Story Time

In-person Story Time programs do not require registration. Drop-in to join the fun!

Baby Time

Ages newborn to 18 months | Mondays @ 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM OR Tuesdays @ 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Baby Time is our joyful early literacy program that helps grow the roots of a lifelong love of language. Bond with your baby through the power of songs and rhymes!

April 1 to May 27

Wiggles & Giggles

Ages newborn to 18 months | Mondays @ 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM OR Tuesdays @ 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Drop in and meet other families in a relaxed, informal environment. Babies and their caregivers will have the opportunity to socialize, explore age appropriate toys, and enjoy a selection of books.

April 1 to May 27

Baby Social

Ages newborn to 18 months | Select Fridays | 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Drop in and meet other families in a relaxed, informal environment. Babies and their caregivers will have the opportunity to socialize, explore age appropriate toys, and enjoy a selection of books.

April 25 and May 30

Toddler Time

Ages 18 months to 3 years | Wednesdays OR Fridays @ 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM

Toddler Time helps young children develop early literacy skills through fun stories, rhymes and songs based on simple concepts.

April 2 to May 30

Stay & Play

Ages 18 months to 3 years | Wednesdays OR Fridays @ 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM

Join us after Toddler Time for Stay & Play, an unstructured playtime for children and their caregivers to socialize and explore. Soft play equipment and a variety of toys will be available.

April 2 to May 30

Family Story Time

Family | Thursdays | 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

Join us for fun stories, rhymes, puppets and songs that will get the family dancing, singing and learning together. 

April 3 to May 31

Family Story Time @ Parkinson Recreation Centre

Family | Fridays | 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Join us in the Spartan Room at Parkinson Recreation Centre (1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna) for fun stories, rhymes, puppets and songs. Featuring books selected for children ages 3+ and their parents/caregivers, but all children are welcome. 

April 4 to June 13

Kids

Young Adults 

Some programs are offered virtually, in-person or a hybrid of both. Please pay attention to the description to see how it is being offered.

The library uses Teams for its online programming. Visit our Teams introduction document to learn how it works.

While all library programming is free to attend, we will occasionally instruct patrons to bring their own materials. Please read program descriptions carefully for all the information you'll need. Feel free to email us at kelowna@orl.bc.ca if you have any questions or concerns.

Jump to:

Special Events

Arts, Literature & Culture

Peer Language Learning

Technology Training

Genealogy

Games Nights

MakerSpace

Special Events

Author Talk: The Kelowna Story

Saturday, June 7th, 2:00pm to 3:00pm |Registration Required

To celebrate her updated book launch, the downtown Kelowna library is hosting Sharron J. Simpson, a leading local historian whose family roots have been entwined with Kelowna for five generations, for a reading and Q&A session. See our calendar for details, including a link to join online.

Nonviolent Comedy Night

See schedule below, 6:00PM to 7:30PM | Drop-In

Join us for a community comedy night of standup performances in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Nonviolent Comedy is an emerging vein of comedy that values public spaces, equality, and aliveness. Local comedians perform stand up sets created in exploration of Nonviolent Comedy. Join us for cheerful chuckles, joyful jubilance, and silly surprises.

Interested in performing? 

Contact Jasmine: hello@comediansinkelowna.ca

comediansinkelowna.ca/nonviolent-comedy

Schedule:

• Tues, May 27
• Wed, June 25
• Tues, July 29
• Tues, August 26

Seed Library

Kelowna Seed Library opened on May 12, 2023. You are welcome to visit us, borrow some seeds and return some from your harvest.

Arts, Literature & Culture

Okanagan Comic Creators Meetup

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, 3:00 PM  to 5:00 PM |Drop-in

This workshop allows people to come together with ideas, works in progress or a general interest in comic creation to share feedback and constructive cricism. Bring your physical or digital materials and share your comic book, webcomic, graphic novel, manga or other visual storytelling medium. You can join the discussion in-person every 2nd and 4th Saturday or online in the Discord server.

All ages welcome.

Kelowna Reads Book Club

2 PM | Drop-in

Join us the third Thursday of the month to discuss the chosen title. Meetings are in branch at 2:00 pm, drop in.

