All ORL Branches are closed on statutory holidays.
No time to write a novel? Then show off your writing skills by entering our microfiction contest!
Explore the world of storytelling in miniature and write an original story using no more than 100 words. A panel of judges appointed by the ORL will select prize-winning entries in Junior, Teen, and Adult divisions. Open to ORL card holders in the City of Kelowna. Sponsored by the Kelowna Friends of the Library.
Entry Form and Contest Rules
In-person Story Time programs do not require registration. Drop-in to join the fun!
Ages newborn to 18 months | Mondays @ 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM OR Tuesdays @ 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Baby Time is our joyful early literacy program that helps grow the roots of a lifelong love of language. Bond with your baby through the power of song and rhymes!
January 8 to March 26
Ages 18 months to 3 years | Wednesdays OR Fridays @ 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM
Toddler Time helps young children develop early literacy skills through fun stories, rhymes and songs based on simple concepts.
January 10 to March 27
Ages 18 months to 3 years | Wednesdays OR Fridays @ 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Join us after Toddler Time for Stay & Play, an unstructured playtime for children and their caregivers to socialize and explore. Soft play equipment and a variety of toys will be available. Recommended for children ages 18 months to 3 years and their parents/caregivers, but all children are welcome.
Family | Thursdays OR Saturdays | 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
Join us for fun stories, rhymes, puppets and songs that will get the family dancing, singing and learning together.
January 11 to March 28
Family | Fridays | 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Join us in the Spartan Room at Parkinson Recreation Centre (1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna) for fun stories, rhymes, puppets and songs. Featuring books selected for children ages 3+ and their parents/caregivers, but all children are welcome.
January 12 to March 15
Family | Tuesdays | 6:30 PM - 7:10 PM
Snuggle up for Online Pyjama Story Time featuring longer books, songs, puppets and rhymes. Join in for fun pre-bedtime singing, dancing, learning and silliness. Recommended for children 3 to 6 years but all ages are welcome. Don't forget your stuffie! Registration Required.
January 9 to March 26
Rhythms & Rhymes
Family | Sundays | 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Try our new program aimed at promoting early literacy through rhymes, rhythms, and music. Each week we will explore musical instruments, sing songs and move our bodies. Recommended for walkers to children under 4 years and their parents/caregivers, but all children are welcome.
January 14 to March 3
See our Event's Calendar for our full selection of programs.
Ages 3-6 | Select Thursdays | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Get ready to learn, create, and play! Explore open-ended art activities inspired by simple stories and songs. Dress for mess! Recommended for children ages 3 to 6 years and their parents/caregivers, but all children are welcome.
January 11, February 8, March 7
Family | Sunday January 21 - Saturday January 27
Unplug and Play Week encourages children and families to unplug from their screens and explore different ways of spending time together. Be sure to stop by the library this week to enjoy some screen-free fun!
Ages 6 to 12 | Select Fridays | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Drop-in to build something epic using our impressive Lego collection! Your creation will be displayed at the library for all to admire. Guides, books, and optional themes and challenges will be available.
February 9, March 8
Ages 7 to 12 | Select Wednesdays | 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Calling all Pokémon fans! Grab your cards and head to the library to meet other Pokémon card collectors. Trade and battle cards if you wish, or complete Pokémon-themed crafts and activities. Parents and caregivers are required to stay with their children during this program. Drop-offs are not permitted.
January 17, February 14, March 13
Ages 6 to 12 | Tuesdays, January 16 to March 16 | 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM | No program on January 30
Practice your reading skills by registering for a free 20-minute session to read with a certified St. John Ambulance therapy dog!
School Age | Tuesday January 30 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Build your own balloon rocket car. Registration required.
Ages 9 to 12 | Wednesday January 31 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Learn 3D modeling with Tinkercad. Registration required.
School age | Tuesday February 6 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
The geodesic dome design is very sturdy because it has the stability of the triangle shape as its building block. Triangles are strong because they don't distort when put under pressure. Learn how to make your own geodesic dome. Registration required.
