KELOWNA, BC — The Board of Trustees of the Okanagan Regional Library (the ORL) approved the renewal of its service agreement with Westbank First Nation (WFN) during its final board meeting of 2026.
The renewed agreement ensures that Westbank First Nation will continue as a full participating member of the ORL, with the same levy requirements and Board voting rights as other member local governments. Because the BC Library Act does not provide for library services to First Nations communities, a separate service agreement is required to establish and maintain this partnership.
Chief Executive Officer Danielle Hubbard presented her quarterly operational report, highlighting another record-breaking year for the ORL’s Summer Reading Club. The program attracted 9,095 participants in 2026, an increase of 19.6% over the previous year.
Digital library services also continued to expand, with more than 100,000 additional ebooks and e-audiobooks available to patrons through new reciprocal borrowing agreements and the introduction of the Palace Project, a new digital reading platform.
Looking ahead to 2027, planning continues for the new Parkinson Recreation Centre and Glenmore Express branches, both anticipated to open in late 2027. The ORL is also preparing to welcome new Board trustees following the recent local government elections, with an orientation scheduled for February 2027.
Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Feddersen also presented his quarterly financial report, confirming that the ORL remains on budget for 2026.
“As we conclude 2026, we’re pleased to see continued collaboration with Westbank First Nation, expanded digital access, and record-breaking Summer Reading Club participation,” said Hubbard. “We look forward to building on this progress as we welcome a new Board and prepare for further service and facility improvements in 2027.”
The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2027.
About the Okanagan Regional Library
The Okanagan Regional Library is one of the largest library systems in Canada, providing service across four regional districts. The library enriches lives through diverse collections, responsive services, innovative programs, and unique resources. With the community’s incredible support, ORL branches become transformative spaces of learning, creativity, culture, and connection.
ORL Administrative Centre
1430 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC V1W 3P6
info@orl.bc.ca | www.orl.bc.ca
