A Collection That Works for You

Access more, wait less. With a shared collection, our items move where they’re needed most.

2.07 million+ items borrowed annually.

533,000+ children’s materials circulated annually.

197,000+ new items added each year.

“Our local ORL branch has served as a cooling centre during the summer and a warm refuge in winter.”

– ORL Patron

“The variety of ORL programs, from children’s activities to tech support for seniors, is invaluable.”

– ORL Patron

“My three-year-old loves the library. It’s his home away from home and he likes to ‘buy books’ and read them with his older sisters.”

– L. Rowe

“After digitizing a patron’s family recordings, there was an incredible shared moment when her family member’s voice came through clearly for the first time.”

– Vernon Makerspace Staff

“I appreciate how responsive the staff are, continuously adapting services to meet community needs.”

– ORL Patron

“Leif David’s performance was nothing short of magical. There was laughter, even joy, and we needed it.”

– North Shuswap Branch Staff

“Insights provided by the program transformed how I talk about my company. Now, investors don’t just hear my pitch, they’re motivated by it.”

– ORL Patron

“The connections Youth Services staff build with kids and families are truly special.”

– ORL Youth Services Librarian

“My children ended up reading books they wouldn’t normally choose and really enjoyed them.”

– ORL Patron

“The goal is to help every patron feel comfortable and confident using technology.”

– H. Marnier, Maker Educator

Books, and Then Some

Borrow something unexpected. From coding robots to birding backpacks, the ORL brings learning and skill development to life in ways that go far beyond books.

100,000+ films borrowed each year.
Library of Things kits and equipment are available in every branch.
Makerspaces with 3D printers, laser cutters, and more.

The majority of programs at the Okanagan Regional Library branches are created and led by local staff, ensuring they reflect the community. System-wide offerings help enrich this programming and provide additional opportunities for patrons.

Shared Resources, Local Priorities

By sharing funding, collections, and expertise, the ORL can offer broader access, maintain consistent service standards, and support communities of all sizes. Strategic decisions are guided by a Board made up of locally elected representatives from each member community, ensuring local voices remain part of how services are planned and delivered.

Funding supports local branches, collections, and programs.
Municipal elected representatives guide decisions.
Resources are allocated based on use, need, and community demand.

Support and Services, Wherever You Visit

Research support, reader’s advisory, and reference services help you find information, discover new reads, and explore topics with confidence.

Technology assistance and training from Maker Educators build digital skills.
Programs for children and families developed by Youth Services librarians.
Accessible formats include DAISY audiobooks, Braille kits, and dyslexia-friendly options.

Explore 40+ online resources available 24/7

Hands-On Learning in Makerspaces

Create, experiment, and build. ORL Makerspaces offer tools, technology, and personalized support to learn new skills and explore creative ideas.

3D printers, laser cutters, audio labs, and digitization stations.

One-on-one tech help, workshops, and guided learning.

Spaces and services for making, recording, designing, and experimenting.

The Library of Things

Take home tools, kits, and equipment for learning, hobbies, and everyday projects.

Braille kits, home energy kits, and science and technology kits.

Equipment for creative projects, learning, and practical use at home.

New items added regularly and available across the system.

Our books move to where they’re needed.

By sharing a regional collection, every branch—large or small, urban or rural—has access to more formats, a wider selection, and unique collections.

Want to learn more?

We’re happy to answer questions and provide clear information about the ORL’s branches and services. Please contact us at questions@orl.bc.ca

Centralized Library Support

Behind every local ORL branch is a network of professional knowledge. From Youth Services librarians and Maker Educators to collections librarians and IT professionals, teams across the system support programming, technology, and access, helping deliver consistent, knowledgeable library service for their communities.

Collections built and maintained by professional librarians.
Digital services supported by dedicated IT staff.
Programs guided by in-branch Youth Services staff and Maker Educators.
Accessible services and outreach supported by Access Services staff.

“Great study areas, a wide selection of books, and incredibly helpful staff.”

“Amazing library with all the books I love, plus a quiet space that’s perfect for studying.”

“I love everything about my local library…the books, magazines, films, and especially the helpful staff.”

“Free internet, comfortable seating, and plenty of room to read, study, or just relax.”

“It’s worth becoming a member. You can borrow books, access ebooks, and explore online courses.”

“Excellent collections, Makerspace facilities, and programs for all ages.”

“Reliable Wi-Fi, helpful staff, and flexible spaces make it easy to work, study, or explore something new.”

A word from the ORL’s CEO

Through a regional model, communities across the ORL benefit from shared collections, coordinated planning, and access to specialized expertise, while maintaining a strong local presence. This approach allows us to use resources responsibly, respond to changing needs, and deliver consistent service standards across a diverse and growing area.

Our role is to steward this system carefully. That means making thoughtful decisions, maintaining transparency, and ensuring that services continue to evolve in ways that are both practical and sustainable.

We are proud of the work happening across the ORL today, and of the relationships that make it possible. We remain focused on supporting communities through reliable access to information, safe and welcoming spaces, and services that contribute to learning, connection, and quality of life.