Children's and Teen Events

Have a question? Would you like to book a library tour or have our librarian visit your class? Please contact our Youth Services Librarian, Stephanie Thoreson, at sthoreson@orl.bc.ca.

Daycares can contact Val (vknudson@orl.bc.ca) to book a field trip to the library or visit at your daycare.

Families

Vernon Kid's Co-Op Meet-up

Drop-in | 3rd Monday of each month | 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

The Vernon Kid's Co-Op is a group of individuals who exchange child care between each other. This group is great for new moms, people with kids who want date nights, home school families and even grandparents looking to volunteer for the community. We will track our hours and focus on quality of care with caregivers only watching one sibling group at a time besides their own.

Adult Programming

Please check our in-branch and online events  in calendar format here.

All adult programs and events at the Vernon Library are FREE to the public.

If you have an idea you'd like to see happen @ your library, email us at vereference@orl.bc.ca.

Jump to:

Special Events | Book Clubs & Literary Events | Creative Circles | Environmental Sustainability |

Games | Health & Wellness | Language Circles |  Makerspace | Technology Training

Special Events

Poetry Intensive with Barbara Pelman: The Image, The Line & The Turn

In Barbara Pelman’s 5hr poetry intensive, poets will review the way image, line, and turn work in poetry—how the image grounds the poem, how line length and line breaks help to create meaning, and how the turn in the poem provides energy and surprise. Poets will be provided with sample poems, discuss them, and then will generate their own based on what is learned in the workshop. Then, two weeks later, they can submit what they wrote to Garry Gottfriedson and get feedback from him on the day of his reading for his new book.

Barbara Pelman is a teacher and writer with over thirty years’ experience in both. She has four books, One Stone (Ecstasies 2005), Borrowed Rooms (Ronsdale Press 2008), Narrow Bridge (Ronsdale Press 2017) and recently, A Brief and Endless Sea (Caitlin Press 2023). Among her awards, she won The Malahat Review’s Open Season Contest in 2018.

All registered participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch.

Saturday, January 11 | 10 AM - 3 PM | Click here to register

Personal Poetry Critiques with Garry Gottfriedson

Poets of all experience levels are invited to register for a one-to-one personal critique of a poem (max 2 pages) by Garry Gottfriedson in conjunction with his visit to the library in celebration of his new book The Flesh of Ice. 

After registering for your 10-minute appointment, you will need to submit your poem by email to paper.trails@skyblanket.ca. Submission deadline is 9:00 p.m. Friday, January 17. Appointments for which no poem has been received will be made available to poets on the waitlist.

Saturday, January 25 | Appointment times vary between 10:15 AM and 12:30 PM | Click here to register

Poetry Reading with Open Mic: Garry Gottfriedson and Harold Rhenisch

We are excited to host Garry Gottfriedson to celebrate the publication of his latest book The Flesh of Ice (Caitlin Press 2024). Garry will be joined in this reading by Harold Rhenisch whose poem "Song for the Land and the Water,” is long-listed for the 2024 CBC Poetry Prize. This reading will feature an open mic.

Saturday, January 25 | 2 PM - 4 PM

Flame Storytelling Evening

Award winning actor and one of the creator's of Mom's the Word, Deborah Williams, is bringing the hit storytelling event, The Flame, to the Vernon Library. The Flame storytelling that features real people, sharing their personal true stories in front of a live audience.

For information on Deborah Williams 2-day storytelling workshop on Feb 1st and 2nd, please email paper.trails@skyblanket.ca.

Wednesday, February 5 | 7 PM - 9 PM

Vernon Reads Book Club

Individuals are responsible for acquiring a copy of each month's book. There are usually copies available at the Vernon Upstairs Desk (call 250-542-7610 ext. 6820 to check availability). Many titles are also available in eBook, eAudiobook, and audiobook formats in the ORL catalogue.      

