View our guidelines for visiting the library.
All ORL Branches are closed on statutory holidays.
The Library presents many programs each year which are free and open to the public, for patrons of all ages and a wide variety of interests. If you're interested in offering a program at the library, please fill out the Propose a Program Form.
In-person Story Time programs will begin again the week of January 9. Drop-in then to join the fun! Registration is NOT required.
Ages newborn to 18 months | Mondays @ 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM OR Tuesdays @11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Baby Time is our joyful early literacy program that helps grow the roots of a lifelong love of language. Bond with your baby through the power of song and rhymes!
January 9 to March 28
All ages | Tuesdays @ 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM
Join us for an energetic half hour of songs, rhymes, stories, and puppets. Warning: This program contains jumping, singing, and going bananas! All ages are welcome.
January 10 to March 28
Ages 18 months to 3 years | Wednesdays OR Fridays @ 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM
Toddler Time helps young children develop early literacy skills through fun stories, rhymes and songs based on simple concepts.
January 11 to March 31
Ages 18 months to 3 years | Wednesdays OR Fridays @ 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Join us after Toddler Time for Stay & Play, an unstructured playtime for children and their caregivers to socialize and explore. Soft play equipment and a variety of toys will be available. Recommended for children ages 18 months to 3 years and their parents/caregivers, but all children are welcome.
Family | Thursdays OR Saturdays | 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Join us for fun stories, rhymes, puppets and songs that will get the family dancing, singing and learning together.
January 12 to April 1
Family | Fridays | 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Join us in the Spartan Room at Parkinson Recreation Centre for fun stories, rhymes, puppets and songs that will get the family dancing, singing and learning together.
January 13 to March 17
Family | Registration Required | Sundays | 11:30 AM to 12:15 AM
Try our new program aimed at promoting early literacy through rhymes, rhythms, and music. Each week we will explore musical instruments, sing songs and move our bodies. Best suited for walkers to children under 4 years and their parents/caregivers. Weekly pre-registration required.
February 26 to March 19
See our Event's Calendar for our full selection of programs.
All Ages | January 22 to January 29
Unplug and Play Week encourages children and families to unplug from their screens and explore different ways of spending time together. Be sure to stop by the library this week to join the fun! And keep an eye out for other fun community events this week here.
School Age | Select Fridays | 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Drop-in to build something epic using our impressive Lego collection! Your creation will be displayed at the library for all to admire. Guides, books, and optional themes and challenges will be available. Recommended for ages 6 to 12 years.
January 27, February 10, February 24
School Age | Friday, February 17 | 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
This Pro-D Day is gonna be dino-mite! Drop-in to excavate a dinosaur from the ice age, use a VR headset to explore the Jurassic era, make your own dinosaur fossil, and more! For ages 6 to 12.
School Age | Select Sundays
On select Sundays this winter, join us for hands-on activities and experiments that explore exciting STEAM concepts: Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math! For ages 6 to 12 years. Registration required.
January 22, February 5, February 19
Ages 13+ | Select Wednesdays | 4:00 PM to 5:00PM
Join us at the BGC Okanagan Downtown Youth Centre (1633 Richter Street) to talk about books, eat snacks, and connect with youth who like to read. Registration is not required, feel free to drop-in!
January 11, February 8, March 8
Ages 13+ | Select Thursdays | 4:00 PM to 5:00PM
Do you need volunteer hours as part of your graduation requirement? Volunteer at the library! Join other book-loving teens to prep for and plan future library programs, review books, and help make the library a better place for all teens in the community. Registration required.
January 19, February 16, March 16
Some programs are offered virtually, in-person or a hybrid of both. Please pay attention to the description to see how it is being offered.
The library uses Teams for its online programming. Visit our Teams introduction document to learn how it works.
While all library programming is free to attend, we will occasionally instruct patrons to bring their own materials. Please read program descriptions carefully for all the information you'll need. Feel free to email us at kelowna@orl.bc.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
Jump to:
Special Events
Arts, Literature & Culture
Technology Training
Genealogy
Games Nights
MakerSpace
We need your help to develop our Seeds Library for next spring!
