A Showcase for Local Talent at the Okanagan Regional Library.
The ORL is proud to support creative voices in our region. Our Regional Reads collection highlights books by independent and self-published authors who live in our service area—or who write about local communities.
Accepted titles will be featured in our catalogue under Regional Reads and receive a special program sticker on the cover.
Who Can Apply?
- You live in a community served by the ORL, or
- Your book is about a community within the ORL service area
What Books Are Eligible?
We accept fiction and nonfiction for all ages in print or ebook format.
Regional Reads submissions must meet the following criteria:
- Published in the last two years
- Professionally printed and bound (no staples or coil binding)
- Includes an ISBN and full publishing info
- Written in a language the ORL collects (including local Indigenous languages)
- Ebooks must be available through OverDrive
Reader copies or donations are not accepted.
How Does It Work?
1. Fill out the application form below.
2. You’ll hear from us within 90 days.
Accepted books are purchased (usually 1–2 copies) and added to the ORL catalogue. Most titles take a few months to appear on shelves due to vendor ordering and processing timelines. Items are evaluated according to our Selection Policy and will follow normal weeding timelines after 18 months. Lost or damaged items may not be reordered.
Preference will be given to books of local interest or those that have received media attention.
What If My Book Doesn’t Qualify?
Not eligible for Regional Reads? Submit a Suggestion for Purchase through your ORL Account.