Our Re-opening Plan: Check your library branch webpage to see services offered and open hours. View Re-opening plan details.
Connect with library staff: Email help@orl.bc.ca anytime or phone 1-844-649-8127: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9AM-5PM, Tuesday: 9AM-7PM, Saturday: 11AM-3PM (PT). Chat from website will be back on Tuesday, 9AM-5PM (PT).
This library branch is offering curbside holds pick-up and limited book drop open hours. View the ORL's Phase 2 Plan.
We are currently in Phase 2 of our gradual reopening. During Phase 2, we have curbside pick-up of holds and book drops open for limited hours. You can place holds on items using the library catalogue, or by calling 1-844-649-8127.
Branches of the ORL are only open for curbside pick-up of holds, and for book drops.
There are three book drop bins located on the east side of the building. They are open for limited hours during the pandemic. Please check our hours for details.
Please check out our Calendar of Vernon Branch Events to see what we're offering virtually for kids, teens and adults. Summer Reading Club is entirely online this year - register at www.bcsrc.ca!
Okanagan Regional Library is now taking submissions of haiku poems about Okanagan Lake.
A haiku is an ancient poetic form created by the Japanese people. A traditional haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. It often focuses on images from nature and emphasizes simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression.
The ORL will compile all haiku submissions and share them with our community as Okanagan Lake Haiku. Submissions will be accepted at pcritchley@orl.bc.ca until Aug. 31.
We look forward to reading your haiku about the deep and mysterious Okanagan Lake!
View events in calendar format.
For details or registration, click on an event below.
Have a question? If so, please contact our Youth Services Librarian, Stephanie Thoreson, at sthoreson@orl.bc.ca
Summer Virtual Schedule (June 15-August 14)
Virtual Story Time on Zoom Thursdays at 11am with Steph . Register to receive the Zoom password
Baby Time on Zoom Mondays at 11am with Val. Register to receive the Zoom password
You can also join Kelowna and Salmon Arm preschool virtual programs through the event calendar on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Bear For Breakfast Virtual Puppet Story on Zoom July 8 at 10am with Steph & Val. Aimed at ages 5-8.
My Father's Dragon Virtual Puppet Show on Zoom July 14 at 2pm with Steph & Val. Aimed at ages 5-8. Summer Reading Club will have many virtual events that are available to all libraries in the system. https://www.orl.bc.ca/kids-teens/kids/summer-reading-club. Reading logs and challenge trackers are also available at that link.
Teens A chance to win big prizes https://www.orl.bc.ca/kids-teens/teens/summer-teen-challenge
Plus weekly challenges or dares starting soon https://www.orl.bc.ca/kids-teens/teens/dares-challenges
All adult programs and events at the Vernon Library are FREE to the public. Please take careful note of registration requirements.
You can browse our weekly programs below by day of the week, or view in calendar format here.
Special Events | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Saturday | Sunday
If you have an idea you'd like to see happen @ your library, email us at vereference@orl.bc.ca.
Joint Tune Up Circuit is a 1 hour circuit class led by Interior Health Physiotherapists. This class is intended for people with moderate to severe knee or hip osteoarthritis. The exercises in this program focus on posture, joint alignment, functional strength and stability. This program is 8 weeks in duration. Call 250-541-2220 to register for the next FREE 8 week session.
***People can only attend one 8 week session. Pre-requisite: clients must attend the Living Well seminar prior to this group exercise circuit.
Mondays | 10 am | Meeting Room
Cancelled until further notice.
Okanagan College Education Advisor, Kim Strilchuk, will be at the branch to answer any questions you might have regarding post-secondary education. This service is first-come first-serve.
Mondays | 3 pm - 4:30 pm | 2nd Floor
The North Okanagan Better Breathers program is a monthly education and support group for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other lung health conditions. This is a free drop-in event, open to the public.
Coffee and snacks will be available by donation.
1st Monday of Each Month | 1 pm - 3 pm | Meeting Room
Volunteers from The Literacy Society of the North Okanagan will be available at the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm. Adults can register for one hour of help with a volunteer during those times.
Tutors will be able to help with iPads, tablets, laptops, cellphones, or the library computers. To book an appointment, or for more information, please visit the Information Desk upstairs in the library or call the library at 250-542-7610 ext. 6820.
Tuesdays and Thursdays | 10 am - 3 pm | Upstairs Office
Come play the game of kings! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned players.
Tuesdays | 6 pm | Community Room
Living Well will inform and show people how to live well with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee and how to delay or avoid surgery altogether. It is being facilitated by two Interior Health physiotherapists who specialize in this area.
This program primarily targets those with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee but it is open to all. This is a free drop-in program that runs the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday of each month.
1st Tuesday of Each Month | 10 am | Meeting Room
Meet with others using AAC devices and learn from and with each other. For more information contact Michelle at 250-809-1098 or mbunney@cayabc.org; or Katherine at 250-809-6990 or kwhitrow@cayabc.org.
