What the Research Says: Libraries Matter More Than Ever
What do libraries contribute to their communities? It’s a question that feels easy to answer…until you try to put it into words. Is it the books? The quiet corners? The…
Community Stories
Vernon Friends of the Library Book Sale Returns!
Clear a little space on your shelves. Actually, clear a lot. The Vernon Friends of the Library Book Sale is back, and the only thing bookworms love more than reading…
Help the Kelowna Friends of the Library Make the “Best of Kelowna” List
The Friends of the Library (FOL) help bring a lot of what we love about the ORL to life. So yes, we’re more than a little pleased to see the…
From Gallery Walls to Library Shelves: the ORL and VPAG in Conversation
Art opens doors between people, ideas, and experiences we might not otherwise encounter. Through a new collaboration with the Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG), the ORL connects exhibitions with curated…
A Generous Gift for Every Branch: Thank You to the Friends of the Library!
Libraries grow with their communities in many ways: through new ideas, shared experiences, and the steady support of people who believe in what they offer. The Okanagan Regional Library is…
North Shuswap Branch Celebrates Grand Opening
The Okanagan Regional Library’s North Shuswap Branch officially celebrated its grand opening on 11 March in Scotch Creek, welcoming an enthusiastic crowd of community members, supporters, and local partners. After…
All the Feels Winter Reading Challenge: Congrats to Our Winners!
The ORL’s All the Feels Winter Reading Challenge wrapped up at the end of January, and we’re delighted to announce our prize winners. Congratulations to: R. Wilson, the Mission Branch…
Celebrating the ORL’s Grand Re-Opening in North Shuswap
We’re very excited to announce the next chapter for our North Shuswap community library. On 11 March 2026 at 11:00 a.m., the ORL proudly celebrates the grand re-opening of its…
A Small-Scale Star: the ORL’s Downtown Kelowna Branch Featured in Canadian Architect
Last summer, we shared a delightful surprise: Little Canada in Toronto had created a detailed miniature replica of the Downtown Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library. Now, there’s even…
The Quiet Work Behind Great Libraries
When people think about libraries, they often picture shelves of books, quiet tables, and welcoming public spaces. Less visible is the steady, behind-the-scenes work that helps make those spaces possible.…