January 18, 2025 -  Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

February 15, 2025 - The Future by Catherine Leroux

March 15, 2025 - The Sleeping Car Porter by Suzette Mayr

3rd Saturday of each month | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

VDICSS Books & Bites

Welcome to our weekly group ''Books & Bites'' at Vernon Library, a space for newcomers to Vernon and everyone to connect, share, and discover! Whether you’re looking to meet new people, improve your language skills, or explore different cultures, this group is here to help you feel more at home in your new community.

Each week, we’ll focus on something different: sometimes we’ll read a book and discuss it, and other times we’ll try cooking a recipe from around the world. If we choose a recipe, members will cook it at home and then share their cooking experiences with the group. We’ll talk about how the recipe turned out, whether it was easy or challenging, and whether it’s a dish you’d recommend to others.

This group is open to everyone who wants to make connections, learn new things, and have fun in a friendly and supportive environment. No matter where you’re from, you’ll find a welcoming place here to share stories, learn about others’ cultures, and make lasting friendships.

Fridays | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Creative Circles

Art From the Heart

All artists creating art from the heart - including choreographers, dancers, designers, dramatists, handi-crafters, including knitters and beaders, poets, story-tellers, videographers, visual artists and writers are invited to connect with this "working group" to explore their ideas and projects together. Sharing inspiring quotations is welcome.  

This program is free and open to all youths and adults. Visual art supplies are provided.

First Wednesday of each month | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Okanagan Room

Ukuleles Together

Newcomers Knitting and Stitching Circle

Connecting newcomers to Vernon through crafting. ESL students and newcomers, join us on Wednesday mornings to socialize and craft together. All skill levels are welcome. Knitting supplies are provided or bring your own project. This program is offered in partnership with the Vernon and District Immigrant Community Services Society.

Wednesdays |10 AM - 12 PM

Kalamalka Weavers and Spinners

The Kalamalka Weavers and Spinners guild is a group of fibre enthusiasts that are mainly focused on weaving and spinning, and the sharing and continuation of the skills of hand spinning and hand weaving as well as knitting, crochet, dying and felting. Anyone is welcome to attend this free, drop-in program.

3rd Wednesday of each month | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Knitting Circle

The Vernon Knitters invite knitters of all experience levels and anyone interested in knitting, whether new or experienced. Bring along yarn and needles, and a project you are working on. You are also welcome to bring your knitting questions and problems, and someone in the group will happily help you work out a solution.

Saturdays | 10 AM - 12 PM

Writers Group

Write here, write now. Come work on your short story, poetry, non-fiction piece, or future bestselling novel! Unleash your creativity in a supportive group setting, where you can write and discuss your work in progress. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary to participate.  

Second Saturday of each month | 2:30 PM - 4 PM

Environmental Sustainability

Vernon Grows

Vernon Grows, the Vernon branch's Seed Lending Library, is stocked with many of the seeds you need for your garden. Patrons are welcome to check out seeds free of charge to plant in the spring and early summer and are expected to replace these seeds in the fall from the plants they grow. Drop by the library check out our seed saving brochures to help you get started.

Upstairs on second floor

Vernon Kid's Co-Op Closet Swap

Vernon Kid's Co-Op is a group who exchange clothing and child care using the currency of kindness. Come to the monthly closet swap to pick up and/or donate quality second hand items for maternity through kids 10 years of age. Attendees are welcome to drop off their donations between 11 AM and 12 PM. Swapping starts at 12 PM.

Please see the guidelines document in our events listing for accepted items for the swap.

For more information, please email vernonkidscoop@gmail.com.

1st Saturday of each month | 12 PM - 3 PM

Vernon Permaculture 

Vernon Permaculture is an open community group whose aim is to share regenerative knowledge and hands on experiences with one another in order to build a stronger community and healthier local environment. Everyone is welcome to these drop-in sessions. For more information, visit @vernonpermaculture on Facebook.

Last Wednesday of each month | 7 PM - 8:45 PM

Games 

Chess Night

Come play the game of kings! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned players.

