Community Stories

Celebrating 35 Years with the ORL: Debra’s Story

In August 2025, the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) proudly celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 35 years of service by Keremeos Branch Community Librarian Debra H. Debra’s journey with the ORL began…

New Board Books Our Head of Youth Services Loves

Looking for your next great read-aloud with baby? Our Head of Youth Services has you covered with her personal picks for the best new board books of 2025. From bouncy…

Kaleden: A Cozy, Welcoming Library Makeover

The Kaleden Branch has turned a new page! Following a thoughtful renovation, the library now offers an updated circulation desk, refreshed organization, and cozy seating that together create a brighter,…

Phyllis’ Story and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year on 30 September, Canadians mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day is both solemn and hopeful: it honours the children who never returned from residential…

Tech Savvy Seniors: Library Resources for Lifelong Learning

Whether you’re sharing your first social post or exploring advanced online research tools, it’s never too late to learn something new. At the ORL, we believe technology should feel empowering,…

The Downtown KL Branch in Lilliput: We’ve Gone (Adorably) Tiny

It’s official: the ORL is now part of a magical tiny world where everything’s little… except our love of libraries! The Downtown Kelowna Branch has been immortalized—adorably—in miniature at Little…
A Barbie with a blue cape and ORL logos standing beside a bookshelf.

Super Librarian Barbie: From Toy Bin to Tastemaker

Picture it: a dusty thrift store bin. A plastic action figure, mildly scuffed, moderately poseable, entirely overlooked. Then came a library card and a creative Maker Educator with a cool…

Why Emancipation Day Matters in Canada

August 1 marks Emancipation Day in Canada, the date the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire in 1834. Officially recognized by the House of…

Behind the Curtain: A Q&A with Magician Leif David

…we knew we had to chat with Leif when we saw the excitement and wide-eyed wonder his magic shows inspire in children of all ages… This summer, as part of…

Disability Pride Month: Recommended Reads

Read, Reflect, and Celebrate Disability Pride Month This July, the ORL invites you to explore stories that celebrate the richness of human experience. In honour of Disability Pride Month, we’ve…