All ORL Branches are closed on statutory holidays.
Have a question? Call us at 250-832-6161 during open hours. For eBook help, please email help@orl.bc.ca or call 1-844-649-8127.
The library has two book return bins - one behind the library, next to the Canadian Tire loading dock 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:
Check out our prerecorded oral stories, songs and rhymes on our ORL YouTube Channel:
Wednesdays, July 3 to August 14 |10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Join us at a different park each week for stories and fun activities.
July 3 - Fletcher Park, 450-2 Ave NE SA
July 10 - Haney Heritage (in the church), 751 Grindrod-Salmon Arm Hwy
July 17 - Elks Park, 3690 30 Street NE
July 24 - Klahani Park, 6391 10 Ave. SE
July 31 - Canoe Beach (under a tree), 3799 Canoe Beach Dr NE
August 7 - Kin Park, 2460 Auto Road SE
August 14 - Blackburn Park, 681 - 10 Ave. SW
If it’s stormy or the air quality is hazardous, Story Time will be at the Okanagan Regional Library - Salmon Arm branch.
Saturday | June 29 | July 20 | August 10 | September 14 | 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to the Ross Street Plaza, and enjoy a special Farmer's Market story time. Sponsored by the Downtown Salmon Arm Association.
Drop-in | Thursday, July 4 | 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
You and your kids will learn about the importance of plants with an interactive experience of touch, feel and smell. There will be a hands-on craft with some wild plants.
The presentation includes short acoustic musical performance by Mikaela Cannon's family.
Children ages 9 and under must have a responsible caregiver attend the event with them.
Drop-in | Thursday, August 1 | 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM
Hold onto your bookmarks, folks! This summer, Leif David will bring the magic of books to life. Experience the wonder and excitement of a magical performance right in the library!Leif David's show is filled with brand-new tricks to match the BC 2024 Summer Reading Club theme... World of Curiosities.
This 45-minute-long children’s magic show is packed with amazing magic and comedy. It is brimming with audience participation, and audience volunteers will join Leif David on stage to help him perform the magic for everyone!
Drop-in | August 19 to August 31
Drop by the Salmon Arm library and do our Summer Reading Club Scavenger Hunt. Show your completed Scavenger Hunt form to staff and get a small prize.
This event is geared for children ages 8 and under, but everyone is welcome to participate.
Drop-in | Tuesday | July 9 | August 13 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
It's a drop-in reading club for kids! Enjoy snacks and colouring while you listen to a story! Snacks and colouring pages provided. Bring a Pillow/blanket to snuggle on if you wish.
Children 9 and under need a responsible adult to stay with them.
Building Block Party
Drop-in | Thursday | July 11 | July 18 | August 8 | August 15 | 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Calling all young builders and creative minds! Join us for a brick-tastic bonanza where imagination takes center stage. Connect with other families and dive into the world of building blocks! Let’s build memories together!
Chiildren 9 and under must have a responsible caregiver stay with them.
Drop-in | Tuesday, July 16 | 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM
The Bug Guys presentation is a fun, safe and interactive way for animal lovers to get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world. Join Stuart and his cast of exotic and colourful friends including but not limited to Lumin the Dumeril’s Boa and Jub-Jub the Green Iguana for unforgettable stories and fun facts.
Registration Required | Tuesday, July 23 | 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Take part in a guided origami workshop. Art therapist Eiko Uehara will teach you how to make some fun origami creations.
Registration Required | Thursday, July 25 | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
For ages 5 to 8.
Our young future paleontologists will search for dinosaurs and learn how excavate the fossils.
Children must have a responsible caregiver stay with them.
Registration Required | Tuesday | July 30 | 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
For ages 10 and older.
Discover and create the intricate and beautiful art of Japanese Calligraphy.
Due to the tools used and skill level required for this program, this program is for older kids and teens.
Registration Required | Saturday, August 3 | 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
For ages 9 and older.
Join a guided paint class and enjoy delicious cookies. Paint supplies and cookies are provided. Let us know of any allergies when you register.
Due to the limited amount of space for this program, group registration isn't available. Please register each kid or teen individually.
Registration Required | August 12 to August 31
Register on your own or as a group to receive an Online Escape Room link. Once you have the link, you can do the escape rooms any time you want.
If this is your first time registering for an online program, please check your email for an Email Verification request. Once you have verified your email with our online registration system, you will receive a confirmation message with the links included.
Stories, songs, dancing, puppets and lots of fun and laughter for all ages and stages!