Please email klreference@orl.bc.ca for more information

• January 16 – Fire Weather by John Vaillant
• February 20 – The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
• March 20 – The Wager by David Grann

Perspectives

2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM | How to register detailed below

Perspectives Book Club is a welcoming community dedicated to learning and exploring new perspectives through reading. We invite you read along each month and join our monthly book club meetings at the Kelowna Downtown Library. All are welcome!

Perspectives Book Club is offered through Kelowna Inclusive, a non-profit organization organized around making Kelowna a more inclusive city. 

Connect with Perspectives on FaceBook @Perspectives Book Club or email kelownainclusive.perspectives@gmail.com. 

Upcoming sessions:

• April 14: Beartown by Fredrik Backman 
• May 12: Skid Dogs by Emelia Symington-Fedy 

Kelowna Writer's Group

1st Tuesday each month, 6 PM | Drop-in

An inclusive, all genre critique group. Member's can bring writing they are working on to share and receive feedback from their peers, and are also welcome to listen and learn if they do not want to present work. This group aims to help writers improve their work, learn about writing, and build community with other writers. Any genre, style, area of interest, skill level and age is welcome. Some sensitive, personal, or mature topics may be discussed.

Peer Language Learning

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Mandarin Mondays

Mondays, 5 PM - 7 PM | Drop-in

A free Mandarin conversation club in Kelowna bridges east and west. Come meet with Mandarin speaking tutors every Monday. Learners with basic levels will benefit the most from joining this club.

 

Spanish-English Intercambio

Tuesdays starting at 6pm | Drop-In

Practice your conversational language skills! / ¡Practica tus habilidades de lenguaje conversacional!

Join us weekly to practice your English or Spanish in a relaxed, friendly environment.  / Únase a nosotros semanalmente para practicar su inglés o español en un ambiente relajado y amigable.

 

English Corner

Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 8 PM | Drop-in

We learn, we share, we discover. English Corner is a conversational group for people with beginner to intermediate English skills that meet weekly to discuss topics that unite and inspire us.

 

Technology Training

You can now book one-on-one tech help appointments with a librarian! Whether a Kobo eReader, phone, tablet or computer, we can teach you the skills you need to navigate the digital world and connect to the library's resources. Contact us to set up your appointment.

Please note that staff are limited in what they can offer. For example, we cannot set up a new device for you. Further restrictions will be communicated when you sign up.

For brief inquiries or general eBook help or troubleshooting, feel free to call our help line at 1-844-649-8127 or email at help@orl.bc.ca and one of our tech experts will assist you.

Android for Beginners

Concluded for the season. Please check back later.

A set of three sessions designed to help participants learn how to navigate Android Tablets and /Smart Phones. Topics include learning how to use the touch screen, delving into device settings, and learning about how to download and manage apps. Please bring your device and any login information you need. 

Apple for Beginners

Concluded for the season. Please check back in the fall.

A set of three sessions designed to help participants learn how to navigate Android Tablets and /Smart Phones. Topics include learning how to use the touch screen, delving into device settings, and learning about how to download and manage apps. Please bring your device and any login information you need.

Computers for Beginners

Concluded for the season. Please check back in the fall.

In this three-part course, we will cover the very base operations and functions of Windows-based computers, including navigation, file management and more. Registration for all three weeks is required, as each class will build on the next. Laptops are provided.

Genealogy and Family History

Visit our Facilities and Services tab to see what in-branch resources we have.

Family History Forum - Virtual

Every fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM |  Registration Required

Join us for monthly topics hosted virtually by the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society! They will cover a variety of fascinating topics related to family history. Please visit our events calendar to register and receive the Zoom login information necessary to participate.

Visit our calendar to see what each month's topic is.

This program is through Zoom. Please register to receive the login information.

Genealogist in Residence

Come to the Library to chat with genealogists from the Kelowna and District Genealogical Society. Learn how to find more on your family tree, or ask about your next steps if you’ve hit a wall in your research.

2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Games Night at the Library

Mahjong & Go Mondays

Every second and third Monday starting at 5pm | Drop-in

Eastern classics! Learn and play these traditional strategy games among friends. All skill levels welcome. Go is volunteer-run so availaibity may be limited.

Interested in playing Mahjong another day? Ask our information desk to borrow a set.

