Victoria Day Closure: All library branches will be closed on Monday, May 20. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, May 21.
Book Returns are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, excluding the Easter and Christmas closures.
The Vernon library is a community hub featuring large collections of materials to borrow, terrific programming, a Makerspace and an early years play area. Please note that we are a lively library, and if you are looking for a very quiet place to study we recommend bringing headphones or earplugs.
Call us at 250-542-7610 during open hours. For eBook, resource or reference help you can also email help@orl.bc.ca.
There are three book drop bins located on the east side of the building. They are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, except during our Easter and Christmas closures.
Have a question? Would you like to book a library tour or have our librarian visit your class? Please contact our Youth Services Librarian, Stephanie Thoreson, at sthoreson@orl.bc.ca.
Daycares can contact Val (vknudson@orl.bc.ca) to book a field trip to the library or visit at your daycare.
Drop-in | Weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays | 10:30 to 11:00 AM PST
Join us to sing, rhyme, and read with the children in your life! Storytime helps in the development of early literacy skills.
Drop-in | Weekly on Tuesdays | 10:30 to 11:00 AM PST
Baby Time is a group experience for parents or caregivers and their babies, up to approximately 18 months old. The program focuses on learning rhymes, songs, and fingerplays to share together.
Drop-in | Weekly on Wednesdays | 6:00 to 6:30 PM PST
Join us for a before-bed Story Time full of gentle songs and rhymes for the whole family. Wear your PJs and join in the fun!
Registration Required | First and Third Wednesdays, February 21 to May 15 | 3:30 to 4:30 PM PST | 5 to 8 years old
Dive into the basics of the tech world with us! Learn about coding, engineering, 3D design, physics, circuitry, and more with hands-on projects. Junior engineers meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
Registration Required | Second and Fourth Wednesdays, February 14 to May 8 | 3:30 to 4:30 PM PST | 9 to 12 years old
Let's code! This program will feature a large variety of coding topics, mixing hands-on projects with practical know-how. We'll use scratch, python, JavaScript, or other programming languages as best suits the project at hand. Be ready to make some cool stuff!
Registration Required | Wednesdays, April 10 to June 26 | 3:30 to 5:30 PM PST | 9 to 12 years old
Create characters, complete quests and share an adventure. You bring the imagination, we'll provide the dice.
Registration Required | Thursdays, April 4 to May 30 | 3:15 to 5:00 PM PST | 9 to 12 years old
Quest through a story as a character whose success depends on the dice rolls. D&D for character development and storytelling. Warhammer for visual art and strategy.
Drop-In | Wednesday, April 24 | Wednesday, May 29 | Wednesday, June 26 | 4:00 to 6:30 PM PST
Celebrate LGBTQ pride and unity with fellow teens at an inclusive and supportive party, featuring art, games, and the opportunity to make lasting friendships. Free food is provided.
Please check our in-branch and online events in calendar format here.
All adult programs and events at the Vernon Library are FREE to the public.
If you have an idea you'd like to see happen @ your library, email us at vereference@orl.bc.ca.
Jump to:
Special Events | Book Clubs & Literary Events | Creative Circles |
Environmental Sustainability | Games | Health & Wellness| Makerspace | Technology Training
This information session is presented by Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society. Please email mackenzie.owens@vdicss.org with any questions.
Tuesday, May 18 | 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM | Meeting Room
Come connect with other adventure cyclists, share your 2024 plans, and have your questions about riding further answered. Everyone is welcome! Whether you're contemplating your first overnighter, have experience with longer tours, or are curious about dipping your toes into multi-day events, this event is for you!
About your host: Meaghan Hackinen is a Kelowna-based ultra-cyclist, bikepacker, and writer. Meaghan is the author of South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels, a Kobo Emerging Writing Prize finalist, and Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race (NeWest Press 2019, 2023).
Thursday, May 30 | 7 PM to 8:45 PM | Meeting Room
Copies of Cannon's book will be available for purchase for $35 (cash and debit accepted), while Cannon's family provides a short set acoustic musical performance.
