Kelowna library branch’s revitalization period continues. Thanks for your patience, during any ongoing renovation.
All ORL Branches are closed on statutory holidays.
There are six book drop bins located on the west side of the building. They are locked only during extended library closures (Easter and Christmas).
Winter 2018 Programming is now open for registration. Please click on either the Adults or Youth tabs below to see all the exciting programs coming up at Kelowna Library.
View events in calendar format.
For details or registration info, click on an event below.
Thursdays, once monthly. 6:30-7:30pm. Small meeting room #3.
It's finally here!!! Come talk about the things you love and hate about today's hottest YA books! Register online or swing by the Youth Services information desk. Pick up your book from the library and read it ahead of time, then come to the meeting to talk about the story, eat snacks, and have some fun! While the library may have limited copies of the book set aside, participants are responsible for finding their own copies. Come by yourself or bring a friend!
Thursday, May 3: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Thursday, May 31: Optimists Die First by Susin Nielsen
Wednesdays, 10:30-12:00. Children's Area. For children ages 2 months to 5 years. Offered by the Kelowna Child Care Society.
Check early, check often. It's normal to have questions about your child's development. We're here to help! Trained facilitators will be on-site and available to help you fill out an Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
Why check early?
6:30-7:30pm, Ages 6-12, Online Registration Required
1:00-2:00pm, Ages 6-12, Online Registration Required
For more information or to register for those programs that require registration, please call 250-762-2800 or visit our events calendar.
Speaker Series
NFB Film Club | Aabizingwashi (#WideAwake)
Book Clubs & Literary Events
Technology Training
Genealogy
Games Nights
Language Learning
Job Search Workshops
Financial Literacy
Income Tax Clinic
Four Towns that Moved: How mass mining changed life and landscape in the 20th century.
Monday February 19 | 6:45 - 8:30 pm | Classroom 1 Please register on Eventbrite
Eagle Glassheim, Professor and Head of the History Department, UBC Vancouver
Without mass destruction mining, the mass production and consumption that became common for much of the world in the 20th century would not be possible. In the early part of the twentieth century, construction and consumption vastly increased. In order to supply the raw materials required to feed this consumption, mining technologies had to keep pace. Highly-mechanized, high-throughput, mass-destruction mining resulted, and led to surges in production which fundamentally changed landscapes, labour and ways of life in mining regions.
Join us as Professor Eagle Glassheim explores these changes through case studies of mining towns in Europe, Canada, and the United States. The recent history of mass-destruction mining can help us see hidden connections between ourselves, the materials of our consumption, and remote mining landscapes and communities.
Ottawa and Empire: Canada and the military coup in Honduras
Wednesday March 28 | 6:45 - 8:30pm | Classroom 1 Please register on Eventbrite - link will be added when registration opens.
Tyler Shipley, Professor of Culture, Society and Commerce, Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
In 2015, the most prominent activist in the popular social movement in Honduras was assassinated. The murder of Berta Caceres was a chilling reminder that the oligarchy ruling the country since the military coup of 2009 was willing to use any means to maintain its grip on power. Since 2009, hundreds of Hondurans have been killed, while thousands more have been threatened, detained, kidnapped, or tortured.
What comes as a surprise to many Canadians is that the governments of Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau have been instrumental in making this happen. Canada was the strongest supporter of the 2009 coup and threw it's political, diplomatic, and economic weight behind the regime, even as it carried out this violent repression. Canada has, in turn, used its status as a sponsor of the Honduran oligarchy to get a favourable free trade agreement, to re-write Honduran laws affecting Canadian businesses, and even to create corporate-controlled "charter cities" within Honduran territory.
Nevertheless, Hondurans continue to struggle against the oligarchs who subverted their democratic system and interrupted the process of social reform that was so desperately needed in one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere.
Wednesdays * | January through March | 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Join us for free showings of the films in the National Film Board Film Club Fall 2017 program. Doors at 6:30, films to start at exactly 7:00 pm.
January 31 | Birth of a Family Removed from their young Dene mother's care as part of Canada's infamous Sixties Scoop. Betty Ann, Esther, Rosalie and Ben were four of the 20,000 Indigenous children taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or to live in foster care. As the four siblings piece together their shared history, their connection deepens, bringing laughter with it, and their family begins to take shape.
