New library branch to focus on technology

Okanagan Regional Library opening second branch on Westside in late February

The newest library branch in the Central Okanagan will focus more on technology and meeting spaces than books and magazines. The Okanagan Regional Library will open a second location on the Westside in late February. “(Westbank First Nation) joined our organization, so they’re paying taxes now toward the library system, so we developed a partnership with them,” said Michal Utko, spokesperson for the Okanagan Regional Library. A second location is also needed on the Westside because of the high level of growth in the area, said Utko. The new branch will be different from other ORL branches in that there will not be a large catalogue of books and magazines. “There’s going to be a small selection,” said Utko, adding people will be able to reserve and pick up books as they can at all other ORL branches. The primary focus of the new branch, which is tentatively named Westside Learning Lab, is going to be on a makers’ space, which will feature technology such as 3D printers, vinyl cutters, coding, robotics and electronics. There will also be a sound booth for recording audio projects or practising musical instruments and a green screen for recording videos. “We’re very excited about elders coming in and recording some of the spoken stories and some family history,” said Utko. The space will also include several meeting rooms, which is something the community has been requesting, he said. “We find the library is the last place where people can go and meet without having an obligation to pay for something.” The new branch will be located in the Okanagan Lake Shopping Centre, at 216-525 Highway 97 S. The ORL is also currently fundraising to create a makers’ space in the downtown Kelowna branch. It will be larger than the one on the Westside.