The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) held its quarterly Board Meeting on September 11, 2024, where the Board noted the Library’s many system-wide improvements represent an average per user funding increase of just sixty-five cents before providing their enthusiastic approval. Unanimous budget approvals are rare, and the Board often reserves voting until their end-of-year meeting in November. The Board’s decision recognizes the ORL’s commitment to fiscal responsibility as it continues to create vibrant, inclusive spaces to learn, gather, and connect throughout the region.
Increasing usage and circulation numbers show that residents are enjoying their community libraries more than ever. To ensure smaller community libraries remain welcoming, comfortable and efficient the ORL has budgeted for new page staff in Cherryville, Kaleden, Lumby, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Silver Creek, and Hedley. To promote patron safety while respecting privacy the organization plans to install health emergency detection tools called Brave Sensors in urban branches such as Kelowna, West Kelowna and Vernon.
The ORL’s thirty unique libraries are vibrant hubs of diversity, heritage, and culture. The Revelstoke branch features work by a local artist each month, and the ORL has partnered with the Kelowna Museum to host an indigenous literature event called Hi-Story.
On June 14, 2024, the ORL celebrated the opening of the new West Kelowna branch, which has quickly become a popular destination for the community. The ORL eagerly anticipates opening a new Lumby branch in 2024 to provide residents with a modern and vital community space. Facility improvements have occurred in Salmon Arm and are planned for Naramata, Enderby, Peachland, and Okanagan Falls.
To help further meet the ORL’s goal of providing an accessible and outstanding public service it has:
Danielle Hubbard, CEO of the Okanagan Regional Library, expressed her excitement for the Board’s decision, stating, “The amazing thing about leading a public library system is that most people who work in libraries do so out of a sincere conviction in the value of the work we do. I’m honoured to have such a positive team as we move the ORL forward.”
To learn more about ORL locations, programs, and the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan please visit the website.
About the Okanagan Regional Library
The Okanagan Regional Library enriches the lives of people in the region through diverse collections, responsive services, innovative programs and unique resources. With the community’s incredible support, ORL branches become transformative spaces of learning, creativity, culture, and connection.