Drop-In | Mondays, January 29 to August 26 | 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Baby Time is an wonderful way to bond with your baby, have fun, and develop early literacy and speech skills. Join us for an interactive program full of songs, rhymes, tickles, books, and more! Stay afterwards to socialize with other parents and caregivers. No sessions on May 20, May 27, July 1, and August 5.
Recommended for newborns to 2 years. Siblings are welcome!
Registration is required | Weekly on Tuesdays | 6:30 to 7:15 PM
Grab your stuffies and snuggle in for stories, songs and rhymes online! Geared for ages 3-6 years, but all ages are welcome. Presented by Judy from Kelowna
Registration Required | Saturdays | 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Do you want to hang out with the sweetest dog ever? Come meet Rolo at the Salmon Arm library. Rolo is a miniature poodle and a certified St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog. He loves to be read to, petted and talked to. Rachel, his human, is also there to answer questions you may have about Rolo, therapy dogs, and more.
You can sign up for one-on-one sessions or drop-in and see if Rolo and Rachel are free for a chat.
Drop-in | Thursdays | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Drop-in | Saturdays | 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
Are you looking for a safe and fun environment for your child to play and socialize? Stay & Play is the perfect place for your little one to enjoy unstructured playtime, make new friends, and develop important social skills. Enjoy a fun-filled time with toys, games, books and friends!
Drop-in | Occasional Saturdays | 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
Join TAG and earn volunteer hours! You will also get to hang out with a group of wonderful teens and help the Youth Services Librarian plan and implement programs for teens.
Snacks are provided at each meeting. Upcoming meeting dates are decided by the TAG at each gathering.
All teens welcome.
Pictures from past programs can be found at our Salmon Arm Kids in the Library blog. Note: This blog is no longer updated.
All programs and events at the Salmon Arm Library are FREE to the public. For more information about our programs, please call 250-832-6161 or email salmonarm@orl.bc.ca.
Do you have an idea for a library program that you'd like to attend or host? Propose a program! We'd love to hear your suggestions!
Thurs Sept 12 | 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Registration required.
Join us for a great afternoon of fun and community! No need to have your own drum or drumming experience, but we will need to know when you register if you need to borrow one. Facilitated by Kjara Brecknell.
Wed Sept 18 | 10:30 - 11:30 am
Want to borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks, but not sure how to get started? Come to Libby 101 to learn how to:
Please bring your smartphone, and ensure you have a valid library card and PIN prior to arriving at this session.
Tues Sept 24 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Join us for a fun and easy digital literacy workshop and discussion!
We have a bunch of basic topics ready to cover and printouts you can take home, but we mainly want to answer your questions! Anything about using digital devices, apps, or the internet. If we have time, we'll also show you some fun and interesting things you can do online! Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to improve their digital skills. Come and get comfortable with the digital world!
Hosted by the Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society.
Donation Drop-off: Sept 21 - Oct 4
Craft Swap: Sat Oct 5 | 10 am - 2pm
Are your crafting cupboards overflowing? If you are ready to declutter and score new-to-you supplies, join us for our 2nd annual craft supply exchange! Starting September 21, bring in your quality, usable craft and art supplies and get an early bird ticket for the exchange on October 5.
Saturday Oct 5:
10am - 11am: Early bird access only! Those with an early bird ticket have priority access to the swap.
Thurs Oct 10 | 10 am - Noon
Reading changes throughout your life – including how you read. Access Services is coming to showcase technologies to keep you or someone you know reading. Discover how to make the Libby app more accessible, what DAISY players and discs are, and other technologies for print disabled readers.
Tues Oct 29 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm
It's the perfect time of year to counter bat myths and do something to help bats by taking part in International Bat Week (October 24-31). Join Anna Skurikhina from the BC Community Bat Program for an enjoyable and informative talk about bats in British Columbia!
The talk will shed light on the biology and life history of 15 bat species. You will have an opportunity to share your bat stories, ask questions, and sign up for citizen science activities to help bats!
Community Assistance
1st Thursday of the month | 1:30 - 3:30 pm
*There will be a session on August 8 instead of August 1.
Do you need free, confidential legal assistance? Our Legal Advocate can assist you with:
Drop-in any time between 1:30 - 3:30 pm with your questions! This initiative is generously provided by The Shuswap Family Centre.
Wednesdays (starting Sept 4) | 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Drop into the library on Wednesday afternoons for some dog therapy with Riley and Tam (certified St. John Ambulance therapy dogs). The dogs will be on leash at all times and with their handler, Karolyn.