February 28 | Trick or Treaty Indigenous leaders in their quest for justice as they seek to establish dialogue with the Canadian government. By tracing the history of their ancestors since the signing of Treaty No. 9, these leaders aim to raise awareness about issues vital to First Nations in Canada: respect for and protection of their lands and their natural resources, and the right to hunt and fish so that their societies can prosper. In recent years, and awareness-raising movement has been surfacing in First Nations communities. In this powerful documentary, those who refuse to surrender are given a chance to speak out
Thursday* March 29 | Finding Dawn Dawn Crey. Ramona Wilson. Daleen Kay Bosse. These are just three of the estimated 500 Indigenous women who have gone missing or been murdered in Canada over the past 30 years. Directed by acclaimed Metis filmmaker Christine Welsh, Finding Dawn is a compelling documentary that puts a human face to this national tragedy.
Second Thursday of the month | September through June | Main Floor Meeting Room Afternoon Club | 3:00 – 4:30 Evening Club | 7:00 – 8:30
Kelowna Branch is continuing our popular book club for adults. We invite you to read the suggested titles and join us once a month for a lively, facilitated discussion of the featured title. The book club is open to all interested adults, and pre-registration is not required.
January 11 | Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien February 8 | Before the Fall by Noah Hawley March 8 | When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi April 12 | Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis May 10 | Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson June 14 | A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
Every Tuesday | 1:00 to 2:30 pm | Main Floor Meeting Room Registration required, call 250-762-2800 to register.
An all-inclusive book club, welcoming everyone regardless of reading ability and encouraging adults with diverse abilities to take part in discussions about new as well as classic titles. Books will be read together in a group setting with all participants invited to read aloud. Assistance with echo reading will be provided for those who wish to use it.
Current Book: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
May 9 | 6:30pm
Lou, family and friends reach this remote shore by kayak. There are no roads nor pathways. No docks nor safe buoys. They land on a little sheltered spit in a bay that is otherwise open ocean surf. In time, a trail is forged into the woods to build a cedar cabin to shelter them from the rain that can drench (and beautify) this sea coast. It is a dream that you can live - by joining Lou and husband, David, for their presentation, readings and audience discussion. Lou McKee is a professional artist, a kayaker and now, an author. Born on the coast of British Columbia, the sea and misty islands are in her blood and still call her to travel and explore in Sweet Chariot, her 47 year old kayak. Her husband, David Verwolf, also shares this sea-kayaking spirit.
July 12 | 6:30pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays | 2:30 - 3:30 pm | Classroom 2
Want to get the most out of your smart devices? Bring your phone or tablet to Mobile Meet-Ups, a 3-class course that will improve your understanding of and confidence with your device.
Register online or call 250-762-2800
Tuesdays April 10, Navigating your Device April 17, Device Settings April 24, Introduction to Apps
Thursdays April 12, Navigating your Device April 19, Device Settings April 26, Introduction to Apps
Wednesdays | 10:30 - 11:30 am | Classroom 2
Register online or call 250-762-2800.
Level 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet Bring your own laptop, or use one of our teaching laptops.
May 9 | Computer Basics Begin at the beginning. We cover how to turn the computer on and off, basic navigation in Windows 10, and introduce using the keyboard and mouse.
May 16 | Introduction to the Internet For internet newbies. A very basic introduction of what the internet is, and how to navigate it. Prerequisite: Computer Basics, or basic keyboard and mouse skills.
May 23 | Computer Basics – review Come in to review what you have learned so far, practice and ask questions. Prerequisite: Computer Basics and Introduction to the Internet, or some basic computer and internet experience.
Level 2: Beyond the Basics Bring your own laptop, or use one of our teaching laptops.
June 6 | Computers Beyond the Basics Delve deeper into what your computer can do.
June 13 | Internet Beyond the Basics Improve your skills for internet navigation.
June 20 | Beyond the Basics – review Come in to review what you have learned so far, practice and ask questions. Prerequisite: Computer Beyond the Basics and Internet Beyond the Basics, or some computer and internet experience.
Wednesdays | 1:00 - 3:00 pm Thursdays | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
A 2-hour self-directed session to practice Ancestry. Experienced users will be available for assistance.
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.
Tuesdays | 1:00 - 3:00 pm Wednesdays| 1:00 - 3:00 pm Thursdays | 5:00 - 7:00 pm Saturdays | 1:00 - 3:00 pm (April - September) Sundays | 1:00 - 3:00 pm (October - March)
Fourth Monday of the month | October - June | 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Family History Forums are hosted by the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society and the Okanagan Regional Library. They are free to everyone with an interest in tracing their Family History!
April 23 | Ancestry Tips to Improve Your Genealogy Research
Watch some great videos on using Ancestry LE: several tricks for using Ancestry’s search features; how to use Ancestry’s records effectively; plus more! Presenter: Anne Harrison.
