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 online. 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 January 7 to June 1. 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.
Thursdays, once monthly, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
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.
Online registration required. Ages 13+
Tuesdays, once monthly, 4:00 pm – 5:00 p m.
Our Regular TAG meets next on:
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:
Online registration required. Ages 13+ (Teen event)
Tuesdays, once monthly, 4:00 pm – 6:00 p m.
Join your fellow board gamers for a night of playing Last One Standing: The Battle Royale Board Game. This awesome game is developed locally and the publisher will be there to chat with you about board games! Be prepared for tons of excitement, fun, and SNACKS.
Join us for a library themed Escape Room challenge!
These events are organized by our Teen Advisory Group. To join this group and help plan fun events join us by registering for future meetings (see above).
February -May 30th
Library Program for 7-10 year olds! We learn, create, develop and play together!
Join us every first and last Thursday of the month from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
Online registration required.
February - May 30th
Library Program for 10-13+ year olds! We learn, create, develop and play together!
Join us every first and last Thursday of the month from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
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
Reading for Reconciliation Circle
Once a month – starting January 8 | 7 pm
From 2010 to 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission listened to and documented the experiences of survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by the Indian Residential School Experience. In June 2015 they published their final report, which outlined 94 Calls to Actions for Canadians.
Please join us at a 6-session reading circle where we will read together the Executive Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.
Register online or contact the Kelowna Branch.
Graphic Artist Talk: How NOT to make a comic book in one easy lesson – Chris Morris
Date: TBD – See Branch calendar or Facebook page for updates
Captain Celsius, Canadian superhero. Starka, social media addict. Wisp, a singer turned super. Come hear more about The Supers: 3rd Best Super-team in the World!, a comic book created by Chris Morris.
Join us as we discover what it takes to bring a comic book to the wide world. Ask for details at the Library.
Drop-in program, no registration required.
Date-a-Book
February 13 | 6:00 pm
It’s the season for love… so why not fall in love with a new favorite book? Bring along your favorite and connect with other readers passionate to share with you your next best read!
Embrace Aging Month
March is Embrace Aging month! Keep an eye on the online calendar for events in the Kelowna Branch (and around the city). From painting and dancing to managing arthritis to security online, celebrate and raise awareness of positive and healthy aging in the Okanagan valley: www.okanaganembraceaging.com
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 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
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. Films to be announced on a monthly basis.
Last Thursday of the Month, starting January 31st | 7 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.
Note: You will need your Apple ID or Google Play account login information.
Register online or call 250-762-2800
Thursdays | January 17, 23, 31
Tuesdays | March 5, 12, 19
Tuesdays | January 15, 22, 29
Thursdays | March 7, 14, 21
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
February 13 | 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.
February 20 | 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.
February 27 | 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.
Join Library staff for a class to help you feel knowledgeable and confident about assessing and protecting your security online.
Thursdays | 1 - 3 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.
Thursdays | 1:00 - 3:00 pm Saturdays | 1:00 - 3:00 pm (April - September) Sundays | 1:00 - 3:00 pm (October - March)
Fourth Monday of the month | 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 | 5:30 – 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 | 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.
Once a month there will be a registered event with an artful craft lead by an experienced artist or crafter.
Crafting Your Happiness presents: Colour Drop – Water Marbling with Krista
January 19 | 10 am – noon
Downtown Kelowna Library is proud to host a Colour Drop event.
Participants will create their own water marble canvas designs with the expert guidance of local artist, Krista.
Crafting Your Happiness presents:
February | 10 am – noon
TBA - See Branch calendar or Facebook page for updates
Crafting Your Happiness presents: Painting with Daniel Taylor
March 23 | 10 am – noon
You may know Daniel Taylor from his well loved and televised painting program: When Paintings Come Alive. We are excited to announce that he will be sharing his talents and instructing a paint-along session for library patrons. This will be a free but pre-register event as its popularity is high!
Mondays | 7:00 - 9:00 pm
A Mandarin conversation drop-in session with Mandarin speaking tutors. All ages and levels are 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 - 3:30 pm
Join Maximus Canada in the Kelowna Branch for a series of hands-on job preparation workshops to perfect your job search game. You will come away with a working document! Attend a single class, or the whole series.
Winter 2018
Resume Writing Jan 17 | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Cover Letter Building Jan 24 | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Interview Skills Jan 31 | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Requirements: Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word. Email account or memory stick to take documents home.
Register online or call 250-762-2800.
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.
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.
Setup and takedown (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter.
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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