All ORL Branches are closed on statutory holidays.
The library has two book return bins - one behind the library, next to the Canadian Tire loading dock and open 24 hours; and one inside the mall next to the library entrance and open during mall hours. Book drops are locked during extended closures (Easter and Christmas).
Free parking is available in the Piccadilly Mall parking lot.
To find and register for any of our programs, please see the Salmon Arm Branch Calendar of Events or browse the tabs below:
View events in calendar format.
For details or registration info, click on an event below.
Congratulations to all these prize winners!
Microscope- Molly M.
Razor Scooter- Arvid
Picasso Magnetic Tiles- Nicole T.
Star War Robot Droid- Theodore W.
Junior Owl Crate Book Boxes- Hailey A., Ben T., Andrea B.
Teen Owl Crate Book Box- Teena F.
Saturday, September 28 from 10:00AM - 2:30PM.
Find me at Apple Fest for stories and fun!
Free & Drop-in
Saturday, October 26 at 11:00AM
Get in your costume and come down to the mall fish pond for fun Halloween stories. Stick around after and enjoy a day full of fun activities and games at the mall.
Saturday, December 21 at 11:00AM
Come down to the mall fish pond for fun holiday stories and stick around after for fun games and activities.
A little bit of this and a little bit of that: stories, singing, dancing, puppets and lots of fun and laughter for kids of all ages and stages. All library story times are free - just drop in! For more information about our children's programs, please contact the Salmon Arm Branch at 250-832-6161, or email Ardie at aburnham@orl.bc.ca
Bond with your baby through the power of song and rhymes!
This program is recommended for babies, newborn - 18 months and their caregivers. We welcome the whole family to join in the fun!
Fall Baby Time will be on Mondays at 11:00AM and run from September 9 - December 16.
Join us for simple songs, stories, rhymes and puppetry fun. Plenty of action for little ones on the go!
This program is geared for ages 18 months to 2 years. The whole family is welcome!
Fall Toddler Time will be on Thursdays at 10:30AM and run from September 26 - December 12.
Bring the whole family for great stories, silly songs and puppetry fun!
This program is geared for ages 3 to 6 years, but all ages are welcome. Caregivers are encouraged to join in the fun.
Fall Family Story time will be on Wednesdays at 10:30AM & Saturdays at 3:30PM. It will run from September 25 - December 11.
This program runs one Friday a month at 6:00PM and is geared for ages 3 to 6 years. All ages are welcome.
2019 Fall dates are:
October 25
November 15
December 20 (These stories will be holiday themed.)
Do you love to sing? Then join the Library Children's Choir for 45 fun filled minutes of choral singing! We will learn some holiday songs as well as regular song in our practices.
We will have 2 practices a month on Wednesdays from 3:30PM - 4:15PM for the months of October - December. Here are our practice dates:
October 9
October 23
November 13
November 27
December 4
December 11 (This is also our concert date.)
The concert will be at 3:45PM on Dec. 11.
Caregivers may join with their child.
For ages 5 and up.
Registration Required.
Come create something spectacular with our LEGO and Keva Planks.
Just drop-in any time between 2:00PM - 4:00PM on these dates:
October 3 & 17
November 7 & 21
December 5 & 19
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Staff will not supervise children during this activity..
December 12 from 3:30PM - 4:30PM
Enjoy STEAM activities based around a well known tale.
Possible STEAM toys are Ozobots, Cubelets, Code & Go and more!
For ages 5 and up
Registration is required. Registration opens 2 weeks before the program.
Go to our online calendar of events or call our branch to register.
Pictures from past programs and Summer Reading Club events can be found at our Salmon Arm Kids in the Library blog at https://salibrarykids.wordpress.com/
All programs and events at the Salmon Arm Library are FREE to the public. Please take careful note of registration requirements. For more information about our programs, please call 250-832-6161 or email sareference@orl.bc.ca
Do you have an idea for a library program that you'd like to attend or host? We'd love to hear your suggestions! Please speak with the Branch Head Librarian or contact sareference@orl.bc.ca with your suggestions!