Tuesdays | 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Strategy Board Games Join our great group of board gamers for our weekly board game night. Our friendly and welcoming group plays all kinds of games from light social games to in-depth strategy games. Euros, Cataan, FFG games, card games, you name it we play it. People are welcome to bring their own games as we're always looking to try new things. Our group is mostly adults but we almost always have some supervised kids come and they are welcome. We hope to see you there!
Chess Club Come play the game of kings! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned players.
Mondays | 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Join other Mandarin speakers for conversational practice. All levels welcome.
Tuesdays | 7:00 - 9:00 pm
A drop-in English-Spanish language exchange. It is casual, all ages and levels are welcome.
Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
A conversational English group for people with beginner to intermediate English language skills. Everyone welcome. Meet others, and improve your English with engaging conversation.
Tuesdays | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Join Maximus Canada in the Kelowna Branch for a series of job preparation workshops to perfect your job search game. Each series includes 3 weekly sessions:
Requirements: Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word. Email account or memory stick to take documents home.
Spring 2018 Session 1: April 12, 19, 26
Session 2: May 10, 17. 24
Thursdays | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Small Meeting Room 2
Register online or contact the Kelowna Library. You may register for only the topics of interest, or for the whole 7 week series. A certificate is available for those who complete the series.
April 5 | Assets April 12 | Banking April 19 | Budgeting Part 1 April 26 | Budgeting Part 2 May 3 | Credit Part 1 May 10 | Credit Part 2 May 17 | Consumerism
Need a hand to prepare your income tax return? Volunteers can help prepare your income tax and benefit returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation. Bring your tax information slips and receipts. For more information on eligibility, please visit, http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/vlntr/nd-eng.html.
Dates:
Tuesday April 10th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Tuesday April 17th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Tuesday April 24th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
DROP-IN
Location: Small Meeting Room #2 - second floor
We have a variety of bookable and rental spaces in the Kelowna Library. All meeting spaces have free wifi. Some have presentation equipment available.
Please download and read Kelowna Library Rental Spaces Information Document for complete information, or call the library, 250-762-2800 with any questions.
Small Meeting Rooms Available during branch open hours only.
We currently have three small meeting room available to book. These rooms are free, hold up to 10 people, and can be booked up to 3 months in advance.
Classrooms Available during branch open hours only. There are two classrooms available for rent on the second floor. They can be rented individually, or together to form one large meeting space. The classrooms have glass walls which can be opened or closed to change the configuration of the space.
Classroom 1 Capacity: 55 Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound Rates: $50 base rate (2 hours), $25 per additional hour, $150 per day (>6 to 8 hours). Hourly rate for hours more than 8.
Classroom 2 Capacity: 40 Technology: HDMI portable TV screen available on request Rates: $40 base rate (2 hours), $20 per additional hour, $125 per day(>6 to 8 hours). Hourly rate for hours more than 8.
Main Floor Meeting Room Available from 8am to 1 hour after the library closes. Contact staff for details on before/after hours use. Whole Meeting Room Capacity: 100 Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound Rates: $80 base rate (2 hours), $40 per additional hour, $250 per day (>6 to 8 hours). Hourly rate for hours more than 8.
Half Meeting Room Capacity: 40 Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound Rates: $40 base rate (2 hours), $20 per additional hour, $125 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 and the additional reading lounge. 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.
Capacity: 300 Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound Rates: $300 base rate (4 hours), $50 per additional hour, $550 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.
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.
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.
The Kelowna Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization formed in 1988, is registered under the Society Act of British Columbia and the Canada Income Tax Act. Persons interested in libraries are encouraged to volunteer with Friends as we support the downtown Kelowna, Mission & Rutland branches through our fundraising book sales and joint activities.
Funds raised significantly support Summer Reading Club and year-round programming for babes to toddlers to teens plus guest speakers & events for adults; and enhanced facilities at the three branches. Towards their various year-round book sales, Kelowna Friends accept donations of gently used books to their sorting house at 1898 Barlee Road, Kelowna. Volunteers are on duty to review and accept items at the house on Fridays, 9am to noon.
Kelowna Friends major fundraiser, the Great Okanagan Book Sale, takes place in October each year. The Kelowna Friends sponsor an endowment fund with the Central Okanagan Foundation.
For volunteer and donation information, please visit www.kelownafol.ca, or email Friends at fol4k@hotmail.com.
Follow Kelowna Friends on Facebook to keep updated on their latest activities and read posts on ORL, libraries, reading & literacy
Directors of Kelowna Friends of the Library hold meetings rotated between the three branch libraries, at 5:30 pm on the second Monday of each month. No board meetings are held in July & August. The society's AGM is held on a Saturday in late November.
For further information, please email fol4k@hotmail.com.
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