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).
Summer 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.
Programs run September 10 to December 1 (except Pyjama Family Story Time, which begins in October), Drop-in & Free.
Lego + KEVA Planks at the library! Build your own creation or try out a building challenge. Ages 6-12, Online Registration Required. Thursday once monthly, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
Join us for fun with STEAM: Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math. Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Ages 6-12. Online registration required.
Join us for an evening of lively discussion, games and snacks at our Parent-Child Book Club for kids ages 8-12 and their parents. Remember: Both parents and kids should read the book in advance! Attendees are responsible for finding their own copies of the book. Contact the Youth Services Department for more information: 250-762-2800 ext2823.
Thursdays once monthly, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Online registration required.
Tuesdays, once monthly. 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Online registration required. Ages 13+.
Joining TAG gives you a voice in what happens at the library. We are a fun group of teens that is always welcoming new members! As part of the group, you will:
Eat tasty snacks (nom nom nom); Tell us what you’ve read and what you want to read; Help promote and run teen programs and tell us what you’d like teen services at the library to look like; Find out how to earn volunteer hours; Add community engagement to your resumes.
December 1, 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
Celebrate Downtown Light Up with a visit to the library! All activities are free and drop-in. All materials provided. Festivities include:
December 4 | 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
December 6, 7, 8 | 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Santa can't stop sneezing. It's nearly Christmas Eve, and he's coming down with a terrible cold. If Santa is sick, who will finish making the presents, and then deliver them?
The puppet show is recommended for children ages 3-6. Free tickets are required and will be available at the Youth Services Information Desk starting November 22nd.
We learn, create, develop and play together. Register online and join us every first and last Thursday of month, 5:30-6:30pm.
Questions about the Engineering and Coding Club? Please contact Seva Lynov (vlynov@orl.bc.ca) and Heather Marnier (hmarnier@orl.bc.ca).
We learn, create, develop and play together. Register online and join us every first and last Thursday of month, 6:30-7:30pm. Questions about the Engineering and Coding Club? Please contact Seva Lynov (vlynov@orl.bc.ca) and Heather Marnier (hmarnier@orl.bc.ca).
Wednesdays, 10:30-12:00. 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? - To identify my strengths as well as areas that I may need to practice. - To ensure I am off to the best possible start.
Enjoy tea, cookies, and support from local perinatal professionals, sharing insight with birthing families of the Okanagan valley. Mondays, once monthly, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Free and drop-in, but pre-registration is encouraged at okanaganbirthcollective@gmail.com
For more information or to register for those programs that require registration, please call 250-762-2800 or visit our events calendar.
Special Events
Author Talks
Speaker Series
Book Clubs & Literary Events
Culture
Film Nights
Games Nights
Crafting Your Happiness
Language Learning
Job Search Workshops
Technology Training
Genealogy
Financial Literacy
November 3 | 1 PM
In honour of Remembrance Day, please join us for a talk from Gerard Parsons, a veteran with over 20 years experience in the Navy and Army.
Cookie Recipe Swap
November 28 | 7 PM
Looking for new cookie recipes for the holiday season? This is the event to attend. You will get to exchange recipes, learn the history of the cookie, eat some sweet treats and more!
Please register on the events calendar or call the branch, Kelowna 250-762-2800.
NaNoWriMo
November. 30 days. 50,000 words. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is coming to the Library. Whether you’re an accomplished author or have never yet put pen to page, National Novel Writing Month’s challenge to write 50,000 words in a month is a great way to get the words in your head onto the page. It doesn’t have to be good, it just has to be written. So join us, and see what you can write!
Contact the library for more information or see online events calendar for special dates.
Registration: Registration? What’s that? Pick up a pen, pull out your keyboard, and start writing! You’re in!
Check out www.nanowrimo.org for more information.
Oct 16 | 7 PM | Classroom 1
Oct 17 | 6 PM | Classroom 1
Unknown secrets threaten the solidarity of the Henley family when a letter arrives from India that will change the course of their lives. Together as a family they will brave nature's wrath and will overcome impossible obstacles as they make their treacherous way to St. Louis.
Oct 17 | 6:30 PM | Meeting Room
Born in an isolated village in eastern Hungary between the great wars, Adam yearned for more. More excitement, more freedom, more knowledge of the world... and often more food. Locked up for theft at age nine, Adam's life took one tumultuous turn after another...
The Politics of Tourism in the Okanagan and Beyond
Two nights of talks at the Kelowna Public Library will engage in a wide-ranging and stimulating conversation about the politics of tourism. How are the practices and experiences of tourism shaped by politics and culture? What power relations unfold around the marketing and consumption of tourism?