We accept all kinds of seed donations (flowers, veggies, fruits, herbs, perennials, annuals or biennial). We ask that donors fill out a form, providing information such as variety, harvest year and location, and growing notes.
Drop off starts Sept 15!
2 PM | Drop-in
Join us the third Thursday of the month to discuss the chosen title. Meetings are in branch at 2:00 pm, drop in.
Please email Jen for more information: jenniferwhite@orl.bc.ca
October 20th Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
November 17th Denial by Beverley McLachlin
December 15th August into Winter by Guy Vanderhaeghe
6 PM - 7 PM | Registration required
Perspectives is a book club that explores a diversity of experiences to build understanding, empathy, and compassion. Every month's read will be a different book based on a social justice theme drawn from the Global Justice Calendar and will meet to discuss and reflect on the themes and values expressed in it.
October 17th
November 14th
December 12th
Every second Friday of the month
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Registration required
Join our French Conversation group to practice your French conversation skills. Activities, games, and special topics for all levels of French speakers.
1st Tuesday each month, 6 PM | Drop-in
An inclusive, all genre critique group. Member's can bring writing they are working on to share and receive feedback from their peers, and are also welcome to listen and learn if they do not want to present work. This group aims to help writers improve their work, learn about writing, and build community with other writers. Any genre, style, area of interest, skill level and age is welcome. Some sensitive, personal, or mature topics may be discussed.
Tuesdays starting at 6pm | Drop-In
Practice your conversational language skills! / ¡Practica tus habilidades de lenguaje conversacional!
Join us weekly to practice your English or Spanish in a relaxed, friendly environment. / Únase a nosotros semanalmente para practicar su inglés o español en un ambiente relajado y amigable.
Mondays, 5 PM - 7 PM | Drop-in
A free Mandarin conversation club in Kelowna bridges east and west. Come meet with Mandarin speaking tutors every Monday. Learners with basic levels will benefit the most from joining this club.
Friday, December 2
In-Branch Tech Help Appointments
You can now book one-on-one tech help appointments with a librarian! Whether a Kobo eReader, phone, tablet or computer, we can teach you the skills you need to navigate the digital world and connect to the library's resources. Contact us to set up your appointment.
Please note that staff are limited in what they can offer. We cannot excessively handle your device or set it up for you! Further restrictions will be communicated when you sign up.
For brief inquiries or general eBook help or troubleshooting, feel free to call our help line at 1-844-649-8127 or email at help@orl.bc.ca and one of our tech experts will assist you.
Visit our Facilities and Services tab to see what in-branch resources we have.
Family History Forum - Virtual
Registration Required
Every fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Join us for monthly topics hosted virtually by the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society! They will cover a variety of fascinating topics related to family history. Please visit our events calendar to register and receive the Zoom login information necessary to participate.
Join our ORL Events Discord Server! Feel free to organize something yourself or suggest something to the admins.
Drop-in Chess
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday starting at 6pm | Drop-In
Begins June 9th
The classic game of strategy! Join us every 2nd and 4th Thursday to master your moves or challenge your peers in this casual drop-in event. Chess boards and pieces provided but feel free to bring your own. All skill levels welcome!
3rd Tues of the month, 5 PM - 7:45 PM | Drop-in
Looking for a place to play some table top games? Every 3rd Tuesday of the month we will be hosting a board games night. From social games to in-depth strategy games, we have a number to choose from. People are welcome to bring their own games as well, we hope to see you there!
Join us in the Makerspace to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials - such as our 3D printer, Cricut cutter, digitization station, recording studio and more!
Visit the Facilities and Services tab for more information.
Please visit our Re-Opening Safety Measures page to see which library services may be altered due to our COVID-19 safety protocols.
Visit our system-wide Makerspace Page to view the services we offer.
Those under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian maker. Contact or visit the Branch to learn more.
Visit our reservation platform, Spaces, to view and reserve times for specific Makerspace devices.
