All ORL Branches are closed on statutory holidays.
Have a question? Call us at 250-832-6161 during open hours. For eBook help, please email help@orl.bc.ca or call 1-844-649-8127.
The library has two book return bins - one behind the library, next to the Canadian Tire loading dock and one inside the mall next to the library entrance and open during mall hours. Book drops are locked during extended closures (Easter and Christmas).
Free parking is available in the Piccadilly Mall parking lot.
To find and register for any of our programs, please see the Salmon Arm Branch Calendar of Events or browse the tabs below:
Check out our prerecorded oral stories, songs and rhymes on our ORL YouTube Channel:
Drop-in | January 25 to February 1 | All day
The hunt is on! Unplug & Play is a program dedicated to screen-free activities. Stop in for a fun Scavenger Hunt and receive a small prize. This event is intended for young children, but everyone is welcome to participate.
Drop-in | Saturday, January 25 | 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Unplug from your devices and take part in a fun-filled Family Story Time. Get the family reading, singing, and laughing together with fun stories, songs, and dances.
Drop-in | Wednesday, January 29 | 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Join our Pop-up Family Choir and discover the joy of multigenerational singing! If multigenerational singing is something you enjoy, sign up for our Family Choir starting in February.
Drop-in | Thursday, January 30 | 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
This is an opportunity for children to meet a Salmon Arm Fire Department firefighter, learn fire safety tips and ask questions about firefighting, fire safety, and big red trucks!
Drop-in | Saturday, February 1 | 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Puppet shows at the Salmon Arm branch are back! Bring the family and experience the hilarity of amateur puppetry in action.
Drop-in | Wednesdays | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Experience a sensory-friendly atmosphere in the children's area. With most toys set aside, children and caregivers can cozy up with a great book, engage in colouring, or delve into sensory-friendly activities. This unstructured period is designed for those seeking a tranquil environment.
1st Saturday of each month | 10:30 to 11:15 AM
Do you want to hang out with the sweetest dog ever? Rolo is a miniature poodle and a certified St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog. He loves to be read to, petted and talked to. Rachel, his human, is also there to answer questions you may have about Rolo, therapy dogs, and more.
Rolo will be semi-retiring on December 14. Pop in that day to wish him all the best. Starting in the new year, Rolo will be at the library on the first Saturday of each month from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM.
Drop-in | Thursday, January 23 | 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
Listen to fun stories with our Community Reader and enjoy songs and rhymes with a Youth Services Librarian.
Registration Required | Wednesdays | February 5 to March 12 | 3:30 - 4:15 PM
Come sing in our Family Choir! You can join at any time, and all ages are welcome! A responsible adult must stay with children ages 9 and under. Our choir concert will be on Wednesday, March 12 at 3:45PM. We will have a short 15 minute practice right before the concert.
Registration is required to receive a music folder. (You only need to register once.)
Drop-in | March 17 to March 29 | Any time
Swing by the library any time during Spring Break and take part in fun spring themed scavenger hunts!
Drop-in | Wednesday, March 19 | 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Everything is awesome when you’re building your LEGO dream! Use our bricks and Keva Planks to build incredible creations with other creative kids.
Drop-in |Mondays | Jan 6 - March 31 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Baby Time is an wonderful way to bond with your baby, have fun, and develop early literacy and speech skills. Join us for an interactive program full of songs, rhymes, tickles, books, and more! Stay afterwards to socialize with other parents and caregivers. Recommended for newborns to 2 years. Siblings are welcome!
Drop-in | Mondays | Jan 6 - March 31 | 12:00 - 12:45 pm
After Baby Time, we welcome parents and caregivers to stay and socialize! We will put out toys and books for the babies.
Drop-in | February 1 to May 24
Thursdays | 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Saturdays | 3:30 PM - 4:00 (Time changes to 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM in February.)