1st and 3rd Mondays, 10:30 am
Have you ever wanted to research your family tree? Have you hit a brick wall in your research? Join our friendly group of genealogists at the library to share ideas, learn new tips and tricks, and solve research roadblocks. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned family historian, we will help you get started with your research. Bring your own computer, or bring a USB drive and use one of ours. Drop in, no registration required.
Fall session TBA
Free one-on-one tutoring sessions for seniors who have never used computers or have a very basic knowledge of computers. Decide what devices, programs and skills you want to work on. To register as a learner or tutor, contact Sierre Allison at info@shuswapliteracy.ca or 250-463-4555. This is a LASS (Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society) initiative.
Tuesdays, 1:30 pm
Join us every Tuesday afternoon for a fun and relaxed jam with fellow uke enthusiasts. All skill levels from beginner to experienced welcome! Please bring your ukulele and a music stand. No ukulele? No problem! We have a limited number of instruments available to use on a first come, first served basis. Come strum with us!
Contact Kristy with any questions: kwoodcock@orl.bc.ca
Tuesdays, 6-8 pm
Do you want to improve your English? Join the Shuswap Immigrant Services Society at the Salmon Arm Library on Tuesday nights for English conversation practice in a comfortable small group setting. Please call 250-804-2726 to register.
Tuesday evenings, 6-8 pm
If you spin or would like to learn to spin, join the Shuswap Spinners and Weavers Tuesday nights. If you need a spinning wheel you can rent one from the guild. Email shuspin@gmail.com for rental information or visit their blog: http://shuswapspinnersweavers.blogspot.ca/
Tuesday and Friday evenings, 5-8 pm
Calling all D&D adventurers! Come join our friendly group of players every Tuesday and Friday night at the Salmon Arm Library, 5-8 pm. Solve puzzles, combat beasts and create your own adventure! Beginners are welcome! Drop in, no registration required.
Take an afternoon break and join us for a lively discussion of the featured title. We have a limited number of copies set aside for participants, so drop by the Salmon Arm Library to pick up your copy today! Please note: many titles are also available in ebook and audiobook formats in the ORL catalogue. Refreshments will be served. Meetings start at 1:00 pm. Drop in, no registration required.
September 25: Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto October 23: Educated by Tara Westover November 27: The Woo Woo by Lindsay Wong December 18: The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay
For more information about the book club, please contact the Salmon Arm Branch at 250-832-6161, or email Kristy at kwoodcock@orl.bc.ca
October 9, December 11, January 8 10:30-11:30 am
Join Nicole from BTrueByou for a gentle introduction to yoga, breathing exercises and meditation. Chair yoga is for everyone who would like a gentle introduction to yoga. We will be using the chair for support with all poses. Drop in to this FREE program!
Thursday, November 28, 3:00-4:30 pm
Come and hear the fascinating history of one of Salmon Arm's Heritage properties! Originally named Dilkusha, it is better known to present day residents of Salmon Arm as The Orchard House Restaurant, Minos Greek Restaurant or The Heritage Chophouse. This elegant building had a rich and vivid history from 1912 until its demolition in 2017.
"The Story of Dilkusha" is all that presently remains to capture the legacy of that property. The Col. Bernard Scott family built this circa 1912 British India Colonial style bungalow in which, during later years, hundreds of people throughout the valley enjoyed the special ambience of dining at the heritage house restaurant, “A Special Place to Dine”, celebrating many special family events and weddings there.
Presenter Maureen Shaffer, Secretary of Dilkusha Heritage Society of BC, is a recently retired International Relief Nurse, turned researcher & local historian.
First Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 pm
The Legal Advocacy program provides free confidential information, advice and assistance in areas of poverty law such as: residential tenancy disputes; income assistance; provincial and federal benefits programs; employment standards; and consumer and debt problems. Drop-in any time between 1:30-3:30 pm with your questions!