Ages 9 to 12 | Wednesday February 7 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Program a robot to navigate a testing course using Scratch. Registration required.
School Age | Friday February 16 | 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Dragons and knights and princesses... oh my! Join us for an afternoon of crafts, activities, and challenges that celebrate all things fairytale. Create a castle fit for royalty, build a tower taller than Jack's beanstalk, and you may even see a few dragons! Drop in.
School Age | Friday February 23 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Build a bridge that spans an 8" gap with Keva Planks. Registration required.
School Age | Tuesday February 27 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Learn how to build a kaleidoscope. Registration required.
Ages 6 to 12 | Sunday, March 17 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for hands-on activities and experiments that explore exciting STEAM concepts: Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Math! Registration required.
Ages 9 to 12 | Friday March 22 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Learn 3D computer animation in Blender. Registration required.
School Age | Tuesday March 26 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Learn how to grow plants without soil. Registration required.
Ages 13+ | Select Wednesdays | 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Do you need volunteer hours as part of your graduation requirement? Volunteer at the library! Join other book-loving teens to prep for and plan future library programs, review books, and help make the library a better place for all teens in the community. For ages 13-18.
January 10, January 24, February 7, February 21, March 6
Teen | Grab-n-Go
Drop by the downtown Kelowna library to pick up a kit with everything you need to make an incredible craft! Available while supplies last.
Kit 1: Available starting January 15 Kit 2: Available starting February 12 Kit 3: Available starting March 11
Teens | Tuesday January 30 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Are you interested in becoming a big buddy to an elementary school-aged child looking to improve their reading skills? Come to this training session to hear what the Reading Buddies program is all about before you commit to being a future volunteer. For ages 13 to 18. Volunteer hours available. Pizza will be provided during this session. Registration required.
Some programs are offered virtually, in-person or a hybrid of both. Please pay attention to the description to see how it is being offered.
The library uses Teams for its online programming. Visit our Teams introduction document to learn how it works.
While all library programming is free to attend, we will occasionally instruct patrons to bring their own materials. Please read program descriptions carefully for all the information you'll need. Feel free to email us at kelowna@orl.bc.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
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Special Events
Arts, Literature & Culture
Technology Training
Genealogy
Games Nights
MakerSpace
Kelowna Seed Library opened on May 12, 2023. You are welcome to visit us, borrow some seeds and return some from your harvest.
December 11 | 6pm | Drop-in
These are stories that are a little bit larger than life, or maybe they really happened. Tales that could be told 'round the campfire, each one-upping the next. Tales about a car that drives herself, ever loyal to her owner. Tales about an impossible moose hunt. Tales about the Real Santa(TM) mashed up with the book of Genesis, alongside SPAM stew and bedroom sets from IKEA.
Kelowna Reads Book Club
2 PM | Drop-in
Join us the third Thursday of the month to discuss the chosen title. Meetings are in branch at 2:00 pm, drop in.
Please email klreference@orl.bc.ca for more information
October 19th Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
November 16th The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
1st Saturday each month, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM / Registration Required.
If you like French literature, and enjoy discuss it in French, this Book Club is for you. Join us every first Saturday of the month.
October 7 ''Les jeux sont faits'' by Jean-Paul Sartre
November 4 ''Dans les geôles de Sibérie'' by Yoann Barbereau
December 2 ''Ce que je sais de toi'' by Éric Chacour
Kelowna Writer's Group
1st Tuesday each month, 6 PM | Drop-in
An inclusive, all genre critique group. Member's can bring writing they are working on to share and receive feedback from their peers, and are also welcome to listen and learn if they do not want to present work. This group aims to help writers improve their work, learn about writing, and build community with other writers. Any genre, style, area of interest, skill level and age is welcome. Some sensitive, personal, or mature topics may be discussed.