Join friends and family for thirty minutes of engaging stories, songs, and rhymes. Everyone is invited! Story Time sessions foster a passion for reading and learning in an enjoyable and nurturing setting. They help children build crucial early literacy skills and create cherished memories.
Thursdays | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturdays | 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM (Time changes to 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM in February)
Are you looking for a safe and fun environment for your child to play and socialize? Stay & Play is the perfect place for your little one to enjoy unstructured playtime, make new friends, and develop important social skills. Enjoy a fun-filled time with toys, games, books and friends!
Registration is required | Weekly on Wednesdays | 6:30 to 7:15 PM
Grab your stuffies and snuggle in for stories, songs and rhymes online! Geared for ages 3-6 years, but all ages are welcome. Presented by Judy from Kelowna.
Registration Required | Tuesdays February 4 to March 11 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
The goal of Reading Buddies is to support children who struggle with reading. We hope to build their confidence and improve their skills.
Children are paired with a teen volunteer and spend time reading together and playing literacy-based games in a safe, supportive environment.
Registering once signs your child up for all 6 sessions.
Drop-in | Friday, January 31 | 6:00 PM to 7:50 PM
Play board games en français! Speakers of all abilities are welcome: we'll have cheat sheets with French phrases and tips for adapting common board games. Hosted by the Shuswap Chapter of Canadian Parents for French—follow us on Facebook for more French activities!
Drop-in | Occasional Saturdays | 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
Join TAG and earn volunteer hours! You will also get to hang out with a group of wonderful teens and help the Youth Services Librarian plan and implement programs for teens.
Snacks are provided at each meeting. Upcoming meeting dates are decided by the TAG at each gathering. All teens welcome.
Tuesdays February 4 to March 11 | 4:00 - 4:50 PM
Apply to be a Reading Buddy to an elementary school-aged child! What do Teen Reading Buddies do?
Pictures from past programs can be found at our Salmon Arm Kids in the Library blog. Note: This blog is no longer updated.
All programs and events at the Salmon Arm Library are FREE to the public. For more information about our programs, please call 250-832-6161 or email salmonarm@orl.bc.ca.
Are you looking for a space to hold a regular program or special event? Need a venue for your book club? Do you have an idea for a library program that you'd like to attend or host? We'd love to hear your suggestions! Propose a program or contact the Branch Head at ksmith@orl.bc.ca
To find and register for any of our programs, please see the Salmon Arm Branch Calendar of Events
Monday January 13 | 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Registration required.
Join us for a great afternoon of fun and community! No need to have your own drum or drumming experience, but we will need to know when you register if you need to borrow one. Facilitated by Kjara Brecknell.
Tuesday January 21 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Do you set goals every year but don't follow through? In this workshop, you will learn how to set goals and achieve them! We will teach you important methods to keep you on track and help you to follow through with your goals. Follow it up by attending the weekly Goals Group at the Salmon Arm Library (optional)!
Saturday Feb 8 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Join together with all of ORL's Communities as we read Suzette Mayr's The Sleeping Car Porter. The Sleeping Car Porter brings to life an important part of Black history in North America, from the perspective of a gay man living in a culture that renders him invisible in two ways. Affecting, imaginative, and visceral enough that you'll feel the rocking of the train, The Sleeping Car Porter is a stunning accomplishment - Publisher.
After reading the novel, we hope you will join us for a book club discussion about inclusion and Canadian history.
Friday March 7 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Are you feeling overwhelmed by clutter and chaos in your home? Do you dream of a space that is organized, serene, and filled only with things that bring you joy? If so, our decluttering workshop is just what you need! Join us for a transformative journey as we guide you through the process of decluttering and reclaiming control over your space and your life.