Last Tuesday of Each Month | 10 am | Meeting Room
Join the Arthritis Society for these free workshops at the Vernon Library.
Due to concerns about COVID-19, this event has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please stay tuned for updates on future workshops.
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 us to learn about the benefits of staying active, and options to keep you moving!
April 8 - Tips, Tricks & Tools for Protecting Your Joints! You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have YOU! While arthritis can make daily activities challenging and painful, this interactive workshop will provide information about the many tools, gadgets and techniques to help make daily tasks easier. Join us for information and tips to help you take control of your arthritis.
Please register by email to registration@bc.arthritis.ca or call toll-free 1-866-414-7766.
Wednesdays (Mar 25 - Apr 8) | 10 am - 12 pm | Meeting Room
The John Rudy Health Resource Centre Association will be at the library offering free, one to one support with a variety of health literacy needs, including:
For more information, please see the John Rudy website.
*The Health Resource Centre will be closed for 2 weeks for Spring Break, reopening Wednesday, April 1st. Phone calls and emails will be answered periodically during this closure.
Wednesdays | 11 am - 1 pm | Upstairs Office
Come join us for weekly drop-in strategy board game night! We play Lord of the Rings, Fallout, Magic the Gathering, Titanium Wars, the Hobbit and more. Try something new or bring your favourite! Masterminds and Machiavellis ages 12 and up welcome.
Wednesdays | 6:30 pm | Magazine Area
This free program provides expectant parents with the opportunity to meet and question doulas about what they do and how they can support your birth-team. Coffee or tea and snacks will be provided.
This is a free event open to the public held in the community room on the second floor of the library every first Wednesday of the month.
1st Wednesday of Each Month | 10 am - 12 pm | Community Room
We are parents who have breastfed and are trained and accredited to help others in their breastfeeding journey. Join us at our monthly meetings for evidence based information and breastfeeding support. These are free drop in events, open to all.
1st Wednesday of Each Month | 10 am - 11 am | Okanagan Room
Save A Life is a one-hour presentation on overdose prevention training and education. Participants can expect to learn about overdose statistics in Vernon, the basics of psychoactive substances, overdose prevention strategies, how to recognize an overdose, Naloxone and how to administer it and how to respond to an opioid overdose.
Participants can also expect to leave with a free Naloxone kit. This is a free drop-in program open to adults and young adults alike.
1st Wednesday of Each Month | 5 pm | Meeting Room
Okanagan Foster Parent Association holds a monthly information session for people interested in finding out more about becoming a foster parent.
2nd Wednesday of Each Month | 6:30 pm | Okanagan Room
This group is for parents and caregivers of children on the Autism Spectrum, to help bring them together to share resources and stories that may help and support each other. All are welcome. Meets every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Vasso Rowbottom for more information: 1-877-960-8778 ext 130 compassion1969@gmail.com
3rd Wednesday of Each Month | 6:30 pm | Okanagan Room
You can make a difference! Join our Amnesty International's Vernon Group and hear presentations on various human rights issues that Amnesty International is working on. We write at least two letters about a cause or case that Amnesty International has performed a thorough investigation and chosen to support.
3rd Wednesday of Each Month | 7 pm | Meeting Room
Vernon Branch invites you to read the suggested titles and to join us for a lively, facilitated discussion of the featured title. The book club is open to all interested adults and preregistration is not required.
*Book Club meetings are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 10:30 am and on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm. Both meetings are the same discussion, so you can choose to attend either.
2020 Titles
Homes: A Refugee Story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah (April 18th or 22nd)
Beautiful Boy by David Sheff (May 16th or 27th)
Life in the Court of Matane by Eric Dupont (June 20th or 24th)
All True Not a Lie In It by Alix Hawley (July 18th or 22nd)
The River by Peter Heller (August 15th or 26th)
Dead Reckoning by Carys Cragg (September 19th or 23rd)
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver (October 17th or 28th)
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice (November 21st & 25th)
You are responsible for placing a hold on a copy of the book. Please note: Many titles are also available in ebook and audiobook formats in the ORL catalogue.
4th Wednesday of Each Month | 7 pm | Okanagan Room
Drop-in Vernon Permaculture is an open community group whose aim is to share regenerative knowledge and hands on experiences with one another in order to build a stronger community and healthier local environment. Everyone is welcome.
Last Wednesday of Each Month | 7 pm | Community Room
Runaway Moon invites you to join our Calendario Local Clothing Project! Starting in January, we will hold open workshops where we'll help people to make new garments and to re-new old garments by combining pre-existing clothes with hand-printed fabric and decorative pieces from our treasure chest. We will be printing fabric with a growing collection of carved lino blocks, with images of leaves, bugs, flowers, and other elements of nature that live here along with us. Each new item will be both personalized and localized. These are free drop-in workshops, everyone is welcome!
