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
The Downtown KL Branch in Lilliput: We’ve Gone (Adorably) Tiny
It’s official: the ORL is now part of a magical tiny world where everything’s little… except our love of libraries! The Downtown Kelowna Branch has been immortalized—adorably—in miniature at Little Canada, a popular tourist destination in Toronto that celebrates iconic Canadian locations through detailed, handcrafted dioramas. Sitting proudly among tiny cityscapes and pint-sized landmarks, our KL Branch has been lovingly shrunk down to Lilliputian proportions. We didn’t even need to…
Super Librarian Barbie: From Toy Bin to Tastemaker
Picture it: a dusty thrift store bin. A plastic action figure, mildly scuffed, moderately poseable, entirely overlooked. Then came a library card and a creative Maker Educator with a cool new project: half craft, half mad science, all postmodern pastiche. Sprinkle in some polymer upgrades, a dash of soldering iron, a glob of hot glue—and of course, a glitter cannon. The transformation wasn’t just mechanical, it was philosophical. Super Librarian…
Why Emancipation Day Matters in Canada
August 1 marks Emancipation Day in Canada, the date the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire in 1834. Officially recognized by the House of Commons on March 24, 2021, this national day of observance invites Canadians to reflect on the legacies of slavery and engage in the ongoing fight against racism and inequality. A History Often Overlooked While slavery is often associated with American…
8 Inspiring Audiobooks to Power Your Next Workout
Move Your Body, Feed Your Mind Some days, hitting the gym or heading out for a walk feels like a breeze. Other days, just lacing up your shoes is the workout. Whether you’re a dedicated runner, casual stroller, or reluctant elliptical rider, audiobooks can turn even the most sluggish sessions into something to look forward to. If you’re already making time to build strength and boost your heart rate, why…
Understanding Disability Pride
Every year in July, Disability Pride Month celebrates persons who experience disability, their identities and culture, and their positive contributions to society. The event aims to change the way people think about disability. It promotes all types of disability as a natural part of human diversity. Disability Pride Month has been celebrated in the United States since July 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act came into law. Today, it…
Two ORL Makerspaces Just Got Glowforge Laser Cutters—and They’re Incredible
We’ve got some seriously fun STEM news. The ORL’s Makerspaces are growing—and so is your creative potential. Two new Glowforge laser cutters have landed at the Downtown Kelowna Branch and the Westside Learning Lab. These aren’t just fancy gadgets. Each Glowforge is a creative powerhouse capable of cutting, etching, and engraving wood with incredible precision. Whether you’re a student building a school project, an entrepreneur prototyping a product, or a…
STEM Summer Fun for Kids: Simple Science Projects Using Everyday Items
Looking to spark a summer discovery? STEM learning for kids doesn’t need a lab—just a kitchen table, a few basic supplies, and a sense of adventure! These three simple science experiments are great for young explorers, and they pair perfectly with books available right here at the Okanagan Regional Library. Dancing Raisins Fill a clear glass with carbonated water and drop in a few raisins. Watch them sink, then rise…
The Downtown KL Branch in Lilliput: We’ve Gone (Adorably) Tiny
It’s official: the ORL is now part of a magical tiny world where everything’s little… except our love of libraries! The Downtown Kelowna Branch has been immortalized—adorably—in miniature at Little…
Super Librarian Barbie: From Toy Bin to Tastemaker
Picture it: a dusty thrift store bin. A plastic action figure, mildly scuffed, moderately poseable, entirely overlooked. Then came a library card and a creative Maker Educator with a cool…
Why Emancipation Day Matters in Canada
August 1 marks Emancipation Day in Canada, the date the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire in 1834. Officially recognized by the House of…
8 Inspiring Audiobooks to Power Your Next Workout
Move Your Body, Feed Your Mind Some days, hitting the gym or heading out for a walk feels like a breeze. Other days, just lacing up your shoes is the…
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.