Thursday, June 27 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Meeting Room
Individuals are responsible for acquiring a copy of each month's book. There are usually copies available at the Vernon Upstairs Desk (call 250-542-7610 ext. 6820 to check availability). Many titles are also available in eBook, eAudiobook, and audiobook formats in the ORL catalogue.
May 18 - Unbroken by Angela Sterritt
June 15 - Kukum by Michel Jean
July 20 - If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
August 17 - On the Ravine by Vincent Lam
September 21 - 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Robert Joseph
October 19 - The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Richardson
November 16 - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
December 14 - Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
3rd Saturday of each month | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Okanagan Room
Ukuleles Together
If you like playing a ukulele and singing a song, come and join us at Ukuleles Together, a group open to to all levels of players, from beginners to advanced. This is a free, drop-in program open to all, from pre-teens to seniors.
First and Third Wednesday of each month beginning June 5 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Meeting Room
Come and join us and use art to explore the question of how art can contribute to peace. This free program is open to youth and adults and you are welcome to bring a friend to connect to the circle. Art For Peace uses art to explore how it can contribute to peace in your own heart, your community and the world at large.
This program is free, open to all youths and adults, and art supplies are provided. You can also bring your own art supplies.
First Tuesday of each month | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Community Room
Connecting newcomers to Vernon through crafting. ESL students and newcomers, join us on Wednesday mornings to socialize and craft together. All skill levels are welcome. Knitting supplies are provided or bring your own project. This program is offered in partnership with the Vernon and District Immigrant Community Services Society.
Wednesdays | 10 AM - 12 PM | Community Room
The Kalamalka Weavers and Spinners guild is a group of fibre enthusiasts that are mainly focused on weaving and spinning, and the sharing and continuation of the skills of hand spinning and hand weaving as well as knitting, crochet, dying and felting. Anyone is welcome to attend this free, drop-in program.
3rd Wednesday of each month | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Meeting Room
The Vernon Knitters invite knitters of all experience levels and anyone interested in knitting, whether new or experienced. Bring along yarn and needles, and a project you are working on. You are also welcome to bring your knitting questions and problems, and someone in the group will happily help you work out a solution.
Saturdays | 10 AM - 12 PM | Community Room
Write here, write now. Come work on your short story, poetry, non-fiction piece, or future bestselling novel! Unleash your creativity in a supportive group setting, where you can write and discuss your work in progress. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary to participate.
Second Saturday of each month | 2:30 PM - 4 PM | Okanagan Room
Vernon Grows, the Vernon branch's Seed Lending Library, is stocked with many of the seeds you need for your garden. Patrons are welcome to check out seeds free of charge to plant in the spring and early summer and are expected to replace these seeds in the fall from the plants they grow. Drop by the library check out our seed saving brochures to help you get started.
Upstairs on second floor
Vernon Permaculture is an open community group whose aim is to share regenerative knowledge and hands on experiences with one another in order to build a stronger community and healthier local environment. Everyone is welcome to these drop-in sessions. For more information, visit @vernonpermaculture on Facebook.
Last Wednesday of each month | 7 PM - 8:45 PM | Meeting Room
Come play the game of kings! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned players.
Tuesdays | 6 PM - 8:45 PM | Community Room
Calling all cribbage players! Players of all ages and abilities are welcome to come and play, watch others play, and learn the game. Cribbage Night is a night of friendly competition and fun for all ages.
Wednesdays | 6 PM - 8 PM | 2nd Floor
If you love games, you'll love American Mah-Jongg. Experienced and novice players are all welcome - all equipment is supplied.
Thursdays | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Magazine Area
Join us to play Dungeons and Dragons, the greatest fantasy role-playing game in the world. Create characters, battle foes and co-operate with other players as you explore a fantasy world. Adventurers League is a drop-in, drop-out DnD format that allows players of all levels to come and play.
Materials are not required. All you need is an active imagination and the desire to work with others.
This is a free, drop-in program open to all players, from highly experienced to novice.
Saturdays | 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Community Room
This free Turning Points Service is part of shelter diversion, to take steps to prevent folks from experiencing homelessness. It is a drop-in service that is free to those facing eviction, those who could benefit from community supports or just need a hand up.
