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.
July 10 to August 17, Drop-in & Free
Join us for a "Motion Commotion" this summer at the library! Join the club at the Youth Services Information Desk and pick up your free reading log, challenge tracker and contest ballots.
Summer Reading Club is for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under can join the Read-to-Me Club and teens can pick up a challenge tracker to win prizes!
Registration required for all programs unless indicated as Drop-in on the calendar. Registration opens two weeks before the each program date: http://orl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar
July 10: Paddle Boats with Men’s Shed: 2:30-3:30pm. Build your own rubber-band powered paddle boat and test it out in our boat race! Ages 6-12. Registration required.
July 11: Bubble Wonders: 2:30-3:30pm. Geoff Akins combines incredible bubble wizardry with whimsical words of wisdom you and yours will take to heart. Ages 5-12. Drop-in, no registration required.
July 12: Robotic Race Day: 2:30-3:30pm. Using engineering and technology, you will be building tracks and racing vehicles. Ages 8-12. Registration required.
July 13: Make a Splash! 2:30-4:00pm. Using technology, you can splash in virtual puddles, but you may also be asked to walk a pirate’s plank… careful, me hearties! Ages 6-12. Drop-in, no registration required.
July 17: Bhangra Dance in the Library: 2:30-3:30pm. Join Dance2Fit for a demonstration of Bhangra, the lively traditional folk dance that comes from Northern India, then learn how to do it yourself! Ages 6-12. Registration required.
July 18: Bees Abuzz with the Kelowna Museum: 2:30-3:30pm. What’s the buzz? Bees! Our favourite flying friends do more than fly, pollinate and make honey. They are awesome dancers. That’s right, they can boogie with the best of them. Learn about the lifecycle and the dance moves of bees in this interactive program. Ages 6-12. Registration required.
July 19: Shadow Puppets: 2:30-3:30pm. Shadow Puppetry is a magical and immersive style of visual storytelling using overhead projectors as the main light source. Learn how to make your own shadow puppets then test them out in a short theatrical production. Ages 8-12. Registration required.
July 20: Mystery Bag Makerspace: 2:30-4:00pm. Grab a mystery bag and solve engineering challenges using the contents. Ages 6-12. Drop-in, no registration required.
July 24: Character Creations with Sean Ridgway: 2:30-3:30pm. Join a former Disney animator for a fun and creative workshop on character creation and design. Ages 6-12. Registration required.
July 25: Zumba Kids: 2:30-3:30pm. Come and get fit while having fun doing Zumba Kids with Jody. Ages 6-12. Registration required.
July 26: Techno Dance Party: 2:30-3:30pm. A dance party for robots? Why not?! Not only will you create the music, you will also control the dancers! Ages 6-12. Registration required.
July 27: Nature Day: 2:30-4:00pm. Create your own woodland creatures from pinecones and wood slices. Ages 6-12. Drop-in, no registration required.
July 31: Zooming Through the Universe with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada: 2:30-3:30pm. How fast are we moving when we're standing still? It feels like we're not moving but we're really zooming through the Universe. Let's find out how fast! Ages 6-12. Registration required.
August 1: Attack the Fort: 2:30-3:30pm. Have you ever heard of the Trojan War? This is “Motion Commotion” in action. Build a fort. Ready for battle? Build your catapult and let the battle begin! Ages 6-12. Registration required.
August 2: Tech Take Apart: 2:30-3:30pm. Ever wanted to take apart a piece of technology to look inside? Today is the day! With care and finesse, we will find out what makes technology tick! Ages 8-12. Registration required.
August 3: Harry Potter Day: 2:30-4:00pm. Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Gryffindor? Only our sorting hat knows for sure. Dress up in your best Harry Potter costumes and join us for sorting and fun! Ages 6-12. Drop-in, no registration required.
August 7: The Power of Habitat: 2:30-3:30pm. Food. Water. Shelter. Space. Join a park interpreter from the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan and explore ideas around how animals move and adapt in their ecosystem. Ages 6-12. Registration required.
August 8: Blast Off! 2:30-3:30pm. Blast off on an intergalactic vacation! Learn fun facts about your galaxy and beyond then paint your own intergalactic t-shirt. Ages 6-12. Registration required.
* Please bring a clean white t-shirt.
August 9: Magic Show with Leif David: 2:30-3:30pm. Celebrate Summer Reading Club with a fantastic magic show presented by Leif David. All ages. Drop-in, no registration required.
