Kelowna Friends of the Library are a non-profit organization formed in 1988, with a mission to raise funds to support Okanagan Regional Library including the downtown Kelowna, Mission & Rutland branches, to enhance the profile of our libraries in the community, and to increase awareness and use of library program and services. Persons interested in libraries are encouraged to volunteer with Friends as we support ORL through our year-round fundraising book sales and joint activities.

Up to 2019, Kelowna Friends were registered under the Society Act of British Columbia and the Canada Income Tax Act.  Monetary donations should now be directed to the Okanagan Regional Library Admin Centre.

Kelowna Friends’ major fundraiser, the Great Okanagan Book Sale, takes place typically in Fall/November each year. Funds raised significantly support Summer Reading Club, year-round programming for babies to toddlers to teens, book clubs, guest speakers & events for adults, and enhanced facilities and maker spaces at all ORL branches.

To stock the various year-round book sales, Kelowna Friends accept donations of gently used books at our sorting base at #114 – 2476 Westlake Road, West Kelowna, next to Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital. Donations can be made at this location on Fridays 9am – 11:30am when volunteers are on duty to review and accept items, or anytime in small amounts in drop-bins at the ORL Administration Centre (1430 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna) and at Parkinson Recreation Centre (Harvey Ave & 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna). Friends acknowledge Dr. Moshe Oz and Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving for their support with these operations and sales.

For book sales, volunteer and donation information, visit www.kelownafol.ca, or email Friends at fol4k@hotmail.com.

Volunteer coordinators & interested volunteers hold formal meetings as necessary, rotating between the three branch libraries and our sorting base.

Follow Kelowna Friends on Facebook to keep updated on our latest activities and read posts on ORL, libraries, reading & literacy.

For further information, please email fol4k@hotmail.com