The interior of the downtown Kelowna branch of the Okanagan Regional Library is about to undergo a major revitalization. This will require a month-long closure starting Sunday, Dec. 18.
Renovations to the 20-year-old building include 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 ORL’s largest 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 ORL’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. The month-long closure is necessary in order to complete Phase 1 as quickly as possible.
For library members who use the Kelowna location, due dates on borrowed materials have been adjusted so nothing will come due during this time and borrowers won’t accrue fines.
Note that book bins will be closed. Members are always welcome to use other nearby ORL locations in Rutland, Mission, Lake Country and Westbank. The Kelowna Library will be open until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 so members can enjoy holiday programming and stock up on materials until then.
The Kelowna Branch, at 1380 Ellis St., is slated to re-open on Jan.16, with special opening day festivities. Progress updates will be posted on the ORL’s website at www.orl.bc.ca and on the ORL’s social media channels.