The Makerspace is open by appointment only during these hours:
Please note that some of our equipment have reduced hours compared to others.
We look forward to welcoming you back!
Please note that due to current Public Health Orders, there are additional requirements that renters must agree to follow in order to be eligible to book library spaces.
Renter agreements (required due to Public Health Orders)
I, as the meeting organizer / host, agree to the following:
We have a variety of bookable and rental spaces in the Kelowna Library. All meeting spaces have free Wi-Fi. Some have presentation equipment available.
Please download and read Kelowna Library Rental Spaces Information Document for complete information, or call the library at 250-762-2800 with any questions.
Click here to view a basic map showing the locations of all our meeting rooms.
You can reserve a meeting room online at https://orl.evanced.info/spaces, at least two days in advance and up to two months in advance. Library staff will approve your booking based on availability.
Small Meeting Rooms
Available during branch open hours only. Rooms are as is - no office supplies, A/V equipment or additional furnishings provided.
We currently have two small meeting rooms available to book. These rooms are free, hold up to 12 people, and can be booked up to 2 months in advance.
Classrooms
Available during branch open hours only. Setup and take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter. Can be booked up to 2 months in advance.
There is one classroom available for rent on the second floor. It can be rented on its own, or with the adjacent room to form one large meeting space (Great Room). The classrooms have glass walls which can be opened or closed to change the configuration of the space.
If 20+ attendees, all refuse must be taken by the renter.
The library features a large event space on the second floor comprising the two classrooms. The furniture is flexible in this space and it can be rearranged to accommodate a variety of functions. Please inquire for more details about this space.
Setup and take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter.
Please contact the branch at 250-762-2800 for further information or to book a room.
The library features 13 public computer terminals which grant 1 hour of internet time. Use your library card to log in or speak with staff to receive a temporary computer pass. Extensions may be granted provided there are enough free terminals available. Visit our general Computers and Internet Access page for more details.
The library also has complimentary Wi-Fi. Simply connect to the "ORL" wireless network and agree to our terms and conditions to begin.
From soft seating to chairs at tables, the library has many places to sit during your visit.
The ORL partners with the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society to offer assistance with family history research and hosts a special in-branch library of historical and genealogical material. Access their catalogue of resources here or visit in person.
The Kelowna branch of the ORL features a collection of archival material on microfilm, including newspapers and government records, as well as a microfilm reader donated by the Friends of the Library. Inter-library requests are also available. Please submit a request with staff and we will try to locate records for you.
The library holds the following records in microfilm format:
Globe & Mail, January 1992 – 2020
Kelowna Courier, July 1904 – December 2017
BC Directories, 1860 – 2001
BC Birth Registrations (including “delayed” and “Indian”), 1858 – 1903
BC Marriage Registrations, 1872 – 1932
BC Death Registrations, 1872 – 1988
Canada Census Records, 1666 – 1916
Archives of Ontario Indexes to Births, Marriages & Deaths:
MS 931, reels 1-28 (births, 1869 - 1906)
MS 934, reels 1-27 (marriages, 1873 - 1921)
MS 937, reels 1-28 (deaths, 1869 - 1931)
We can provide an introduction to the library or tailor the visit around a project/assignment.
Contact us today to see how we can help your class.
Daycares/Preschools must register if they wish to attend a storytime.
To book a free tour for kids contact Kelowna Youth Services Department 250-762-2800 or klysreference@orl.bc.ca.
Groups of adults can enjoy a tour at the library too!
ESL classes, retirement homes, book clubs and more can contact Kelowna Reference for further information.
To book a free tour for adults contact the Kelowna Reference Department 250-762-2800 or klreference@orl.bc.ca.
The library offers exam invigilation. Students must book 2 weeks in advance and follow all health and safety regulations as described by our policies and BC health officials. The library will provide a computer with internet access if needed, they are not equipped with a webcam.
We offer 3 hour timeslots in the following days and times:
Please speak with Kelowna staff to book a time. Restrictions apply.
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 co-ordinators & 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
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