire a love of Shakespeare's works in a world-wide audience. The website has a library of works for the student, scholar, actor, and general reader in a form native to the medium of the internet: scholarly, fully annotated texts of Shakespeare's plays, multimedia explorations of the context of Shakespeare's life and works, and records of his plays in performance.

Greater Victoria Public Library

The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) is an invaluable resource for the whole family. Library cards are free to residents and property owners in Central Saanich, Colwood, Esquimalt, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin, Oak Bay, Saanich, Victoria, and View Royal. Sidney, North Saanich, and Sooke are part of the Vancouver Island Regional Library system.

At the GVPL, children up to 13 years of age can register in person at their local library branch with a parent or guardian. Youth 14-17 years of age can obtain a library card by showing personal ID and residential ID with their current address.

The GVPL's services include children's reading programs, visiting services for those unable to come to the library, adaptive technology for the physically challenged, descriptive videos, talking books, adult literacy programs, wireless internet, and photocopying and printing services.

Books may be placed on hold  through the online catalogue and picked up from the reserve section of your preferred branch.

Bookstores in Victoria

Greater Victoria is a bookish community. Its many independent bookstores feature a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books by local authors, as well as national and international titles.

• Munro's Books was established in 1963 by Jim and Alice Munro, and is now located in a beautiful neo-classical building on Government Street. It includes an extensive collection of children's books and bargain books, and also sponsors community events such as authors' readings, lectures and book signings.
• Bolen Books is located in the Hillside Mall, not far from UVic. Founded in 1975, it is now British Columbia's largest independent bookstore at 19,800 square feet.  Bolen's has hosted many authors' readings and other events. You can search for and order books online.
• There are nine bookstores in Sidney, BC, so it's no wonder that Sidney calls itself  "Booktown". Their website has links to these new and used bookstores, which are all worth an in-person visit.
• Big box bookstores such as Chapters and Coles are also represented in the downtown area.