Computer & Technology Training
Sept 6 - Dec 20
Fridays | 10 am - 12 pm
The Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society is offering a drop-in technology help desk to assist with basic questions about using digital devices. This includes tablets, cell phones, laptops and computers. Examples of topics suitable for the drop-in technology help desk include:
Oct 15 - Nov 19
Tuesdays | 1 - 4 pm
Cyber Seniors is a free one-on-one tutoring program geared towards seniors who have never used computers before or who have only a basic knowledge of computers. Each learner is partnered with a community volunteer tutor and together they work on basic skills such as using a mouse, saving files, searching the Internet, and setting up an email account.
Are you comfortable with computers and/or other devices? Consider volunteering as a tutor!
To register as a learner or tutor, contact Sierre Allison at info@shuswapliteracy.ca or 250-463-4555. This is a Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society initiative.
Book Clubs & Literary Events
May 14 + June 11 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Register Online | Thursdays | 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Welcome to Classics Book Club, an online book club all about tackling those classic novels you've heard about - but haven't yet read!
Please ensure your email address is entered correctly, as we will be sending you the link to participate shortly before the event. The program is delivered via Microsoft Teams.
To participate, you will need:
July 4 and 18: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
While we endeavor to have eBook copies available, participants are responsible for finding their own copy of the book.
Tuesday, June 4 | 6:30-7:30 pm
The Shuswap Climate Action Society book club "Climate Reads!" will be hosting its final meeting before the summer hiatus at 6:30pm on June 4th at the Salmon Arm Library. If you are wondering what to read over the summer and have an interest in learning more about climate change, its causes and solutions, please join us. Our meetings are informal discussions about the climate related books we have read or are reading, and the idea is to share our thoughts and recommendations with each other. If you are interested in learning more about the books we've been reading but can't make the meeting, please check out the "Climate Reads!" page on the Shuswap Climate Action Society's website.
Special Interest Groups
Tuesdays | Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19 | 6 - 7:30 pm
Explore the ORL's online movie collection with Kanopy then gather together to discuss these classic movies from the American Film Institute’s top 100 list!
2024 Schedule:
August 13 - In the Heat of the Night
September 17 - The Apartment
October 15 - 12 Angry Men
November 19 - West Side Story
2nd and 4th Mondays | 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Have you ever wanted to research your family tree? Join our friendly group of genealogists at the library to share ideas, learn new tips and tricks, and solve research roadblocks. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned family historian, we'll help you with your research. Bring your own computer, or bring a USB drive and use one of ours. We meet every second and fourth Monday at 10:30 am. Drop in, no registration required.
Tuesdays | 1:00 - 3:45 pm
If you spin (or are interested in learning!), join the Shuswap Spinners and Weavers on Tuesday afternoons in the meeting room. Drop- in; no registration required.
Thursdays | 11:00 am - Noon
Saturdays | 1-2 pm
Interested in playing Scrabble and meeting new friends? Come to the new Scrabble club at the library every Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon!
Fridays | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Join the Odd Socks knitting group every Friday afternoon. New members and all capabilities are welcome! Drop- in; no registration required.
Sept 5 - Dec 5 | Thursdays | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Come strum with us! Join us for a fun and relaxed jam with fellow uke enthusiasts. All skill levels are welcome, but players should know the basics. Please bring your ukulele and a music stand. Contact Kristy with any questions: ksmith@orl.bc.ca
*No classes on Sept 12 and Oct 17.
Need assistance? We can draw upon our Reference collection, which includes many print and digital resources, such as vehicle repair manuals, legal reference works, and directories.
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: ksmith@orl.bc.ca
If you need assistance downloading eBooks and other digital content to your tablet or eReader, we can help! 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 self-serve 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.
As of January 2020, we are unable to provide invigilation services at the Salmon Arm Branch. Please contact your nearest branch to inquire about their exam policies. The Salmon Arm Okanagan College campus (250-832-2126) offers invigilation services at a fee.
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 Ardie Burnham at 250-832-6161 ext. 5828 or email her at aburnham@orl.bc.ca
Next meeting: Monday, September 9 from 2-4 pm at the Salmon Arm Library.
The Friends of the Library group supports the library through advocacy and fundraising. We have recently helped fund:
We are looking for new members! If you love the library and would like to join our group, please contact trudy.vercholuk@gmail.com for more information. Annual membership dues are $5.
Our last book sale was a wonderful success, raising over $2400 for the Salmon Arm and South Shuswap libraries. Thank you to all who volunteered at, donated to, and/or supported the book sale!
Next book sale: October 18-19, 2024 at the Salmon Arm Library
We appreciate book donations from the public of gently used materials. We will happily accept the following items:
The following materials are not accepted:
Thank you for thinking of the library! If you have more than one box of books to donate, please call ahead (250-832-6161) to ensure we have space.
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