Tuesdays | 6 PM - 8:45 PM

Cribbage Night

“Fifteen Two, and the rest won’t do!”  Cribbage Night is all about fun and friendly competition for all ages. Feel free to drop in for a game or two, observe others playing, and pick up the rules of the game. The library provides cribbage boards, but you're welcome to bring your own.

Wednesdays | 6 PM - 8 PM  *New for 2025: Thursdays | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Mah Jongg: American Version 

If you love games, you'll love American Mah-Jongg. Experienced and novice players are all welcome - all equipment is supplied.  

Thursdays | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Elder's Circle

Indigenous elders and friends meet to play dice, share food and talk. Attendance is by invitation or by speaking directly to one of the elders. 

Thursdays | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Dungeons and Dragons

Join us to play Dungeons and Dragons, the greatest fantasy role-playing game in the world. Create characters, battle foes and co-operate with other players as you explore a fantasy world. Adventurers League is a drop-in, drop-out DnD format that allows players of all levels to come and play. 

Materials are not required. All you need is an active imagination and the desire to work with others.

This is a free, drop-in program open to all players, from highly experienced to novice.

Saturdays | 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM 

Rainbow Train Dominoes

Come play Rainbow Train Dominoes at the Vernon Library every Sunday! No experience necessary. Open to all ages.

Sundays | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Health & Wellness

CAYA Chatroom

The CAYA Chatroom provides a welcoming space for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) users to practice and socialize. For more information, please contact Michelle at 250-809-1098 or mbrar@cayabc.org

Last Tuesday of the month (Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov 2025) | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Chronic Pain Information and Resources

The North Okanagan Better Breathers program is a monthly education and support group for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other lung health conditions. This free program is delivered by Interior Health.

Second Monday of each month | 1 PM - 3 PM

Vernon Holding Hope

Vernon Holding Hope is a peer-facilitated support group for families and individuals whose loved ones use or have used substances. Vernon Holding Hope provides mutual support and healing by coming together to share stories, resources, and connection. Our group provides the reassurance that you are not walking this journey alone. We provide a safe place to build strength and resilience for families who feel overwhelmed in supporting their loved ones.

1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month | 6 PM - 8 PM

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Appointments

A Low Vision Therapist with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is available to provide Low Vision Assessments and follow-up appointments to clients in the Vernon and nearby vicinity area. Individual appointments are approximately 1hr long and clients are welcome to bring family members with them. For more information, please visit Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada.

To book an appointment at the Vernon Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, please contact Kamyar at 250-863-4753 or Kamyar.Mohamadi@vlrehab.ca.

Language Circles

English Language Development

In partnership with Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society, English Skills Development is a group focused on supporting newcomers and individuals looking to improve their English language skills while also deepening their understanding of Canadian culture. The group provides a space for participants to strengthen their English vocabulary and grammar skills through word games, practice conversation, and explore local community resources and activities. Participants also engage in discussions about their experiences and cultural insights, fostering a greater appreciation for Canadian society. Everyone is welcome to contribute to creating a fun, supportive, and enriching environment.

Thursdays | 10 AM - 12 PM

The Vernon Makerspace

Generously funded by the Vernon Friends of the Library 

Join us in the Makerspace to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials.

The Vernon Makerspace includes:

• Prusa 3D printer
• Cricut cutter
• Digitization stations (VHS, LP/ Cassette, Photo conversion, 8 mm)
• Full Adobe Creative Cloud on Microsoft Surface computers
• Recording studio with capacity for four people
• Sewing machine and serger

Visit our system-wide Makerspace Page to view the services we offer.

Those under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian maker. Contact or visit the Branch to learn more. 

To use an ORL Makerspace independently, all makers must:

• Complete a Maker Waiver
• Verify your identity to staff with valid library card and photo ID. 
• You'll need a library card to use our maker tools. Get a card.