August 10: Super Duper Craft Extravaganza: 2:30-4:00pm. Drop in and craft to your heart’s content. Ages 6-12. Drop-in, no registration required.
August 14: Escape Room: Aliens Attack! 2:30-3:30pm. Aliens have landed and locked you aboard their ship. You must decode and use technology to save yourself and the planet. Ages 8-12. Registration required.
August 15: 3D Printer and Green Screen Demo: 2:30-3:30pm. Drop in to try out the ORL’s new 3D printer and have your photo taken in front our green screen. Ages 6-12. Drop-in, no registration required.
August 16: Booksmack and Marshmallow Toss: 2:30-3:30pm. Each participant has 30 seconds to tell us about a book, but talk longer than 30 seconds and we'll toss marshmallows at you! Be prepared for fast paced book reviews, fast pitched marshmallows, and hilarious Minute to Win It games! Ages 8-12. Registration required.
*Please bring a book you might want to talk about. Feeling a little shy? Don't worry, you can skip the talking about a book part and just toss marshmallows!
August 17: Even Bigger Build It Extravaganza: 2:30-4:00pm. We’ve got it: wood slices, spaghetti, marshmallows, craft sticks… You build it! Show us your creativity! Ages 6-12. Drop-in, no registration required.
For more information or to register for those programs that require registration, please call 250-762-2800 or visit our events calendar.
Adult Summer Reading Club
Book Clubs & Literary Events
Culture
Technology Training
Genealogy
Games Nights
Language Learning
Job Search Workshops
Speaker Series
Financial Literacy
June 11 - August 25
So what if you're not a kid anymore, the Library still has a reading club for you! Pick up your booklet at the downtown Kelowna Library and join the Adult Summer Reading Club for a chance at fabulous prizes!
None required, just pick up a booklet June 11th onwards.
Murdering Mr. Edwards – Shawn L. Bird
July 12th |6.30 pm
Get it out of your head and on to the page! Author, Shawn Bird (Murdering Mr. Edwards), will be providing a workshop on how to start writing what you have always wanted to.
One obnoxious English teacher. 12 tales of his death. In this noir-vella of interlinked short stories, Mr. Edwards is murdered by twelve school staff members in twelve stories. If you have ever worked with someone who had you contemplating murder, you will relate to the darkly humorous tales.
Clever, funny, and totally engaging… I loved it! ~ Diana Gabaldon, author of OUTLANDER
Drop-in program, no registration required.
Saturday| July 14th | 2:00-4:00 pm | Classroom 1
Looking for a good book, but already read all your favorite authors? Connect with others who can recommend their favorites, and talk about one of your favorite books in return! Sign up and let us know what book you’ll be talking about and we’ll have copies on hand to check out for your newly converted devotees. No awkward public speaking, just quick, one on one conversations about a book that you love.
Registration is appreciated, but drop-ins are welcome!
TBA
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
July 12 | 6:30pm
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
June 21st | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Cuban Salsa
Instructors and directors for the Kelowna Salsa Community, Nathan and Alicia bring a fun and welcoming atmosphere with them every time they touch the floor. Whether it's organizing and running Kelowna's Salsa in the Park nights, bringing in international instructors for workshops, or simply teaching Salsa Thursday's at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, they are always willing to share their love of dance. With more than 15 years of dance experience between the two of them you are sure to walk away with something new and a smile on your face.
July 26th | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Dominican Bachata
August 23rd | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Angolan Kizomba
During the summer book an one hour, one-on-one appointment for device help, Kelowna 250-762-2800. No drop-ins.
Will return Fall 2018
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
TBA - September
Level 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet Bring your own laptop, or use one of our teaching laptops.
TBA | 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.
TBA | 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.
TBA | 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.
TBA | Computers Beyond the Basics Delve deeper into what your computer can do.
TBA | Internet Beyond the Basics Improve your skills for internet navigation.
TBA | 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!
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
These adventurers roam the library – to locate them, look for the signs, or ask a gatekeeper at one of the desks. Drop-in, no registration required. Adventurers wanted! Young and old, seasoned veterans or boys 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 Matthys Pischke, tyse123@gmail.com
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.
Register online or call 250-762-2800.
Summer 2018 Session 1:June 14, 21, 28
Session 2:July 12, 19, 26
Session 3: August 16, 23, 30
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 takedown (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: $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: 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 9am 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: $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: $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: $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.
JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use Google Maps. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To view Google Maps, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, and then try again.