Looking for fun and educational STEAM activities you can do at home?
You can find activities incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) created by our library staff.
STEAM Newsletter Archive
Read our STEAM Newsletters for a ton of library recommended STEAM activities, podcasts, programs and more for all ages!
Activity of the Month Archive
Get printable instructions for one very special ORL original Activity of the Month. Each month we’ll take you on a STEAM adventure. There’s something here for everyone!
Events
BC Libraries Present Launches Fall Season with Carol Off
The fall season of BC Libraries Present is here, and it’s starting with a remarkable conversation you won’t want to miss. Carol Off: At a Loss for Words Thursday, September 25 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Pacific Online via CrowdCast At a Loss for Words is available in the ORL’s collection. As co-host of CBC Radio’s As It Happens for more than fifteen years, Carol Off has interviewed over 25,000 people,…
Phyllis’ Story and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year on 30 September, Canadians mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day is both solemn and hopeful: it honours the children who never returned from residential schools and the Survivors whose resilience continues to inspire change. Orange Shirt Day, which shares this date, begins with Phyllis Webstad of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation and the story of her first day of residential school: Phyllis’ Story In…
ORL Board Approves 2026 Budget and Expands Support
Kelowna, BC – September 17, 2025 – The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) Board of Trustees convened for its third regular meeting of the year. At the meeting, members approved the 2026 budget, confirmed modest additional staffing resources, and received updates on collections and facilities improvements. The Board’s early approval of the 2026 budget reflects strong confidence in the ORL’s fiscal planning and stewardship. “It’s unusual for our budget to be…
Reflecting on Gender Equality Week 2025
Gender Equality Week 2025 takes place from September 21 to 27, offering Canadians an opportunity to celebrate progress in gender equity while reflecting on the barriers that remain. Since being established by the Gender Equality Week Act in 2018, this observance has encouraged dialogue, action, and commitment to creating communities where everyone can thrive. Books often spark the most meaningful conversations—and ORL libraries are the perfect place to begin. To…
Our Youth Services Librarian Recommends: Back-to-School Reads
September means sharpened pencils, new adventures, and of course—great books to share together. Our Youth Services Librarian has pulled together her favourite recent releases (and a few timeless gems) to make the end-of-summer season a little brighter. Whether your reader is easing back-to-school jitters, diving into a funny adventure, or exploring life’s big questions, the ORL has a great read for everyone. Junior Picture We Don’t Eat Our Classmates! A…
ORL Program Registration Made Easy
Yes, Program Registration Software Updates Are Cool to Us! We’re excited to introduce LibCal, the ORL’s new and improved online registration system. Now it’s easier than ever to connect with ORL programs, reserve meeting rooms, and book Makerspace equipment. There are two portals to choose from: The Events & Programs portal is your one-stop calendar for story times, book clubs, author visits, and workshops, with search filters that let you…
Meeting Room Rental Quick Guide
Need a place to meet, study, or host your next event? The Okanagan Regional Library offers meeting and study rooms at select branches. Rooms are ideal for civic, cultural, or educational gatherings. Please note that commercial and for-profit activities are not permitted. Meeting Room Quick Reference Chart Branch Room(s) Available Capacity Fee Booking Method Armstrong Meeting Room & Study Room 17 & 10 $31.50 (first 2 hrs), $15.75/hr add’l Please…
Lake Country Branch Renovation Closure
The Okanagan Regional Library’s Lake Country Branch will be temporarily closed from September 18 to 24 while renovations take place. During this closure, the branch will not be open for browsing, holds pickup, or returns. Book drops will also be unavailable. Renovations will improve the space for the community and ensure a more welcoming environment for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you back when the branch reopens on September…
Books and Bargains: The Great Okanagan Book Sale is Back!
Love a good book bargain? Then don’t miss the Friends of the Library’s 35th Annual Fall Great Okanagan Book Sale! A must-stop shop for book lovers of all ages, the sale runs October 15–18 at Immaculate Conception Parish Hall (839 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna). Hours are: Wednesday, 15 October | 2:00–8:00 p.m. Thursday, 16 October & Friday, 17 October | 9:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Saturday, 18 October | 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Shop…
Summer Reading Club Magic in Armstrong
Summer Reading Club (SRC) at the Armstrong Branch has been a whirlwind of colour, creativity, and clever guesses—and the fun isn’t over yet! From guessing games to art projects to larger-than-life displays, the branch has become a hub of summer activity. Each week, kids are testing their luck with the Guessing Jars. The challenge? To figure out exactly how many items are tucked inside. The prize? Winning the jar and…
BC Libraries Present Launches Fall Season with Carol Off
The fall season of BC Libraries Present is here, and it’s starting with a remarkable conversation you won’t want to miss. Carol Off: At a Loss for Words Thursday, September…
Phyllis’ Story and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year on 30 September, Canadians mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day is both solemn and hopeful: it honours the children who never returned from residential…
ORL Board Approves 2026 Budget and Expands Support
Kelowna, BC – September 17, 2025 – The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) Board of Trustees convened for its third regular meeting of the year. At the meeting, members approved the…
Reflecting on Gender Equality Week 2025
Gender Equality Week 2025 takes place from September 21 to 27, offering Canadians an opportunity to celebrate progress in gender equity while reflecting on the barriers that remain. Since being…
Our Youth Services Librarian Recommends: Back-to-School Reads
September means sharpened pencils, new adventures, and of course—great books to share together. Our Youth Services Librarian has pulled together her favourite recent releases (and a few timeless gems) to…
Visit Our Makerspaces
Want more hands-on STEAM experience?
At ORL Makerspaces, you will find equipment and tools for projects, digital media creation, and exploring and learning new technology.
Use Creation Stations for digital design or animation; cut hundreds of different materials for custom DIY projects with our Cricut Makers; and you can even print three-dimensional objects using our 3D printers.
To see all the equipment offered, how to book a maker station, and to find your nearest library location with a Makerspace, check out ORL Makerspaces.
Details
Under 14? Your parent or guardian who is an ORL Maker must come with you to use the equipment.
Are you between 14 and 18? You must have your legal guardian sign your Makerspace Waiver & Guidelines [PDF] agreement.