Tuesdays starting at 6pm | Drop-In
Practice your conversational language skills! / ¡Practica tus habilidades de lenguaje conversacional!
Join us weekly to practice your English or Spanish in a relaxed, friendly environment. / Únase a nosotros semanalmente para practicar su inglés o español en un ambiente relajado y amigable.
Mondays, 5 PM - 7 PM | Drop-in
A free Mandarin conversation club in Kelowna bridges east and west. Come meet with Mandarin speaking tutors every Monday. Learners with basic levels will benefit the most from joining this club.
In-Branch Tech Help Appointments
You can now book one-on-one tech help appointments with a librarian! Whether a Kobo eReader, phone, tablet or computer, we can teach you the skills you need to navigate the digital world and connect to the library's resources. Contact us to set up your appointment.
Please note that staff are limited in what they can offer. For example, we cannot set up a new device for you. Further restrictions will be communicated when you sign up.
For brief inquiries or general eBook help or troubleshooting, feel free to call our help line at 1-844-649-8127 or email at help@orl.bc.ca and one of our tech experts will assist you.
Please check back later
If you are new to computers, haven't used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, we have some handy tips to help you tackle technology. Registration required.
Navigating Your Android Device
A set of three sessions designed to help participants learn how to navigate Android Tablets and /Smart Phones. Topics include learning how to use the touch screen, delving into device settings, and learning about how to download and manage apps. Classes are divided into iOS and Android groups. Please bring your device and any login information you need.
Navigating Your Apple Device
Visit our Facilities and Services tab to see what in-branch resources we have.
Family History Forum - Virtual
Registration Required
Every fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Join us for monthly topics hosted virtually by the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society! They will cover a variety of fascinating topics related to family history. Please visit our events calendar to register and receive the Zoom login information necessary to participate.
This program is through Zoom. Please register to receive the login information.
Genealogist in Residence
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.
2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Drop-in Chess
Every Thursday starting at 6pm | Drop-In
The classic game of strategy! Master your moves or challenge your peers in this casual drop-in event. Chess boards and pieces provided but feel free to bring your own. All skill levels welcome!
Every Tuesday starting at 5:00 pm | Drop-in
Looking for a place to play some table top games? Every Tuesday we host board games night. From social games to in-depth strategy games, we have a number to choose from. Feel free to bring your own!
Join us in the Makerspace to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials - such as our 3D printer, Cricut cutter, digitization station, recording studio and more!
Visit the Facilities and Services tab for more information.
Use of Makerspace stations is by appointment. You can receive certification by taking one of our online courses on Niche Academy or by registering for a certification class through the calendar here (select Downtown Kelowna as your Branch).
Visit our system-wide Makerspace Page to view the services we offer.
Those under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian maker. Contact or visit the Branch to learn more.
Visit our reservation platform, Spaces, to view and reserve times for specific Makerspace devices.
Appointments for Makerspace stations are available during these hours:
Please note that some of our equipment have reduced hours compared to others.
We have a variety of bookable and rental spaces in the Kelowna Library. All meeting spaces have free Wi-Fi. Some have presentation equipment available.
Please download and read Kelowna Library Rental Spaces Information Document for complete information, or call the library at 250-762-2800 with any questions.
Click here to view a basic map showing the locations of all our meeting rooms.
Reserve a Meeting Room Online
You can reserve a meeting room online at https://orl.evanced.info/spaces, at least two days in advance and up to two months in advance. Library staff will approve your booking based on availability.
Small Meeting Rooms
Available during branch open hours only. Rooms are as is - no office supplies, A/V equipment or additional furnishings provided.
We currently have two small meeting rooms available to book. These rooms are free, hold up to 12 people, and can be booked up to 2 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. Can be booked up to 2 months in advance.
There is one classroom available for rent on the second floor. It can be rented on its own, or with the adjacent room to form one large meeting space (Great Room). The classrooms have glass walls which can be opened or closed to change the configuration of the space.
If 20+ attendees, all refuse must be taken by the renter.