Friday, October 11, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Join Notary Public Zoë Stevens for a review of personal planning documents wills, powers of attorney and representation agreements. Drop-in, no registration required.
Friday, November 15, 1-3 pm
Motion is lotion! It may be cheeky but it's true - staying physically active is a vital part of managing arthritis and the maintenance of joint mobility, muscle strength and cardiovascular health. Join the Arthritis Society to learn about the benefits of staying active, and some options to keep you moving!
Friday evenings, 5-8 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: Catan, Monopoly, Chess, 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. All ages are welcome. We hope to see you there!
Please contact Chris Hamlin Gravells at cgramlin@icloud.com if you are interested in attending.
Friday evenings, 6-8 pm
Informal drop-in knitting group for all experience levels. Come share your projects and your ideas!
Saturday, October 5, 1:00 pm
Chris Czajkowski stayed home during the nearly 2-month long fire evacuation order at Kleena Kleene, and Fred Reid did the same in the Precipice. They have combined to write their accounts of their ordeal in Captured By Fire: Surviving British Columbia's New Wildfire Reality. Join us for a talk with the authors on October 5th at the Salmon Arm Library. Drop in, no registration required.
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 3:00-4:30 pm
Enjoy lively discussion and exchange philosophical perspectives on various topics led by a skilled moderator. We will meet the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. This event is free and drop-in, no registration required.
Whether you want suggestions on a good book to read, or need assistance with in-depth research, our Reference staff can help you. We can draw upon our Reference collection, which includes many print and digital resources not freely available on the internet (such as vehicle repair manuals, legal reference works, and directories).
Drop by, give us a call (250-832-6161, ext. 5821) or send us an email at sareference@orl.bc.ca.
Looking for some inspiration on what to read next? Ask our staff for suggestions on good books or authors to read, movies or TV series to watch, or music to listen to. If you’re browsing in the library, we also have displays on various topics.
We display art work from local artists and artist groups in the community. Please contact the Branch Head Librarian if you are interested in displaying your work in the library.
If you need assistance downloading eBooks and other digital content to your tablet or eReader, we can help!
Phone us at 250-832-6161 ext. 5821 or email us at sareference@orl.bc.ca and we can schedule an individual, one-to-one appointment with you.
Click here for more information about our digital resources, such as eBooks, or magazines you can download to your tablet for free!
We have 7 Internet stations you can use for free; you just need an ORL library card to log on the computers.
We also have a printer (25 cents/page, black and white copies).Our computers have Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as Google Earth, and access to subscription services such as Ancestry, Alldata (vehicle repair), BC Codes (BC Plumbing and Fire Codes), and Grant Connect (a fundraising/grants website).
Our photocopier does double-sided copying, as well as enlarging/reducing.
Copies are 25 cents/page, and are black and white.
You can also scan documents with our photocopier, and email as a PDF copy. Scanning is free, but you have to deposit a quarter to activate the menu.
Staff are available if you need assistance.
If you are taking a course, and need to have an exam invigilated/proctored, one of our librarians can do this.
Click here for more information on exam invigilation.
Call us at 250-832-6161 ext. 5821 or email us at sareference@orl.bc.ca.
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. To book a free tour for kids call us at 250-832-6161 ext. 5821 or email us at sareference@orl.bc.ca.
Groups of adults can enjoy a tour at the library too! ESL classes, retirement homes, book clubs and more can contact us for further information.To book a free tour for adults call us at 250-832-6161 ext. 5821 or email us at sareference@orl.bc.ca.
Meetings are held in April, September and November.
Click below to read the minutes from the 2019 Annual General Meeting:
Friends of the Library Annual General Meeting Minutes (April 2019)
Friends of the Library have recently helped fund:
The Friends are actively looking for new members who would like to support the Salmon Arm and South Shuswap ORL Branches. If you love the library, and have time to help, please contact Branch Head Librarian Kristy Woodcock at 250-832-6161 or kwoodcock@orl.bc.ca
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.