Phase 1 Re-opening Plan: Check your library branch webpage for their Curbside Holds Pick-up & Book Drop open hours. View Phase 1 Re-opening details.
Connect with library staff: Email help@orl.bc.ca. Chat from website or phone 1-844-649-8127: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9AM-5PM, Tuesday: 9AM-7PM, Saturday: 11AM-3PM (PT).
With your free library card you can borrow and enjoy books, movies, music and more. Please bring ID and proof of your current local address.
Find out more about what you need to get a library card.
Your library card number will give you access to our online digital resources:
Learn English online with Rosetta Stone
Learn computer and business skills, and more, from Lynda.com
Read newspapers from all over the world with PressReader and International Newsstream.
View all of our online resources.
Many library branches offer tours where you can learn about the services and events they offer.
When we re-open library branches to the public, call or visit your closest library branch to ask about booking a tour.
Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society, http://www.vdicss.com
VDICSS offers free English language instruction for newcomers, support in getting a jobs, and help with fitting in.
Shuswap Family Resource and Referral Centre, http://familyresource.bc.ca
The Shuswap Family Resource and Referral Centre provides programs and referral services to help families and individuals in Salmon Arm and area.
Shuswap Survival Guide, https://shuswap-revelstoke.cmha.bc.ca/other-local-community-services-2
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Shuswap/Revelstoke Branch has created a guide to help find local organizations in the Enderby, Salmon Arm, Sorrento and Sicamous areas.
The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, http://www.cbal.org
The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy provides English language training and settlement services for people in the Revelstoke region.
Kelowna Community Resources (KCR)- Immigrant Services, https://kcr.ca/immigrant-services
KCR provides support for youths, adults, and seniors. They can help with finding a job, translation, and finding other help from services and resources in the Central Okanagan. KCR has been chosen by the provincial government to be the lead refugee response team in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon Arm, and Kamloops.
Lower Similkameen Community Services Society, http://ttpwebhost.com/lscss/language-training
The Lower Similkameen Community Services Society provides English language training for people new to the Keremeos and Hedley areas.
South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services, http://www.soics.ca
South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services has offices in Penticton and Oliver, and provides help with settlement and fitting into Canadian life.
WelcomeBC, https://www.welcomebc.ca
Check out the Welcome to BC for a Newcomers Guide and Health Care information pages.
New to BC, https://newtobc.ca
Focuses mainly on services available in Vancouver and surrounding areas (the Lower Mainland), but the website has good information on their Newcomer Resources and their Frequently Asked Questions pages.
Getting Health Care, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care.html
Welcome Refugees, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/welcome-syrian-refugees.html
Help the sponsored person or family get a library card at one of our library branches. Adults will need to bring ID and proof of residence.
Learn more about the sponsored person's language through Rosetta Stone
Learn more about the sponsored person's country from Global Road Warrior
North Okanagan Refugee Committee, https://norc.ca
Okanagan Refugee Coalition for Advocacy, http://orcabc.org
Family Sponsorship, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/immigrating-to-bc/sponsorship
Sponsor a Refugee, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada/private-sponsorship-program.html