The library features a large event space on the second floor comprising the two classrooms. 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 take-down (exception of A/V equipment) is the responsibility of the renter.
Please contact the branch at 250-762-2800 for further information or to book a room.
The library features 13 public computer terminals which grant 1 hour of internet time. Use your library card to log in or speak with staff to receive a temporary computer pass. Extensions may be granted provided there are enough free terminals available. Visit our general Computers and Internet Access page for more details.
The library also has complimentary Wi-Fi. Simply connect to the "ORL" wireless network and agree to our terms and conditions to begin.
From soft seating to chairs at tables, the library has many places to sit during your visit.
The ORL partners with the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society to offer assistance with family history research and hosts a special in-branch library of historical and genealogical material. Access their catalogue of resources here or visit in person.
The Kelowna branch of the ORL features a collection of archival material on microfilm, including newspapers and government records, as well as a microfilm reader donated by the Friends of the Library. Inter-library requests are also available. Please submit a request with staff and we will try to locate records for you.
The library holds the following records in microfilm format:
Globe & Mail, January 1992 – 2020
Kelowna Courier, July 1904 – December 2017
BC Directories, 1860 – 2001
BC Birth Registrations (including “delayed” and “Indian”), 1858 – 1903
BC Marriage Registrations, 1872 – 1932
BC Death Registrations, 1872 – 1988
Canada Census Records, 1666 – 1916
Archives of Ontario Indexes to Births, Marriages & Deaths:
MS 931, reels 1-28 (births, 1869 - 1906)
MS 934, reels 1-27 (marriages, 1873 - 1921)
MS 937, reels 1-28 (deaths, 1869 - 1931)
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 library offers exam invigilation. Students must book 2 weeks in advance and follow all health and safety regulations as described by our policies and BC health officials. The library will provide a computer with internet access if needed, they are not equipped with a webcam.
We offer 3 hour timeslots in the following days and times:
Please speak with Kelowna staff to book a time. Restrictions apply.
Kelowna Friends of the Library are a non-profit organization formed in 1988, with a mission to raise funds to support Okanagan Regional Library including the downtown Kelowna, Mission & Rutland branches, to enhance the profile of our libraries in the community, and to increase awareness and use of library program and services. Persons interested in libraries are encouraged to volunteer with Friends as we support ORL through our year-round fundraising book sales and joint activities.
Up to 2019, Kelowna Friends were registered under the Society Act of British Columbia and the Canada Income Tax Act. Monetary donations should now be directed to the Okanagan Regional Library Admin Centre.
Kelowna Friends’ major fundraiser, the Great Okanagan Book Sale, takes place typically in Fall/November each year. Funds raised significantly support Summer Reading Club, year-round programming for babies to toddlers to teens, book clubs, guest speakers & events for adults, and enhanced facilities and maker spaces at all ORL branches.
33rd GREAT OKANAGAN BOOK SALE
Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, 839 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna
To stock the various year-round book sales, Kelowna Friends accept donations of gently used books at our sorting base at
To stock the various year-round book sales, Kelowna Friends accept donations of gently used books at our sorting base at #114 – 2476 Westlake Road, West Kelowna, next to Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital. Donations can be made at this location on Fridays 9am – 11:30am when volunteers are on duty to review and accept items, or anytime in small amounts in drop-bins at the ORL Administration Centre (1430 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna) and at Parkinson Recreation Centre (Harvey Ave & 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna). Friends acknowledge Dr. Moshe Oz and Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving for their support with these operations and sales.
For book sales, volunteer and donation information, visit www.kelownafol.ca, or email Friends at fol4k@hotmail.com
Volunteer co-ordinators & interested volunteers hold formal meetings as necessary, rotating between the three branch libraries and our sorting base.
Follow Kelowna Friends on Facebook to keep updated on our latest activities and read posts on ORL, libraries, reading & literacy.
For further information, please email fol4k@hotmail.com
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