Saturday April 5 | 11 am - Noon
Listen to Blind Bay author Keri Lefave read selections from her newly published book The Chrysalid: A Soul's Struggle to Rekindle Its Inner Magic. The Chrysalid is Lefave’s second book and details her healing journey as she struggles to silence the demons of her past and find a place of peace. Q&A and discussion will follow Lefave's readings. Personally signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Fridays | 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Drop by the library to chat with a Community Integration Specialist, who can help you access financial support and community resources, including:
Saturdays | 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Do you need assistance with housing? Drop-in to chat with the Housing Outreach Coordinator every Saturday between 1:00-3:00 pm! The Coordinator can help you with:
This initiative is generously provided by CMHA Shuswap-Revelstoke.
1st Thursday of the month | 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Do you need free, confidential legal assistance? Our Legal Advocate can assist you with:
Drop-in any time between 1:30 - 3:30 pm with your questions! This initiative is generously provided by The Shuswap Family Centre.
Wednesdays | 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Enjoy the proven benefits of spending quality time with our canine companions! Drop in for some dog therapy with certified St. John Ambulance therapy dogs Riley and Tam. The dogs will always be on leash and with their handler, Karolyn.
Computer & Technology Training
Fridays | 10 am - 12 pm
The Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society is offering a drop-in technology help desk to assist with basic questions about using digital devices. This includes tablets, cell phones, laptops and computers. Examples of topics suitable for the drop-in technology help desk include:
Tuesdays Feb 25 - April 1 2025 | 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Cyber Seniors is a free one-on-one tutoring program geared towards seniors who have never used computers before or who have only a basic knowledge of computers. Each learner is partnered with a community volunteer tutor and together they work on basic skills such as using a mouse, saving files, searching the Internet, and setting up an email account.
Are you comfortable with computers and/or other devices? Consider volunteering as a tutor!
To register as a learner or tutor, contact Sierre Allison at info@shuswapliteracy.ca or 250-463-4555. This is a Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society initiative.
Book Clubs & Literary Events
Register Online | Thursdays | 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Welcome to Classics Book Club, an online book club all about tackling those classic novels you've heard about - but haven't yet read!
Please ensure your email address is entered correctly, as we will be sending you the link to participate shortly before the event. The program is delivered via Microsoft Teams.
To participate, you will need:
January 2 + 16: The Trial by Franz KafkaFebruary 6 + 20: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde March 6 + 20: The Awakening by Kate Chopin April 3 + 17: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Special Interest Groups
4th Monday of the month (starting January 27 2025) | 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Join us for a great afternoon of fun and community at our FREE monthly Drum Circle! No experience needed, just an open mind. We will meet every 4th Monday of the month from 2:30-4:00 pm. Registration is required for each session.We have a small number of drums if you would like to try it out, so please let us know when you register if you need to borrow one.
Tuesdays | Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Explore the ORL's online movie collection with Kanopy then gather together to discuss these classic movies from the American Film Institute’s top 100 list!
2025 ScheduleJanuary 21: The Silence of the LambsFebruary 18: Modern TimesMarch 18: The Graduate
3rd Monday of the month | 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Have you ever wanted to research your family tree? Join our friendly group of genealogists at the library to share ideas, learn new tips and tricks, and solve research roadblocks. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned family historian, we'll help you with your research. Bring your own computer, or bring a USB drive and use one of ours. Drop in, no registration required. We meet once a month on a Monday at 10:30 am.
2025 meeting schedule: Jan 20, Feb 24, March 17.
Tuesdays (starting January 7 2025) | 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Need help keeping those 2025 goals in check?
Join our fun and supportive accountability group who keep each other motivated and accountable for our short-term and long-term goals! In addition to weekly check-ins, we will discuss books and resources to support your individual goals.
Thursdays | 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Are you a Mahjong enthusiast or curious to learn this fascinating game? Come join our Mahjong group at the library! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome. Enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where you can meet new people, sharpen your skills, and have fun. We provide all the necessary materials, so just bring yourself and your enthusiasm!
Tuesdays | 1:00 - 3:45 pm
If you spin (or are interested in learning!), join the Shuswap Spinners and Weavers on Tuesday afternoons in the meeting room. Drop- in; no registration required.