To use the Cricut Machine you must:

• Complete our online Cricut certification
• Or complete an in-person certification, by calling at 250 542 7610, asking our staff, or booking 'Get Maker Certified' at the Vernon Library online events calendar.

To use the Prusa 3D Printer you must:

• Complete the online Prusa certification
• Or complete an in-person certification, by calling at 250-542-7610, asking our staff, or booking 'Get Maker Certified' at the Vernon Library online events calendar.

If you are trying to book a space less than 24 hours ahead of time, you need to call the branch at 250-542-7610.

Makerspace Booking

Hours

Monday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 am - 8:30 pm 

Groups

If you're part of a group of 2 or more people interested in using the library makerspace equipment, whether it's for certification-only equipment like the 3D printer, or for other equipment like the recording studio, we'd love to set up a free group training session. Email Cody at cepema@orl.bc.ca for more information and to book a time. Class visits are welcome.

View our certification courses and tutorials

Technology Training

Digital Support Program 

This program offers adult patrons one-on-one tutoring by volunteers with The Literacy Society of the North Okanagan. One hour appointments can be booked at 250-542-7610 Ext. 6822, in person at the library, or online at Adult Digital Literacy Program.

eBook Help

Curious about eBooks, digital audio, or any of the ORL's many electronic resources? Having trouble making Libby work on your device? Book a time with one of our knowledgeable staff. Please bring in your device, library card and PIN number, and any necessary passwords. Register using our online events calendar or call us at 250-542-7610 ext. 6822.

Tuesdays at 7:15 PM and Thursdays at 10:30 AM

Get Maker Certified

This 90 minute one-on-one appointment with our technical staff will help get you started using the equipment in our Makerspace.

Materials for training will be supplied where relevant (subject to availability), although some equipment requires removable storage devices like a USB stick, portable hard drive, etc. to save your work.

Note that in Vernon, currently only two pieces of equipment require certification before use:

• 3D Printer
• Cricut Maker

The rest of the makerspace equipment (including the Recording Studio) can be used without certification, after a brief orientation the first time you use them.

Please note that if you're looking for help with the Recording Studio, you need to make an additional reservation alongside this one- please see https://orl.libcal.com/spaces?lid=3236 to reserve the Recording Studio for the same time.

Please review our Makerspace Guidelines for more details about our policies.

Get maker certified runs on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. See our calendar for more information.

TinkerCAD Workshop

Getting started with 3D design? This workshop has two parts: a one-hour beginner's tutorial followed by a one-hour Q&A session (with a short break in between). You're welcome to attend either or both. A limited number of laptops will be supplied but please bring your own if possible.

Wednesday, December 4 | 6 PM - 8:15 PM

Vernon Branch Bookable and Rentable Spaces 

We have a variety of bookable and rental spaces in the Vernon Library.

There are two rentable spaces available at the Vernon branch (the Meeting Room and the Community Room). Both rentable spaces have free Wi-Fi, projectors and screens.

We also have two free bookable spaces available (the Okanagan Room and the Study Room). They do not have projectors or screens and are much smaller.

Please call the library at 250-542-7610 ext. 6811 with any questions or book the space using our online reservation system.

Reserve a Room Online

You can reserve a meeting room online at  https://orl.libcal.com/reserve/vernon. Library staff will approve your booking based on availability.

Meeting Room

Available during branch open hours only. Setup and take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter.

This space is located on the main floor of the library off of the foyer and can hold up to 100 people. There is an outside entrance on 28th Street with an accessible ramp and entry from our main foyer. This space can be booked up to 2 months in advance.

• Capacity: 100 people theatre style
• Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound, 2 wireless mics
• Rates (not incl. GST): $80 base rate (3 hours), $10.50 per additional hour

Community Room

Available during branch open hours only. Setup and take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter.

This space is located on the second floor of the library and can hold up to 40 people. It has a long glass wall that looks out over our computer area. This space can be booked up to 2 months in advance.

