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:
You can join Summer Reading Club any time from June 23 to September 8. It is FREE! Just stop by the library to pick up your reading record and challenge tracker. Read for 49 days and complete your reading record to earn a medal. Complete the challenge tracker for a chance to win a prize.
Read anything you want!
Go to orl.bc.ca/src to learn more.
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 | June 28 through August 30 | Any time
Embark on a quest to uncover hidden images and solve clues around the library. Try different scavenger hunts all summer long!
Drop-in | On-going
Bring your little artists to the library for a relaxing coloring session. With plenty of coloring sheets and supplies, kids can unwind, express their creativity, and enjoy some quiet time in a welcoming environment.
Drop-in | Thursday, July 3 | 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Prepare to be amazed by Leif David’s captivating magic show. Filled with comedy, audience participation, and jaw-dropping tricks, this award-winning performance is perfect for children of all ages.
Drop-in | Thursday, August 14 | 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Runaway Moon Theatre presents Moon Baby, a whimsical puppet performance about a little moon child’s fall to earth and her journey to find her way back home.
Drop-in | Saturdays | June 7, July 12, August 2, and September 6 | 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to the Ross Street Plaza and enjoy a special Farmer's Market Story Time. Sponsored by the Downtown Salmon Arm Association.
Drop-in | Wednesdays, July 2 through August 13 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
School Age and Teens
Grab-n-go | June 23 through September 8 | Anytime
Read en français during Summer Reading Club for a chance to win exciting prizes—including a Yoto! Write “Je lis en français” in your SRC booklet and return it to library staff to enter. Prizes provided by the Shuswap Chapter of Canadian Parents for French: cpfshuswap@gmail.com
Registration Required | Friday, July 11 | 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Calling all junior engineers! Use popsicle sticks, tape, and your imagination to build a bridge and see how many toy cars it can hold. Supplies provided.
For ages 7 to 12.
Registration Required | Thursday, July 17 | 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Get ready for an afternoon of paper folding! Eiko Uehara will guide young enthusiasts through the delicate art of origami. This event promises to transform simple sheets of paper into enchanting creations. Remember, little artists aged 9 and younger need an adult by their side.
Drop-in | Saturday, July 19 | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
A place for cube puzzle lovers! Cube Club invites beginners and experts alike to solve twisty puzzles, share strategies, and enjoy a fun, friendly, brain-teasing adventure. Bring your own cube, or borrow one from the library. We will have a limited supply of Rubik's Cubes available.
Registration Required | Thursday, July 24 | 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Discover the elegant art of Japanese calligraphy in this hands-on workshop. Learn brush techniques and traditional methods to create beautiful kanji with instructor Eiko Uehara.
This workshop is for ages 10 and older.
Registration Required | Saturday, July 26 | 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Unleash your inner artist while enjoying delicious cookies in our Cookies and Canvas guided paint class! This fun and relaxed workshop is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced painters. Enjoy tasty treats and great company while creating your next masterpiece.
This is for ages 9 and older.
Registration Required | Thursday, July 31 | 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Chart new worlds and hidden lands. Learn how to design a fantasy map filled with enchanted forests, secret paths, and mythical kingdoms in the style of J.R.R. Tolkien. You could even use the techniques learned here to create your own Dungeons & Dragons map!
Registration Required | Tuesday, August 5 | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Join Don Thomson, creator of the “I Can Build It” woodworking kits, for an interactive woodworking workshop. Kids will build their own nest box using pre-cut, pre-drilled kits and learn about local birds through fun puppets and plush toys.
For ages 9 to 12.
Drop-in | Saturday, August 9 | 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Join us for a supa fun celebration of the Dav Pilkey's Dog Man series. Drop in anytime between 2:30 and 4pm to play games, test your K9 skills, make a button, and more! Supa-Buddies ages 9 and younger need an adult present.
Drop-in | Friday, August 15 | 5:00 PM to 7:50 PM
Want to play D&D, but don't know where to start? Are character sheets confusing? Don't have a group to play with?
Drop by the library for a free workshop! We'll learn how to play, make characters, and run a short adventure. You'll be dungeon crawling in no time!
For ages 13 to 18.
Drop-in | Wednesdays, August 6 through August 27 | 3:30 PM to 4:30 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.
Registration Required | Tuesdays July 8 through July 29 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 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.
Sign up for each week you want to attend.
Applying Required | Tuesdays July 9 through July 29 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Apply to be a Reading Buddy to an elementary school-aged child! What do Teen Reading Buddies do?
Volunteer hours count towards your community service hours for graduation and can be included on resumes. You are also welcome to ask the Youth Services Librarian to be a reference for job and university applications.
The entire program will occur in a supervised library environment with our children’s librarian.
Drop-in | On-going | Anytime
Relax and get creative with colouring and brain teasers at the library. Enjoy intricate colouring pages or challenge yourself with tricky puzzles—it’s up to you!
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.
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
Tuesday April 22 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Hear guest speaker Jacquie Gaudreau present Insurance Industry Challenges in a Changing Climate. The presentation will examine how climate change is impacting the insurance industry and how that affects protecting your assets. There will be a Q&A afterwards. Jacquie is a licensed insurance broker (CAIB) and chartered insurance professional (CIP) with over 25 years of experience.
This program is provided by the Shuswap Climate Action Society.
April 1 - 30 2025 | Deadline for completed trackers: May 5 2025
In celebration of Earth Day, participate in environmental activities to honour our beautiful community and take care of our Earth. Complete two lines across the Environmental Action Challenge tracker during the month of April and be entered to win a prize!
Open to all ages! Trackers can be picked up at the Salmon Arm Library or printed off online.
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
Registration required
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 | Apr 16, May 20, Jun 17 | 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 ScheduleApril 15: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (rated R)May 20: The Third ManJune 17: Midnight Cowboy (rated R)
3rd Monday of the month (April 28, May 26, June 16) | 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.
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.
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 780-243-8313 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 Salmon Arm 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 780-243-8313 or trudy.vercholuk@gmail.com
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