Community and Culture

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…

Help the Kelowna Friends of the Library Make the “Best of Kelowna” List

The Friends of the Library (FOL) help bring a lot of what we love about the ORL to life. So yes, we’re more than a little pleased to see the…

Charter Day: Understanding the Rights That Shape Canada

What does it mean to have rights and freedoms protected by law? Charter Day, observed on April 17, offers a moment to consider this question and reflect on one of…

April Reads a Little Differently. It’s Poetry Month!

April invites a more reflective kind of reading. A few lines at a time. A pause between pages. An image that lingers. National Poetry Month is a chance to explore…

From Gallery Walls to Library Shelves: the ORL and VPAG in Conversation

Art opens doors between people, ideas, and experiences we might not otherwise encounter. Through a new collaboration with the Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG), the ORL connects exhibitions with curated…

A Generous Gift for Every Branch: Thank You to the Friends of the Library!

Libraries grow with their communities in many ways: through new ideas, shared experiences, and the steady support of people who believe in what they offer. The Okanagan Regional Library is…

North Shuswap Branch Celebrates Grand Opening

The Okanagan Regional Library’s North Shuswap Branch officially celebrated its grand opening on 11 March in Scotch Creek, welcoming an enthusiastic crowd of community members, supporters, and local partners. After…

All the Feels Winter Reading Challenge: Congrats to Our Winners!

The ORL’s All the Feels Winter Reading Challenge wrapped up at the end of January, and we’re delighted to announce our prize winners. Congratulations to: R. Wilson, the Mission Branch…

Celebrating the ORL’s Grand Re-Opening in North Shuswap

We’re very excited to announce the next chapter for our North Shuswap community library. On 11 March 2026 at 11:00 a.m., the ORL proudly celebrates the grand re-opening of its…