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
ORL Board Renews Westbank First Nation Agreement; SRC Sets New Record
KELOWNA, BC — The Board of Trustees of the Okanagan Regional Library (the ORL) approved the renewal of its service agreement with Westbank First Nation (WFN) during its final board meeting of 2026. The renewed agreement ensures that Westbank First Nation will continue as a full participating member of the ORL, with the same levy requirements and Board voting rights as other member local governments. Because the BC Library Act…
5 Ways to Celebrate Media Literacy Week with the ORL
How can you tell what’s real online? Can you recognize AI-generated content, spot misinformation or decide whether a news story is trustworthy? These are important questions in today’s digital world, and Media Literacy Week, October 26–30, is a great opportunity to explore them. Organized by MediaSmarts, Canada’s centre for digital media literacy, this annual initiative encourages Canadians to develop the skills to think critically about the information they encounter online.…
A Record-Breaking Summer: Celebrating Summer Reading Club 2026
That’s a wrap on one very busy summer of reading! This year, children and families across the Okanagan Regional Library dove Under the Sea for Summer Reading Club 2026, filling branches with books, activities, programs, prizes, fossils, and plenty of reading along the way. And what a summer it was. A record 9,095 children ages 5–12 participated in Summer Reading Club, an increase of 19.6% over 2025 and the highest…
The Great SRC Photobomb of 2026!
Books were read. Crafts were made. Adventures were had. And somewhere along the way, we took a whole lot of pictures! This summer, young readers and their families joined us at ORL branches across the region for another season of Summer Reading Club fun. From creative activities and special guests to games, discoveries, and plenty of smiling faces, there was no shortage of memorable moments. Rather than tell you all…
5 Reasons to Visit the Great Okanagan Book Sale
Clear some room on the bookshelf! The 36th Annual Great Okanagan Book Sale returns to Kelowna from October 14–17, with more than 25,000 items expected and four days to browse, hunt for bargains, and discover something new. Need another reason to stop by? Here are five. 1. More Than 25,000 Items to Explore There’s nothing quite like a good book sale treasure hunt. With more than 25,000 items expected, you…
Coming October 13: PIN Verification for Libby and Kanopy
Beginning October 13, 2026, patrons using Libby and Kanopy will be asked to verify their library card using their library card number and PIN/password. The good news is that this is a one-time verification. Once you have successfully verified your card, you will not need to enter your library card number and PIN/password every time you open Libby or Kanopy. Here’s what to expect. Using Libby If you already use…
Announcing…Our 100 Books to Read Together Before Kindergarten 3rd Edition!
A new edition of 100 Books to Read Together Before Kindergarten is here! Curated by the ORL’s Youth Services librarians, the Third Edition brings together 100 wonderful books chosen especially for young readers and their families. From timeless favourites to newer stories, every title has been chosen to encourage curiosity, language development, and a love of reading. Six Great Books to Get You Started Here are a few selections from…
7 Ways to Celebrate Science Literacy Week
Science starts with curiosity. This year, Science Literacy Week runs October 4–11, bringing Canadians together to explore the science that surrounds us every day. The 2026 theme, Curiosity Unleashed, is all about asking questions, trying something new, tinkering, experimenting, and learning from the unexpected. That sounds a lot like a trip to the library! From 3D printers and laser cutters to electronics and environmental monitoring tools you can borrow and…
Remarkable Stories: Celebrating Canadian Women’s History Month
Every October, Canadian Women’s History Month celebrates the women and girls whose leadership, creativity, determination, and achievements have helped shape Canada. First designated in 1992, Women’s History Month recognizes a variety of contributions, from politics and science to arts, culture, business, and community leadership. October also includes Persons Day on October 18, marking the historic 1929 decision that recognized women as “persons” eligible for appointment to the Senate. Our ORL…
New to the Library of Things: Firewood Moisture Meter Kit
Heating your home with wood? There’s a new tool in the ORL’s Library of Things that can help you find out whether your firewood is ready to burn. A moisture meter is a simple handheld tool that measures the moisture content of wood. Insert the meter’s two pins into a piece of firewood and the LED display provides an approximate moisture reading. Why does that matter? Firewood should have a…
ORL Board Renews Westbank First Nation Agreement; SRC Sets New Record
KELOWNA, BC — The Board of Trustees of the Okanagan Regional Library (the ORL) approved the renewal of its service agreement with Westbank First Nation (WFN) during its final board…
5 Ways to Celebrate Media Literacy Week with the ORL
How can you tell what’s real online? Can you recognize AI-generated content, spot misinformation or decide whether a news story is trustworthy? These are important questions in today’s digital world,…
A Record-Breaking Summer: Celebrating Summer Reading Club 2026
That’s a wrap on one very busy summer of reading! This year, children and families across the Okanagan Regional Library dove Under the Sea for Summer Reading Club 2026, filling…
The Great SRC Photobomb of 2026!
Books were read. Crafts were made. Adventures were had. And somewhere along the way, we took a whole lot of pictures! This summer, young readers and their families joined us…
5 Reasons to Visit the Great Okanagan Book Sale
Clear some room on the bookshelf! The 36th Annual Great Okanagan Book Sale returns to Kelowna from October 14–17, with more than 25,000 items expected and four days to browse,…
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.