Thursdays | 11:00 am - Noon
Saturdays | 1:00-2:00 pm
Interested in playing Scrabble and meeting new friends? Come to the new Scrabble club at the library every Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon!
Fridays | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Join the Odd Socks knitting group every Friday afternoon. New members and all capabilities are welcome! Drop- in; no registration required.
Jan 9 - July 3 | Thursdays | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Come strum with us! Join us for a fun and relaxed jam with fellow uke enthusiasts. All skill levels are welcome, but players should know the basics. Please bring your ukulele and a music stand. Contact Kristy with any questions: ksmith@orl.bc.ca
Anytime!
Stop by the library, grab a chair, and lose yourself in our current public puzzle. Who knows? You may find that missing piece you've been searching for—in the puzzle and in your day!
The Small Meeting Room is free of charge and can be used by reservation only as follows:
Book the Small Meeting Room
The Salmon Arm Seed Library promotes food security by enabling community members to grow healthy, affordable food through the exchange of locally grown and donated seeds. Additionally, locally saved seeds will be uniquely adapted to survive and thrive in our local community!
How does it work? Borrow, grow, return! Borrow up to 3 seed packets; plant your seeds and watch them grow; harvest seeds from your best plants and return them to the Seed Library! We have seed envelopes for you to use; just fill out the Donation Sheet. We also welcome donations of unused or partially used seed packets dated within the last 3 years. Thank you!
Need assistance? We can draw upon our Reference collection, which includes many print and digital resources, such as vehicle repair manuals, legal reference works, and directories.
Looking for some inspiration on what to read next? Ask our staff for suggestions on good books or authors to read, movies or TV series to watch, or music to listen to. If you’re browsing in the library, we also have displays on various topics.
We display art work from local artists and artist groups in the community. Please contact the Branch Head Librarian if you are interested in displaying your work in the library: ksmith@orl.bc.ca
If you need assistance downloading eBooks and other digital content to your tablet or eReader, we can help! Click here for more information about our digital resources, such as eBooks, or magazines you can download to your tablet for free!
We have 7 Internet stations you can use for free; you just need an ORL library card to log on the computers. We also have a printer (25 cents/page, black and white copies). Our computers have Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as Google Earth, and access to subscription services such as Ancestry, Alldata (vehicle repair), BC Codes (BC Plumbing and Fire Codes), and Grant Connect (a fundraising/grants website).
Our self-serve photocopier does double-sided copying, as well as enlarging/reducing. Copies are 25 cents/page, and are black and white. You can also scan documents with our photocopier, and email as a PDF copy. Scanning is free, but you have to deposit a quarter to activate the menu.
As of January 2020, we are unable to provide invigilation services at the Salmon Arm Branch. Please contact your nearest branch to inquire about their exam policies. The Salmon Arm Okanagan College campus (250-832-2126) may offer invigilation services at a fee.
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. To book a free tour for kids, call Ardie Burnham at 250-832-6161 ext. 5828 or email her at aburnham@orl.bc.ca
Next meeting: Monday, March 24, 2025 at 2 pm at the South Shuswap Library.
Annual General Meeting: Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Salmon Arm Library. Time TBA.
The Friends of the Library group supports the library through advocacy and fundraising. We have recently helped fund:
We are looking for new members! If you love the library and would like to join our group, please contact Trudy Vercholuk at 778-490-5097 or trudy.vercholuk@gmail.com for more information. Annual membership dues are $5.
Our last book sale was a wonderful success, raising over $2400 for the Salmon Arm and South Shuswap libraries. Thank you to all who volunteered at, donated to, and/or supported the book sale!
Next book sale: Friday March 21 and Saturday March 22 at the South Shuswap Library.
We appreciate book donations from the public of gently used materials. We will happily accept the following items:
The following materials are not accepted:
Thank you for thinking of the library! If you have more than one box of books to donate, please contact Trudy Vercholuk at 778-490-5097 or trudy.vercholuk@gmail.com
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