All ORL Branches are closed on statutory holidays.
There are book return chutes located outside and inside at the circulation desk.
The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) held its quarterly Board Meeting on September 11, 2024, where the Board noted the Library’s many system-wide improvements represent an average per user funding increase of just sixty-five cents before providing their enthusiastic approval. Unanimous budget approvals are rare, and the Board often reserves voting until their end-of-year meeting in November. The Board’s decision recognizes the ORL’s commitment to fiscal responsibility as it continues to create vibrant, inclusive spaces to learn, gather, and connect throughout the region.
Increasing usage and circulation numbers show that residents are enjoying their community libraries more than ever. To ensure smaller community libraries remain welcoming, comfortable and efficient the ORL has budgeted for new page staff in Cherryville, Kaleden, Lumby, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Silver Creek, and Hedley. To promote patron safety while respecting privacy the organization plans to install health emergency detection tools called Brave Sensors in urban branches such as Kelowna, West Kelowna and Vernon.
The ORL’s thirty unique libraries are vibrant hubs of diversity, heritage, and culture. The Revelstoke branch features work by a local artist each month, and the ORL has partnered with the Kelowna Museum to host an indigenous literature event called Hi-Story.
On June 14, 2024, the ORL celebrated the opening of the new West Kelowna branch, which has quickly become a popular destination for the community. The ORL eagerly anticipates opening a new Lumby branch in 2024 to provide residents with a modern and vital community space. Facility improvements have occurred in Salmon Arm and are planned for Naramata, Enderby, Peachland, and Okanagan Falls.
To help further meet the ORL’s goal of providing an accessible and outstanding public service it has:
Danielle Hubbard, CEO of the Okanagan Regional Library, expressed her excitement for the Board’s decision, stating, “The amazing thing about leading a public library system is that most people who work in libraries do so out of a sincere conviction in the value of the work we do. I’m honoured to have such a positive team as we move the ORL forward.”
To learn more about ORL locations, programs, and the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan please visit the website.
About the Okanagan Regional Library
The Okanagan Regional Library enriches the lives of people in the region through diverse collections, responsive services, innovative programs and unique resources. With the community’s incredible support, ORL branches become transformative spaces of learning, creativity, culture, and connection.
Enjoy special bonding time with your baby. Learn new songs, bounces, rhymes and fingerplays.
Age: Babies (0-18 months)
Starting up again in the fall!
Tuesdays 10:30am - 11:00am
DROP-IN
Join us for fun stories, lively songs, silly puppets and witty rhymes!
Age: Preschool (18 months - 4 years)
Thursdays 10:30am - 11:00am
A special once a month family story time for busy families. Join in the fun with stories, action rhymes, puppets and songs.
Age: Families
11:00am - 11:30am
Design, create and build with the library's Lego blocks. Your creations will be displayed in the library. Every third Wednesday of the month.
Age: 5 years and older
Ever wanted to learn to knit or crochet? Join our dedicated group of knitting ladies to learn the useful arts of knitting and crochet. Good for beginner and intermediate crafters. Most supplies provided.
Age: 7 years and older
Tuesdays 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Join us once a month for an exciting new craft or art activity. These projects are designed for older children. Some past projects have included record mandalas, terrariums, book villages, collages, zentangle and art tiles. Express yourself and be creative!
3:30-4:30
Age: 9 years and older
Join us once a month for a fun seasonal craft. All supplies will be provided. Come craft with us for Valentine's, Easter and the advent of Spring!
Celebrate your special day with Westbank Library, stop in to claim your special birthday surprise today!
Birthday bags are available during your birthday month.
CLICK HERE to view a special birthday video from us to you!
Happy Birthday from Okanagan Regional Library!
The Okanagan Regional Library is pleased to announce a wonderful way to make sure your child enjoys some of the best children’s books available at the library! Pick up your copy of 100 Books to Read Together Before Kindergarten.
A brand new edition of the 100 Books to Read before Kindergarten booklist is here! Pick up your copy today!