• Capacity: 40 people theatre style
• Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound, 2 wireless mics
• Rates (not incl. GST): $50 base rate (3 hours), $10.50 per additional hour

Okanagan Room - no charge

Available during branch open hours only. Rooms are as is - no office supplies, A/V equipment or additional furnishings provided.

The Okanagan room is free, holds up to 18 people, and can be booked up to 2 months in advance.

• Cannot be used for solicitation or selling of products or services, individuals cannot be charged to attend.
• One booking per day (max 4 hours) by person or group; 3 bookings per week by person or group.
• Maximum 6 total current bookings by person or group

Study Room - no charge

Available during branch open hours only. Rooms are as is - no office supplies, A/V equipment or additional furnishings provided.

The study room is free, holds up to 6 people, and can be booked up to 2 months in advance.

• Cannot be used for solicitation or selling of products or services, individuals cannot be charged to attend.
• One booking per day (max 4 hours) by person or group; 3 bookings per week by person or group.
• Maximum 6 total current bookings by person or group

Vernon Grows: Seed Lending Library 

The Vernon branch's seed lending library is open and patrons can now check out seeds. Patrons can check out the seeds for free as long as they replace the seeds in the fall from the plants they grow.

Two step-by-step guides on how to save heirloom seeds are available at the library, to aid you if are unsure about the various steps you need to take to save specific seeds. Some are easy to save while others are less easy.

Any patron interested in contributing seeds to the library is asked to place seeds from each vegetable in its own envelope and label it with the type of vegetable, variety if known, date collected and general location. The seeds can be dropped off at the upstairs information desk at the library.

Call or email us for more details at vereference@orl.bc.ca or 250-542-7610 ext. 6831.

Basic eResource Training

We are offering sit down eBook sessions in branch at the following times: Tuesdays at 7:15 pm and Thursdays at 10:30 am.

Call 250-542-7610 ext. 6822 to book a spot or email us at vereference@orl.bc.ca.

Check here to see if your eReader or Tablet is compatible with the library's eBook provider. 

Exam Invigilation 

Are you looking for somewhere to take an invigilated exam, either written or online? The library can help you out. For more information, please read the Vernon Branch's Exam Invigilation Information for Students. 

Call or email us to book your exam invigilation at vereference@orl.bc.ca or 250-542-7610 ext. 6822.

Internet, Photocopying and Scanning

The Vernon Branch has 17 internet terminals with word processing capabilities available for one hour per day with a valid ORL library card. Unlimited Wi-Fi access is available all day. Printing and photocopying is $0.25 per page, black and white only. Scanning to email is available and is free of charge.

Printing

We have multiple public computer stations that can be used to access the internet and write documents using Word. You can also print wirelessly from your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, using Princh. All print jobs are $.25 per page, in black and white.

FAQs

Q.  Can you tell me more about the artwork in the library?

A.  Most of the artwork should have information tags beside each piece. Our Friends of the Library co-ordinates the artwork in the library and the vast majority is displayed by the Vernon Art Gallery.

Vernon Friends of the Library 

The Vernon Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization formed in 1989, is registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia.  

For all donations please call Trish at 250-938-2559. The library will no longer be accepting book donations at the branch. Magazines won't be accepted for donation.

The major fundraiser is the huge book sale held in early May every year. 

Annual Book Sale

Come on out to the biggest book sale of the year and support your local library.

Please stay tuned for the 2025 dates!

Past contributions made by the Friends of the Library include:

• funding for the Makerspace, Recording Studio and Laptop Lab
• new furniture and toys in the Early Years Play Area
• major sponsorship of the Summer Reading Club for the programs and prizes;
• canopy and tables for outreach work;
• floor cushions for Toddler Time and carpets for Story Time;
• new blinds in the upstairs computer lab;
• author readings throughout the year.

The Friends also hold smaller book sales throughout the year, and provide book bags for purchase at the branch.

New members are always welcome. Anyone interested in more information can contact Marilyn Courtenay at courtenaymarilyn@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.