Politics, Power and Play – Tourism on the Frontline
October 2 | 7:00 pm
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Raoul Bianchi, East London University Tourism in the Okanagan: Power, Place, and Promise (Panel Discussion)
October 3 | 7:00 pm
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.
September 13 | Birdie by Tracey Lindberg
October 11 | Old Filth by Jane Gardem
November 8 | The Waters of Eternal Youth by Donna Leon
December 13 | They Left Us Everything by Plum Johnson
January 10 | Beartown by Fredrik Backman
February 14 | A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
March 14 | Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
April 11 | American War by Omar El Akkad
May 9 | The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
June 13 | Educated by Tara Westover
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
Every 2nd Monday | Starting Nov 5 | 6 - 7 PM
The Poetry Circle invites all poetry enthusiasts to a warm and welcoming environment that fosters the creative exchange of poetry among poets of all writing levels.
Activities include reading and discussing works by the great poets, as well as the sharing and appreciating of original poems. Come enjoy the works of others and grow as a poet.
This is a free drop-in program open to all.
TBA
Drop-in program, no registration required.
Join us for a mini-lesson and dance social.
6:30 PM - Mini-lesson for beginners 7:00 PM - Social Dancing (by-demand music)
No special skills or clothes required, you do not have to have a partner or be an experienced dancer. You just need to be yourself, without meeting any height, weight, body or age criteria. The only thing you need is your desire to dance and learn!
You will learn: - basic steps and movements of the dance - how to communicate using lead-and-follow technique - how to improvise using only basics and your imagination
Social dances will bring a lot of emotions, warm feelings, new friendships, parties and congresses. Just come and try - and you will experience it yourself! To find out more about the Kelowna dance community: https://www.fb.com/kelownasalsacommunity/ Questions? Contact:
Seva zoukkelowna@gmail.com
A turn-key initiative created specifically for public libraries, the NFB film club grants free, privileged access to new, relevant and thought-provoking documentaries.
The Dispossessed September 24 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Unarmed Verses October 25 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Book an one hour, one-on-one appointment for device help, Kelowna 250-762-2800. No drop-ins.
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 | 2:30 pm | October 9, 16, 23
Thursdays | 2:30 pm | October 11, 18, 25
Register online or call the Kelowna Branch, 250-762-2800.
Level 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet Bring your own laptop, or use one of our teaching laptops.
Wednesdays | 10:30 am
Sept 12 | 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.
Sept 19 | 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.
Sept 26 | 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.
Nov 7 | Computers Beyond the Basics Delve deeper into what your computer can do.
Nov 14 | Internet Beyond the Basics Improve your skills for internet navigation.
Nov 21 | 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.
Thursday, October 18 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join Library staff for a class to help you feel knowledgeable and confident about assessing and protecting your security online.
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!
Tuesdays | 5:00 - 9:00 pm
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!
Come play the game of kings! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned players.
Wednesdays | 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Adventurers wanted! Young and old, seasoned veterans or those so green they don’t know the difference between a goblin and a kobold. If you have the nerve to stand in the face of evil and send it back to the pits from whence it came, Kelowna’s D&D Adventurers League needs you! Come play the 5th Edition of the classic Tabletop RPG “Dungeons & Dragons.” Fight monsters, solve puzzles and avoid death in the most dramatic fashion.
RSVP at meetup.com/OKTabletop
Questions? Contact the library.
Saturdays beginning October 6 | 10 am – 12 pm
Crafting meets self-care. Every Saturday, a mix of independent crafting and at times guided learning that is focused on cultivating happiness and taking time to care for ones self.
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.
Thursdays | 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.
Register online or call 250-762-2800.
Fall 2018 Session 1: Sept 13, 20, 27
Session 2: Oct 11, 18, 25
Session 3:Nov 8, 15, 22
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.
Click here for a basic map showing the locations of all our meeting rooms.
Small Meeting Rooms Available during branch open hours only. Rooms as is - no office supplies, A/V equipment or additional furnishings provided.
We currently have three small meeting room available to book. These rooms are free, hold up to 10-12 people, and can be booked up to 4 months in advance.
Classrooms Available during branch open hours only. Setup and take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter. 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.
If 20+ attendees, refuse must be taken by the renter.
Classroom 1 Capacity: 55 (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.
Classroom 2 Capacity: 40 (theatre style) Technology: Sound system only Rates (not incl. GST): $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 1 hour before opening to 1 hour after the library closes. Contact staff for details on before/after hours use.
Setup and takedown (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter.
Whole Meeting Room Capacity: 100 (theatre style) Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound Rates (not incl. GST): $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 (theatre style) Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound Rates (not incl. GST): $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 (theatre style) Technology: Ceiling Mounted Projector and Screen / Sound Rates (not incl. GST): $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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