Thursdays (January 23 - March 19) | 1 pm - 4 pm & 5 pm - 8 pm | Community Room
First Nations Elders are invited to get together and play games. New players from every walk of life are always welcome.
Thursdays | 6 pm | Okanagan Room
Due to concerns about COVID-19, this event has been cancelled until further notice.
Thursdays | 6:30 pm | Magazine Area
3rd Thursday of Each Month | 1 pm | Meeting Room
Due to concerns about COVID-19, this event has been cancelled. Sorry for the inconvenience.
These drop-in sessions are for knitters of all experience levels and are open to anyone interested in knitting, whether new or experienced. Bring along yarn and needles, and a project you are working on. You are also welcome to bring your knitting questions and problems, and someone in the group will happily help you work out a solution.
Saturdays | 10 am | Community Room
The Vernon Writing Group meets up and discusses writing. Writers of all types are invited to discuss stories and share ideas about writing and submission opportunities. This is not a critique group, nor do you need to submit work. Everyone welcome!
*There will be no session on Saturday, April 11th due to the Easter Holiday Closure.
2nd Saturday of Each Month | 1 pm | Okanagan Room
Little Fortress by Laisha Rosnau (March 21st or 25th)
3rd Saturday of Each Month | 10:30 am | Okanagan Room
The Vernon Lyme Disease Support Group meets monthly at the library to provide support and education for those afflicted with the disease and family members as well. It is moderated by Merina Brisdon, responsible for founding and facilitating the same type of group at Victoria. This is a free drop-in program open to all.
March 15 | 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Meeting Room
We offer free one-on-one training sessions to help you learn to use our digital resources including our eBook collections, digital audiobooks, RBdigital Magazines, and PressReader.
Check here to see if your eReader or Tablet is compatible with the library's eBook provider.
Do you have questions about what the library can offer you? Call today to sign up! 250-542-7610.
Are you looking for somewhere to take an invigilated exam, either written or online? The library can help you out. Basic information can be found on the Exams in the Library page.
Call or email us for more details at vereference@orl.bc.ca or 250-542-7610 ext. 6820.
The Vernon Branch has 17 internet terminals with word processing capabilities available for one hour per day with a valid ORL library card. Unlimited Wi-Fi access is available all day. Printing and photocopying is $0.25 per page, black and white only. Scanning to email is available and is free of charge.
The library has a beautiful boardroom that can be booked by groups or individuals for up to 2 hours at a time, free of charge. The room may be booked up to 24 hours in advance by calling 250-542-7610. It's a great space for tutoring, studying, meetings, scrap-booking and more!
The library has a small office available that can be booked by individuals for up to 2 hours at a time, free of charge. This space is great for tutoring, studying, and small meetings (4 people maximum). The room may be booked up to 24 hours in advance by calling 250-542-7610.
The Vernon Branch has two meeting rooms available for rent during regular business days and hours. For further information, please contact the branch at 250-542-7610.
The first floor Meeting Room has a capacity of 100 participants and is equipped with tables, chairs, audio visual equipment, and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Rental Fee:
Full Room/Capacity 100: $85 (3 hours) + GST = $89.25 (additional hours $10 ea. + GST)
Half Room/Capacity 50: $50 (3 hours) + GST = $52.50 (additional hours $10 ea. + GST)
Bookings are not confirmed until the rental fee has been paid.
Rental Fee: $50 (3 hours) + GST = $52.50 (additional hours $10 ea. + GST)
The Vernon branch created a seed lending library, in conjunction with Okanagan College and Patchwork Farms, and it is sufficiently stocked. Patrons can now check out seeds on the condition they replace the seeds the following season from the plants they grow.
Two step-by-step guides on how to save heirloom seeds are now available at the library. Any patron interested in contributing seeds to the library is asked to place seeds from each vegetable in its own envelope and label it with the type of vegetable, variety if known, date collected and general location. The seeds can be dropped off at the upstairs information desk at the library.
A. Those chair were bought as part of the the new library and are called Bouloum Lounge chairs.
A. Most of the artwork should have information tags beside each piece. Our Friends of the Library co-ordinates the artwork in the library and the vast majority is displayed by the Vernon Art Gallery.
The Vernon Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization formed in 1989, is registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia.
For all donations please call Linda at 250-549-1466. The library will no longer be accepting book donations at the branch. Magazines won't be accepted for donation.
The major fundraiser is the huge book sale held in early May every year.
Past contributions made by the Friends of the Library include:
The Friends also hold smaller book sales throughout the year, and provide book bags for purchase at the branch.
New members are always welcome. Anyone interested in more information can contact Linda Wills at 250-549-1466 or lwills41@telus.net or visit their Facebook page.
The Vernon Friends of the Library is hosting the biggest book sale of the year:
Thursday, April 30 | Hours TBD | Vernon Curling Rink
Friday, May 1 | Hours TBD | Vernon Curling Rink
Saturday, May 2 | Hours TBD | Vernon Curling Rink
Come on out for some great deals and support the library!
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