This service is not to stop anyone from accessing the shelter but to ensure the best steps are taken for each person, recognizing everyone's situation is unique.
Thursdays | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Study Room
The CAYA Chatroom provides a welcoming space for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) users to practice and socialize. For more information, please contact Michelle at 250-809-1098 or mbrar@cayabc.org
Last Tuesday of each month | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Meeting Room
Join us for these free drop-in information and support meetings where we will discuss ways to manage our health in a better way, learn from those who truly understand and from professionals who can help teach us new ways to have a successful life despite chronic health issues. This program is provided by John Rudy Health Resource Centre and TLC Pain Management - Vernon.
4th Wednesday of each month | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Community Room
Substance Use First Aid is a presentation that addresses different categories of substances, including the effects and risks, and how to support someone under the influence. An overview of the continuum of care is also part of the presentation and includes information on Harm Reduction services, ranging from medication and counselling to Save a Life- Naloxone Training to reverse an opioid overdose.
Participants can also expect to leave with a free Naloxone kit. This is a free drop-in program open to adults and young adults alike.
First Wednesday of each month | 7 PM - 8 PM | Foyer
The North Okanagan Better Breathers program is a monthly education and support group for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other lung health conditions. This free program is delivered by Interior Health.
Second Monday of each month | 1 PM - 3 PM | Meeting Room
Vernon Holding Hope is a peer-facilitated support group for families and individuals whose loved ones use or have used substances. Vernon Holding Hope provides mutual support and healing by coming together to share stories, resources, and connection. Our group provides the reassurance that you are not walking this journey alone. We provide a safe place to build strength and resilience for families who feel overwhelmed in supporting their loved ones.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month | 6 PM - 8 PM | Okanagan Room
A Low Vision Therapist with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is available to provide Low Vision Assessments and follow-up appointments to clients in the Vernon and nearby vicinity area. Individual appointments are approximately 1hr long and clients are welcome to bring family members with them. For more information, please visit Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada.
To book an appointment at the Vernon Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, please contact Kamyar at 250-863-4753 or Kamyar.Mohamadi@vlrehab.ca.
June 10, 11, 12 | 10 AM - 3:30 PM | Okanagan Room
Generously funded by the Vernon Friends of the Library
Join us in the Makerspace to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials.
The Vernon Makerspace includes:
Visit our system-wide Makerspace Page to view the services we offer.
Those under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian maker. Contact or visit the Branch to learn more.
To use an ORL Makerspace independently, all makers must:
To use the Cricut Machine you must:
To use the Prusa 3D Printer you must:
If you are trying to book a space less than 24 hours ahead of time, you need to call the branch at 250-542-7610.
Makerspace Booking
Monday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
If you're part of a group of 2 or more people interested in using the library makerspace equipment, whether it's for certification-only equipment like the 3D printer, of for other equipment like the recording studio, we'd love to set you up a free group training session. Email Cody at cepema@orl.bc.ca for more information and to book a time. Class visits are welcome.
View our certification courses and tutorials
This program offers adult patrons one-on-one tutoring by volunteers with The Literacy Society of the North Okanagan. One hour appointments can be booked at 250-542-7610 Ext. 6822, in person at the library, or online at Adult Digital Literacy Program.
Curious about eBooks, digital audio, or any of the ORL's many electronic resources? Having trouble making Libby work on your device? Book a time with one of our knowledgeable staff. Please bring in your device, library card and PIN number, and any necessary passwords. Register using our online events calendar or call us at 250-542-7610 ext. 6822.
Tuesdays at 7:15 PM and Thursdays at 10:15 AM
This 90 minute one-on-one appointment with our technical staff will help get you started using the equipment in our Makerspace.
Materials for training will be supplied where relevant (subject to availability,) although some equipment requires removable storage devices like a USB stick, portable hard drive, etc. to save your work.
Note that in Vernon, currently only two pieces of equipment require certification before use:
The rest of the makerspace equipment (including the Recording Studio) can be used without certification, after a brief orientation the first time you use them.
Please note that if you're looking for help with the Recording Studio, you need to make an additional reservation alongside this one- please see https://orl.evanced.info/spaces/Patron/Results to reserve the Recording Studio for the same time.
