Welcome to the Okanagan Regional Library! Your local library is a welcoming, supportive place where you can read, learn, explore, and connect with your community.
Start With a Library Card
Library cards are free. With a card you can borrow books, movies, and music, and use online resources.
Information in Other Languages
Welcome information about the ORL is available in many languages.
عربى – Arabic
简体中文 – Chinese (Simplified)
繁體中文 – Chinese (Traditional)
English
Filipino
Français – French
日本語 – Japanese
한국어 – Korean
Polski – Polish
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ – Punjabi
русский – Russian
Español – Spanish
Українська – Ukrainian
Online Learning Resources
Your library card gives you access to online tools that support language learning and skill development.
Rosetta Stone
Learn English and other languages online.
LinkedIn Learning
Take courses in computer skills, business topics, and professional development.
PressReader and International Newsstream
Read newspapers from around the world.
Books and Materials in Other Languages
The ORL offers books in several languages spoken in our communities.
Books for Practicing English
Picture Books about Canada
World Languages
Library Tours
Want to learn more about the library? Contact your nearest branch to ask about arranging a tour and discovering the services, programs, and resources available.
Community Organizations
Local organizations provide support for newcomers, including settlement services, language training, and employment assistance.
North Okanagan
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
Provides English language training and settlement services in the Revelstoke region.
Shuswap Family Centre
Offers programs and referrals for families and individuals in Salmon Arm and the surrounding area.
Shuswap Immigrant Services Society
Supports newcomers through settlement assistance and programs that promote inclusive communities.
Shuswap Survival Guide 2023 (PDF)
Created by the Canadian Mental Health Association (Shuswap/Revelstoke Branch) to help residents find services in Enderby, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, and Sicamous.
Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society
Provides settlement support, English language training, and employment assistance.
Central and South Okanagan
Kelowna Community Resources (KCR) – Immigrant Services
Provides settlement support, employment help, translation services, and community referrals.
Project Literacy
Offers English literacy training and tutoring for immigrants, refugees, children, and seniors in the Central Okanagan.
Lower Similkameen Community Services Society
Provides English literacy support for newcomers in the Keremeos and Hedley areas.
South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services
Offers settlement support and services to help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. Offices are located in Penticton and Oliver.
Provincial Resources (British Columbia)
WelcomeBC
Provides newcomer guides and information about daily life in British Columbia.
New to BC
Offers settlement guides and resources about living in British Columbia.
Government of Canada Resources
Health Care for Refugees
Information about short-term health care coverage.
Refugees and Asylum
Information about applying for refugee status in Canada.
Information for Sponsors
Sponsors can help newcomers connect with the library and community services.
Help the sponsored person or family register for a library card.
Use Rosetta Stone to learn more about the sponsored person’s language.
Use Global Road Warrior to learn about the sponsored person’s country and culture.
Family Sponsorship
Information from the Government of British Columbia about sponsoring a spouse or relative.
Sponsor a Refugee
Information from the Government of Canada for groups sponsoring refugees.