Interior revitalization of the downtown Kelowna Library at 1380 Ellis Street has begun! The next phase involves a a month-long closure beginning December 18 to complete major renovations including new flooring, connections to the Okanagan Centre for Innovation, a more inviting entry way, new self-service pickup of holds, a service desk re-location, and the creation of the Great Room event and programming space on the second floor.
This is Phase 1 of a multi-million dollar project designed to innovate the 20-year-old library branch into a community hub with more reading, working, creating and meeting space and access to new technologies. The plans for this revitalization were designed with community input, and align with the Okanagan Regional Library’s strategic goals to advance learning and creativity at inviting public spaces. The complete renovation is expected to take over a year and will require investment from local citizens and business. A one-month-long closure is necessary in order to complete Phase 1 changes as quickly as possible.
Have you got some borrowed items? As of Sunday November 27 due dates were adjusted so nothing will come due during this closure with the exception of Items that have a six-week loan period that have missed the deadline for a change. Borrowers won't accrue fines because of the closure. You've still got until December 17 to visit and enjoy and to stock up on material to get you through until we reveal your revitalized library early in the new year! Note that book bins will be closed. Members are also always welcome to use other nearby ORL locations in Rutland, Mission, Lake Country, and Westbank.
The Kelowna Branch is slated to re-open to the public on Monday, January 16, 2017 and special opening day festivities are in the works. Progress updates will be posted on our website and on the ORL’s social media channels.