Drop-in Chess

Every Thursday starting at 6pm | Drop-In 

The classic game of strategy! Master your moves or challenge your peers in this casual drop-in event. Chess boards and pieces provided but feel free to bring your own. All skill levels welcome!

Board Games Night

Every Tuesday starting at 5:00 pm | Drop-in

Looking for a place to play some table top games? Every Tuesday we host board games night. From social games to in-depth strategy games, we have a number to choose from. Feel free to bring your own!

Makerspace

Join us in the Makerspace to create, invent, tinker, explore and
discover using a variety of tools and materials - such as our 3D printer, Cricut
cutter, digitization station, recording studio and more!

Visit the Facilities and Services tab for more information.

Makerspace

Use of Makerspace stations is by appointment. You can receive certification by taking one of our online courses on Niche Academy or by registering for a certification class through the calendar here (select Downtown Kelowna as your Branch).

Visit our system-wide Makerspace Page to view the services we offer.

Join us in the Makerspace to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials - such as our 3D printer, Cricut cutter, digitization station, recording studio and more!

Those under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian maker. Contact or visit the Branch to learn more. 

Visit our reservation platform,  Spaces, to view and reserve times for specific Makerspace devices.

Appointments for Makerspace stations are available during these hours:

• Mon: Closed
• Tues: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM & 5:00 to 7:30 PM
• Wed: 12:00 to 2:00 PM & 3:00 to 6:00 PM
• Thurs: 1:00 to 4:00 PM & 5:00 to 7:30 PM
• Fri: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 2:00 to 5:00 PM
• Sat: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 2:00 to 4:30 PM
• Sun: Closed

Please note that some of our equipment have reduced hours compared to others. 

Kelowna Branch Bookable and Rentable Spaces

We have a variety of bookable and rental spaces in the Kelowna Library. All meeting spaces have free Wi-Fi. Some have presentation equipment available.

Please download and read Kelowna Library Rental Spaces Information Document for complete information, or call the library at 250-762-2800 with any questions.

Click here to view a basic map showing the locations of all our meeting rooms.

Reserve a Meeting Room Online

You can reserve a meeting room online at https://orl.libcal.com/spaces/Kelowna, at least two days in advance and up to two months in advance. Library staff will approve your booking based on availability.

Small Meeting Rooms

Available during branch open hours only. Rooms are as is - no office supplies, A/V equipment or additional furnishings provided.

We currently have two small meeting rooms available to book. These rooms are free, hold up to 12 people, and can be booked up to 2 months in advance.

• Cannot be used for solicitation or selling of products or services, individuals cannot be charged to attend.
• One booking per day (max 4 hours) by person or group; 3 bookings per week by person or group.
• Maximum 6 total current bookings by person or group

Classrooms 

Available during branch open hours only. Setup and take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter. Can be booked up to 2 months in advance.

There is one classroom available for rent on the second floor. It can be rented on its own, or with the adjacent room to form one large meeting space (Great Room). The classrooms have glass walls which can be opened or closed to change the configuration of the space.

If 20+ attendees,  all refuse must be taken by the renter.

Classroom 1

• Capacity: 54 (theatre style)
• Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound
• Rates (not incl. GST): $50 base rate (2 hours), $25 per additional hour, $150 per day (>6 to 8 hours). Hourly rate for hours more than 8.

Great Room

The library features a large event space on the second floor comprising the two classrooms. The furniture is flexible in this space and it can be rearranged to accommodate a variety of functions. Please inquire for more details about this space.

Setup and take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter.

If 20+ attendees, all refuse must be taken by the renter.

• Capacity: 120 (theatre style)
• Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound
• Rates (not incl. GST): $180 base rate (4 hours), $45 per additional hour, $270 per day (>6 to 8 hours). Hourly rate for hours more than 8.

Please contact the branch at 250-762-2800 for further information or to book a room.

Computers and Wi-Fi 

The library features 13 public computer terminals which grant 1 hour of internet time. Use your library card to log in or speak with staff to receive a temporary computer pass. Extensions may be granted provided there are enough free terminals available. Visit our general Computers and Internet Access page for more details.

The library also has complimentary Wi-Fi. Simply connect to the "ORL" wireless network and agree to our terms and conditions to begin.

