October is Canadian Library Month, and we’re celebrating with a challenge: each day this month, discover just how much you can do with your library.
Everyone knows you can always find a great read at the ORL. But your library card can also help you learn a new skill, stream a movie, research your family history, borrow something unexpected, make something, discover new music, and much more. There are plenty of ways to explore. Here are 30 to get you started.
1. Borrow a Book
Start with a classic. Browse the shelves, explore the catalogue, or finally pick up that book that’s been sitting on your reading list.
2. Download an Ebook or Audiobook
Take your reading anywhere with ebooks and audiobooks from the ORL’s Digital Collection.
3. Explore More Libraries with Libby
Your ORL library card now gives you access to three digital collections in Libby. In addition to the ORL collection, you can browse and borrow eligible ebooks and audiobooks from the Fraser Valley Regional Library and the Greater Victoria Public Library through our new Reciprocal Lending Agreement. That means even more titles to discover, all with the library card you already have.
4. Explore Beyond Books
Explore the Library of Things and discover equipment, technology, learning tools, kits, and other useful and unexpected items you can borrow.
5. Attend a Library Program
Story Times, workshops, clubs, presentations, activities, and more happen throughout the ORL. Visit our Events Calendar or check out what’s happening at a branch near you.
6. Learn a New Skill
Explore thousands of expert-led courses through LinkedIn Learning. Learn about technology, business, creative skills, software, and much more.
7. Stream a Movie
Movie night? Kanopy offers films, documentaries, independent cinema, international titles, and more with your library card.
8. Discover New Music
Explore classical, jazz, world music, and more through Naxos Music Library.
9. Read the News
Stay informed with the ORL’s Online Resources. Explore Canadian and international news with Canadian Newsstream and International Newsstream, browse newspapers and magazines with PressReader, or dig into award-winning journalism with Flipster Digital Magazines.
10. Visit a Different ORL Branch
There are 30 ORL branches to explore. Drop by one you’ve never visited before and see what you find
11. Ask Us What to Read Next
Not sure what to read or watch next? Try What to Read Next. Tell us what you enjoy, and ORL staff will handpick up to five personalized recommendations and send them straight to your inbox.
12. Discover a Local Author
Explore Regional Reads, a collection highlighting books by independent and self-published authors who live in the ORL service area or write about local communities. Your next great read might have been written close to home.
13. Research Your Family History
Start exploring your family tree with genealogy resources available through the ORL.
14. Try a Makerspace
Make, create, experiment, and learn. ORL Makerspaces offer tools and technology for creative projects and hands-on learning.
15. Record Something
Have a podcast, music, narration, or other audio project in mind? Explore the ORL’s Audio Recording Studio.
16. Learn a Language
Planning a trip, brushing up on your skills, or simply curious? Explore language-learning resources available with your library card.
17. Explore Accessible Reading
The ORL offers accessible reading options for people who have difficulty reading standard print. Explore CELA, NNELS, accessible formats, and other services and resources designed to make reading more accessible.
18. Rediscover the CD Collection
Yes, the library still has physical CDs! Browse our CD collection and discover an old favourite or something completely new.
19. Join a Reading Club
Reading is even better when you have someone to talk about it with. Explore ORL Reading Clubs to find opportunities to read, discuss, and discover books with other readers.
20. Have a Kanopy Kids Movie Night
Kanopy Kids offers a curated collection of entertaining and educational movies and shows for children, available through your library card.
21. Follow a Random Question
Wondering about dinosaurs? Space? Ancient Egypt? Volcanoes? Pick something you’re curious about and start exploring with Britannica Library or another ORL research resource.
22. Find Your Next Great Read
Need some inspiration? Explore the ORL’s Reading Lists for staff-selected books organized around genres, themes, interests, and more. It’s an easy way to discover something you might not have picked up on your own.
23. Request a Hard-to-Find Book
Can’t find an older title in the ORL collection? Interlibrary Loans may be able to bring an eligible book in from another library for you.
24. Place a Hold
Found something you want in the catalogue? Place a hold and choose your preferred ORL branch for pickup.
25. See What’s New
Browse newly added and on-order titles in the catalogue and be among the first to discover what’s joining the collection.
26. Read in Another Language
Explore books and digital titles in languages from around the world through the ORL’s physical and digital collections.
27. Bring the Kids to Story Time
Share stories, songs, rhymes, and plenty of fun at an ORL Story Time. Stay & Play after Story Time in the children’s area.
28. Find Your Next Hobby
Gardening? Photography? Sewing? Birding? Cooking? Drawing? Whatever you’re curious about, there’s probably something in the collection or the Library of Things that can help you begin.
29. Ask Us a Question
We love questions! Whether you’re researching, troubleshooting a resource, looking for information, or simply curious, ask library staff. We’ll help you figure out where to start.
30. Try Something New To You
This one is all yours. Borrow something unusual. Read outside your favourite genre. Learn a skill. Visit another branch. Your library card is an invitation to explore!
Celebrate Canadian Library Month
You don’t have to complete all 30. Pick one, pick five, or see how many you can try this October. Canadian Library Month is a great time to rediscover what’s available through your library, including some things you may never have realized were here.
Need More Help?
Call us at 1-844-649-8127 or email help@orl.bc.ca. Please include as many details as you can about your question, account, or device. This helps us support you more quickly and accurately.
Library card expired? Reach out to your local branch or visit eRenew to renew your membership online. It’s quick and easy.