Attention all creative folk! Join us at the library to gather and grow our creativity. Each month we will have a loosely instructed project to work on, which may include painting, needle felting, drawing and more. Regardless of artistic skill level, all are welcome! Let's collaborate and support our creativity.
POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Meet interesting people, read things that you wouldn't otherwise read and discuss them with others on the last Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm.
Tuesday June 25th - The River by Peter Heller
Tuesday September 24th - The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Tuesday October29th - The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
Tuesday November 26th - Always Pack a Candle by Marion Crook
Tuesday December 17th - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
**Note: December date takes place earlier due to the branch closures over Christmas.
Books for the next month will be handed out at the meetings.
The Writers’ Group meets at the Westbank Library in our Meeting Room. They focus on Independent Self-Publishing; facilitating authors and would-be authors to publish their own work. In addition, the Writers' Group schedules different guest speakers who are involved in various aspects of writing and publishing. New members are welcome!
Thursdays 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Do you knit or crochet? Come meet new friends while knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, doing needlepoint, etc. Some supplies will be available.
Mondays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
DROP-IN — All abilities welcome!
Do you need some assistance with your mobile devices? We can help with minor troubleshooting on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Have any questions about downloading an eBook or our other online resources? We are happy to help you learn.
Call the Westbank branch to book your appointment with the Branch Head Jamie:
250-768-4369 ext. 7091
By appointment only - drop-in not available.
Yes, you can borrow seeds from the Westbank Library, but eventually, we'd like some back! Borrow, grow, share, return! Borrow seeds, gorw the seeds, and share your harvest with those who are food insecure. Than save seeds from what you grew and return seeds so we can share them again next year.
NOW OPEN
How to return seedsTo return or donate seeds, follow these steps:1. Harvest seeds from your heirloom vegetables in the fall; (Tip: refer to our seed saving step by step guide for how to)2. Put the seeds into an envelope or container and clearly label it with the seed variety and year of harvest. (Tip: You can pick up envelopes at the Westbank Seed Library station);3. Bring your labeled seeds to the Library and drop them off at the library service desk. They will be added to the collection so that other people will be able to check them out next year. Donate at least one packet of new seeds back to the library.Follow us on Facebook for more Seed Saving Tips!
HAPPY GROWING!#Food4All
We learn, we share, we discover. English Corner is a conversational group for people with beginner to intermediate English skills that meet weekly to discuss topics that unite and inspire us. Feel free to contact us at westkelownaenglishcorner@gmail.com
Saturdays 11:00am - 12:00pm
DROP-IN - All ages and abilities welcome!
The classic game of strategy! Join us every Tuesday and Thursday to master your moves or challenge your peers in this casual drop-in event.
Tuesdays 2:00pm - 4:00pm
DROP-IN - All abilities welcome!
Come to the Library to chat with genealogists from the Kelowna and District Genealogical Society. Learn how to find more on your family tree, or ask about your next steps if you’ve hit a wall in your research.
Free Weekly crosswords available - answer key included.
New crosswords available every Saturday.
Available every month.
Stop in every month to get your own custom colouring book selected by our Artist in Residence Jacob Hindle.
We offer exam invigilation services on a limited basis. Students must book 1 week in advance and provide all exam details. The library will provide a computer with internet access as needed.
We offer 2 hour timeslots in the following days and times:
Please speak with Westbank staff to book a time. Restrictions apply.
Westbank branch has a meeting room available for rent. With a theatre style set-up, the room has a seating capacity of 10 in accordance with current public health guidelines.
The room is available on open days and rents for $40.00 + tax for the first 2 hours and $10.00 + tax per hour for each additional hour. Bookings are not confirmed until the rental fee has been paid.
Please contact the branch at 250-768-4369 for further information or to book a room.
Use our study room for free. It has a seating capacity of up to 10 people.
The room is available during branch hours for a duration of 2 hours.
The Westbank Friends of the Library, formed in February 2001, actively support the work of the library and its staff.
The monies raised from their book sales are used to buy non-budget items and to sponsor various programs and events that take place in the library..
If you would like more information or would like to attend a Friends of the Westbank Library meeting please contact the library at 250-768-4369.