Community and Culture

Congratulations, Dawn!

Great libraries are created by great people, and the ORL is fortunate to have many dedicated staff members making a difference in their communities every day. This month, we’re delighted…

ORL Maker Tour: Explore the STEM Secrets of the Sea

This summer, the ORL’s Makerspace team is hitting the road. From 6 July to 19 August, the Maker Tour will travel to every ORL branch, bringing a special Under the…

Summer Reads, Community Impact: Shop the June Friends of the Library Book Sale

Some books are destined for a second chapter. This June, the Kelowna Friends of the Library invite readers to discover pre-loved books, puzzles, and games while helping fund the programs…

Win a Kobo! Adult Summer Reading Club 2026

From beach reads and backyard page-turners to audiobooks on road trips, summer has a way of creating a little extra space for stories. The Okanagan Regional Library’s Adult Summer Reading…

Discover Pride Month Picks on Kanopy

June is Pride Month, and Kanopy’s Celebrate Pride Month collection offers a thoughtful lineup of films, documentaries, and stories exploring identity, creativity, friendship, family, and community. Whether you enjoy heartfelt…

Beyond the Expected: Contemporary Indigenous Storytelling in Canada

National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to explore stories, histories, and voices from Indigenous creators across Canada. This year, we’re taking a slightly different route through the collection. Instead…

From Gallery Walls to Library Shelves: New VPAG Exhibitions, New Reading List

The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) and the Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) are once again connecting gallery walls with library shelves through a newly curated reading list inspired by VPAG’s…

Meet Jennifer Cooper: Stories of Strength, Sport, and Changing the Game

There’s something exciting about meeting an author, especially when their stories are full of bold ideas, big energy, and a willingness to challenge the rules. This spring, the ORL’s Youth…

What the Research Says: Libraries Matter More Than Ever

What do libraries contribute to their communities? It’s a question that feels easy to answer…until you try to put it into words. Is it the books? The quiet corners? The…

Vernon Friends of the Library Book Sale Returns!

Clear a little space on your shelves. Actually, clear a lot. The Vernon Friends of the Library Book Sale is back, and the only thing bookworms love more than reading…