Books
Click on the links below to search for these subjects in the library catalogue:
Genealogy
You can also narrow your search in the library catalogue to the geographic area or ethnic/cultural group you are researching. Sample searches include:
Canada Genealogy
Alberta Genealogy
England Genealogy
Europe Genealogy
Métis Genealogy
Magazines
Print Magazines
Issues of particular magazines be sent to your local branch – please check with library staff.
Websites
Kelowna & District Genealogical Society
Kelowna & District Genealogical Societyis a non-profit, registered charity whose goal is to bring like-minded people together for the purpose of sharing ideas and knowledge in the pursuit of family history research. The KDGS Family & Local History Resource Centre is located on the second floor of the Okanagan Regional Library’s downtown Kelowna Branch.
Ancestry: Library Edition
Ancestry is one of the largest collections of genealogical material in the world. Includes birth, marriage, death, census, church and military records, passenger lists and more, from Canada, U.S., U.K and other countries. Ancestry is a subscription-based service; your library card will get you access to Ancestry Library Edition on public internet stations in all ORL branches.
British Columbia Genealogical Society
This site includes a list of genealogical and historical societies and groups for communities across BC. There are also links to BC public libraries, and digitized BC newspapers, and obituary indexes. (Last accessed June 2016).
FamilySearch
Along with Ancestry, this is one of the most comprehensive sources for doing family history research online. FamilySearch has partnered with the BC Archives to digitize a large amount of content, including BC Vital Events records, estate files, and land grant records. You’ll also find helpful guides on how locate records for countries around the world.
Affiliate library access is available at the downtown Kelowna library branch, on its two research computer or when using the library’s Wi-Fi. With affiliate library access, patrons will be able to view millions of digital genealogical records that are normally restricted to the public.
You will need to create a free FamilySearch account the first time you use the site, see their Privacy notice, Terms of use.
Genealogy and Family History – Library and Archives Canada
An excellent starting point if your research is Canadian in focus. Created by Library and Archives Canada, the site includes tips on how to start and focus your research, and has some digitized content, including military records, passenger lists, and land records.
Microfilm
Kelowna Daily Courier and predecessors (1904–current)
Kelowna Branch
Salmon Arm Observer (1907–2008)
Salmon Arm Branch
Birth Registrations
BC Vital Statistics Agency
Marriage Registrations
BC Vital Statistics Agency
Death Registrations
BC Vital Statistics Agency
Interlibrary Loans
Can’t find something at the library? Find out how ORL staff may be able to bring in your book from a different library in BC or Canada!
Charges may apply for items requested from BC university or college libraries, or from libraries outside of BC. Library staff may also be able to request microfilm reels, such as newspapers on microfilm, or vital events registrations on microfilm.