Please review our Makerspace Guidelines for more details about our policies.
Get maker certified runs on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. See our calendar for more information.
We have a variety of bookable and rental spaces in the Vernon Library.
There are two rentable spaces available at the Vernon branch (the Meeting Room and the Community Room). Both rentable spaces have free Wi-Fi, projectors and screens.
We also have two free bookable spaces available (the Okanagan Room and the Study Room). They do not have projectors or screens and are much smaller.
Please call the library at 250-542-7610 ext. 6811 with any questions or book the space using our online reservation system. If you would like to book for today or tomorrow, you need to call the library directly to the book the spaces.
Reserve a Room Online
You can reserve a meeting room online at https://orl.evanced.info/spaces, at least two days in advance. Library staff will approve your booking based on availability.
Meeting Room
Available during branch open hours only. Setup and take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter.
This space is located on the main floor of the library off of the foyer and can hold up to 100 people. There is an outside entrance on 28th Street with an accessible ramp and entry from our main foyer.
Community Room
This space is located on the second floor of the library and can hold up to 40 people. It has a long glass wall that looks out over our computer area.
Okanagan Room - no charge
Available during branch open hours only. Rooms are as is - no office supplies, A/V equipment or additional furnishings provided.
The Okanagan room is free, holds up to 18 people, and can be booked up to 2 months in advance.
Study Room - no charge
The study room is free, holds up to 6 people, and can be booked up to 2 months in advance.
The Vernon branch's seed lending library is open and patrons can now check out seeds. Patrons can check out the seeds for free as long as they replace the seeds in the fall from the plants they grow.
Two step-by-step guides on how to save heirloom seeds are available at the library, to aid you if are unsure about the various steps you need to take to save specific seeds. Some are easy to save while others are less easy.
Any patron interested in contributing seeds to the library is asked to place seeds from each vegetable in its own envelope and label it with the type of vegetable, variety if known, date collected and general location. The seeds can be dropped off at the upstairs information desk at the library.
Call or email us for more details at pcritchley@orl.bc.ca or 250-542-7610 ext. 6831.
We are offering sit down eBook sessions in branch at the following times: Tuesdays at 7:15 pm and Thursdays at 10:15 am.
Call 250-542-7610 ext. 6822 to book a spot or email us at vereference@orl.bc.ca.
Check here to see if your eReader or Tablet is compatible with the library's eBook provider.
Are you looking for somewhere to take an invigilated exam, either written or online? The library can help you out. For more information, please read the Vernon Branch's Exam Invigilation Information for Students.
Call or email us to book your exam invigilation at vereference@orl.bc.ca or 250-542-7610 ext. 6822.
The Vernon Branch has 17 internet terminals with word processing capabilities available for one hour per day with a valid ORL library card. Unlimited Wi-Fi access is available all day. Printing and photocopying is $0.25 per page, black and white only. Scanning to email is available and is free of charge.
We have multiple public computer stations that can be used to access the internet and write documents using Word. You can also print wirelessly from your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, using Princh. All print jobs are $.25 per page, in black and white.
A. Those chair were bought as part of the the new library and are called Bouloum Lounge chairs.
A. Most of the artwork should have information tags beside each piece. Our Friends of the Library co-ordinates the artwork in the library and the vast majority is displayed by the Vernon Art Gallery.
The Vernon Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization formed in 1989, is registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia.
For all donations please call Trish at 250-938-2559. The library will no longer be accepting book donations at the branch. Magazines won't be accepted for donation.
The major fundraiser is the huge book sale held in early May every year.
Come on out to the biggest book sale of the year and support your local library!
Vernon Curling Club at 3400 39 Avenue
Friday, May 3 | 8 am to 10 am | $5.00 Early Bird Access Fee
Friday, May 3 | 10 am to 9 pm | Free
Saturday, May 4 | 10 am to 4 pm | Free
Past contributions made by the Friends of the Library include:
The Friends also hold smaller book sales throughout the year, and provide book bags for purchase at the branch.
New members are always welcome. Anyone interested in more information can contact Marilyn Courtenay at courtenaymarilyn@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
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