The Okanagan Regional Library is pleased to announce the receipt of a $1.68 million one-time provincial funding grant. This grant is part of the $45 million the Province of BC has dedicated to libraries this spring, and the ORL is excited to have the opportunity to use these funds to make a positive impact on its communities.
According to Danielle Hubbard, the CEO of the Okanagan Regional Library, "We are thrilled to receive this grant and appreciate the support from the province in recognizing the important role libraries play in our communities. With this funding, we have the opportunity to make enhancements to our library services and programs."
The ORL has not yet formalized plans on how to utilize these funds, as the dollar amount was only communicated to the ORL on Friday, March 31. “It is my priority to ensure these supplemental funds benefit our region as a whole,” says Hubbard, “including both our urban branches and our small rural branches.” Staff input will be gathered and taken into consideration.
The regular annual operating budget for the ORL is $22 million. Hubbard emphasises that, “While an additional $1.68 million in funding is a wonderful boon, this sum represents only a small percentage of our annual budget, and so expectations should be tempered accordingly.”
The Okanagan Regional Library serves over 370,000 residents across 31 branches from Golden in the north to Osoyoos in the south. The library system is an essential part of the community and offers resources and programs for all ages and interests. With this grant, the library can continue to provide high-quality services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in the region.
For more information about Okanagan Regional Library and its services, please visit our website at www.orl.bc.ca.