Golden Library, a branch of the Okanagan Regional Library [ORL], will be temporarily closed for renovations from August 26 to September 17.

The Okanagan Regional Library will begin re-opening its branches to our patrons once again with Phase 3: Browse & Borrow service. The change will happen gradually within our 30 branches throughout July, replacing the curbside holds pick-up service.

Library service at Okanagan Regional Library branches will increase starting June 2. We have missed the in-person service to our customers, and although we have continued to serve you virtually, we are very excited to begin our restoration of library services to include lending physical materials once again - via curbside pickup.

We know you would like to be back in your local library branches and able to check out materials, and we miss you, and are looking forward to the day we can reopen our library branches again. Until then, please visit us at www.orl.bc.ca. You can ask questions using our online chat to learn how we can serve you at this time, or just call us to say hi at 1-844-649-8127. We’d love to talk to you.

Based on the direction and recommendation of the public health officials, and out of care and concern for the public, our customers and our staff, we will be closing until further notice all Okanagan Regional Library branches effective tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17.

As you know, the Okanagan Regional Library has been closely monitoring the developments related to COVID-19. This is a continually evolving situation, and we continue to try to follow the advice of our health authorities and science as opposed to the hype and rumours.

We know that we need to balance public service with public safety. We are following the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada, BC Ministry of Health and the Interior Health Authority.

Do you use the ORL eBooks|OverDrive collection to enjoy digital books? OverDrive is changing how you check out requested books that become available to borrow so that you can better manage your holds! Currently, when requested digital books become available, they are automatically checked out to your account. On March 2, this will change for all new and existing holds. When your hold becomes available, you will be notified, and you will have a 3-day window when you can either borrow your book, redeliver it at a later date if you don't have time to read it, or cancel the hold if you no longer want the book.

Did you know you can borrow a thermal imaging camera from the library to see where heat loss is happening in your home? To borrow one, search for “See the Heat” or “Home Energy Kit” in the Catalogue, https://orl.bibliocommons.com, and place a hold. The cameras can be borrowed for up to seven days.

Oliver Library, a branch of the Okanagan Regional Library [ORL], is relocating from its current location where it has operated for over 20 years to the Oliver Place Mall.

Public Libraries are facing a battle with Macmillan Publishing to ensure access for all communities to eBook materials. Macmillan Publishing, one of the big five publishers, is significantly limiting the availability and quantity of eBooks to all libraries. Because of this change, implemented November 1st, ORL will be allowed only one copy of an eBook to serve our population of 400,000 people for the first two months.

American Sign Language Story Time Schedule Vernon Library Sundays from 1:00-2:30pm Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 8, Jan 12, Feb 9, Mar 8 and Mar 22 Kelowna Rutland Library Saturday from 10:30-12:00pm Oct 24, Nov 16, Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 21, Apr 18, May 16 Westbank Library Saturday from 10:30-12:00pm Nov 2, Dec 7, Feb 1, Mar 7, April, 4, May 2, June 6

Lynda.com’s move to Linkedin Learning, which had been planned for September 25, is delayed until further notice.

At the September 18 meeting of the Okanagan Regional Library Board of Trustees, the Board: Was presented with a draft budget proposed by the Finance Committee. The Board was told that the proposed average per capita increase would be 18 cents. The Board will vote on the final budget at their November meeting.

Lynda.com is the library’s source for video courses about business, project management, and popular software, and more. On September 25, Lynda.com will be changing – with a new site and a new name, LinkedIn Learning.

Dream it - Live it - Remember it. The eLibrary has got you covered for your vacation needs.

Update: The Vernon library has re-opened after a temporary closure on June 17. An unknown substance was found in the Vernon Library's book return. To ensure the safety of the public and staff, the Vernon Library has been evacuated and will be closed until further notice.

This Indigenous History Month, from June 3 to 30, readers all across Canada are invited to read Glass Beads by Dawn Dumont as part of the One eRead Canada campaign. Along with other participating libraries across Canada, the Okanagan Regional Library will make the eBook edition of Glass Beads available with no holds or waitlists all month long, borrow it from the ORL eBooks Collection, https://orl.overdrive.com.

Friends of the Westbank Library are holding their annual book sale with thousands of books for adults and children, magazines, DVDs and more at the Heritage Retirement Residence, 3630 Brown Road, West Kelowna. Times are Friday, May 24 - 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Saturday, May 25 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; and Sunday, May 26 – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funds raised support year-round programs and services at the Westbank Branch and Westside Learning Lab.

Beginning May 1, we are increasing the number of digital books you can borrow at a time from the ORL eBooks collection. You will be able to borrow up to 8 digital books at a time, and you will be able to place requests on up to 8 digital books at time.