Seating

From soft seating to chairs at tables, the library has many places to sit during your visit. 

Genealogical Materials

The ORL partners with the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society to offer assistance with family history research and hosts a special in-branch library of historical and genealogical material. Access their catalogue of resources here or visit in person.

The Kelowna branch of the ORL features a collection of archival material on microfilm, including newspapers and government records, as well as a microfilm reader donated by the Friends of the Library. Inter-library requests are also available. Please submit a request with staff and we will try to locate records for you.

The library holds the following records in microfilm format:

Newspapers

Globe & Mail, January 1992 – 2024

Kelowna Courier, July 1904 – December 2017

Note: the Courier is also available online up to a certain date. Click here to access it.

BC Government Records

BC Directories, 1860 – 2001

BC Birth Registrations (including “delayed” and “Indian”), 1858 – 1903

BC Marriage Registrations, 1872 – 1932

BC Death Registrations, 1872 – 1988

Canada Census Records, 1666 – 1916

Ontario Indexes

Archives of Ontario Indexes to Births, Marriages & Deaths:

MS 931, reels 1-28 (births, 1869 - 1906)

MS 934, reels 1-27 (marriages, 1873 - 1921)

MS 937, reels 1-28 (deaths, 1869 - 1931)

Kelowna Branch Tours For Everyone

For Children and Teens

Branch tours may be available upon request.

We can provide an introduction to the library or tailor the visit around a project/assignment.

Contact us today to see how we can help your class.

Daycares/Preschools must register if they wish to attend a storytime.

To book a free tour for kids contact Kelowna Youth Services Department 250-762-2800 or klysreference@orl.bc.ca.

For Adults

Branch tours may be available upon request.

Groups of adults can enjoy a tour at the library too!

ESL classes, retirement homes, book clubs and more can contact Kelowna Reference for further information.

To book a free tour for adults contact the Kelowna Reference Department 250-762-2800 or klreference@orl.bc.ca.

Exam Invigilation 

The library offers exam invigilation. Students must book 2 weeks in advance and follow all health and safety regulations as described by our policies and BC health officials. The library will provide a computer with internet access if needed, they are not equipped with a webcam.

We offer 3 hour timeslots in the following days and times:

Click here for our guidelines and restrictions: KL Invigilation Information - Students - 2024

Please speak with Kelowna staff to book a time. Restrictions apply.

Kelowna Friends of the Library are a non-profit organization formed in 1988, with a mission to raise funds to support Okanagan Regional Library including the downtown Kelowna, Mission & Rutland branches, to enhance the profile of our libraries in the community, and to increase awareness and use of library program and services. Persons interested in libraries are encouraged to volunteer with Friends as we support ORL through our year-round fundraising book sales and joint activities.

Up to 2019, Kelowna Friends were registered under the Society Act of British Columbia and the Canada Income Tax Act.  Monetary donations should now be directed to the Okanagan Regional Library Admin Centre.

Kelowna Friends’ major fundraiser, the Great Okanagan Book Sale, takes place typically in Fall/November each year. Funds raised significantly support Summer Reading Club, year-round programming for babies to toddlers to teens, book clubs, guest speakers & events for adults, and enhanced facilities and maker spaces at all ORL branches.

To stock the various year-round book sales, Kelowna Friends accept donations of gently used books at our sorting base at 

To stock the various year-round book sales, Kelowna Friends accept donations of gently used books at our sorting base at #114 – 2476 Westlake Road, West Kelowna, next to Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital. Donations can be made at this location on Fridays 9am – 11:30am when volunteers are on duty to review and accept items, or anytime in small amounts in drop-bins at the ORL Administration Centre (1430 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna) and at Parkinson Recreation Centre (Harvey Ave & 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna). Friends acknowledge Dr. Moshe Oz and Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving for their support with these operations and sales.

For book sales, volunteer and donation information, visit www.kelownafol.ca, or email Friends at fol4k@hotmail.com

Volunteer co-ordinators & interested volunteers hold formal meetings as necessary, rotating between the three branch libraries and our sorting base.

Follow Kelowna Friends on Facebook to keep updated on our latest activities and read posts on ORL, libraries, reading & literacy.

For further information, please email fol4k@hotmail.com