The Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Annual Update

Vernon library use increased in 2025

Feb 9, 2026 | 5:15 PM

The local library had a busy year in 2025.

Danielle Hubbard, the Okanagan Regional Library’s (ORL) Chief Executive Director, said the Vernon branch was well used over the course of the year.

“Vernon is one of very busiest branches. In 2025, Vernon ran a total of 1,494 public programs, and they registered 2,483 new library card holders,” Hubbard said in her annual presentation to Vernon City Council.

“Vernon checked out 340,000 books, and our visits… the number of people through the doors in 2025, were 226,000.” The CEO said visits to the Vernon library were up four per cent annually, but did not have the comparisons for the other figures.

She went on to say the summer reading club also continued to see good participation.

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“In 2025 we had 7,602 kids registered for programs [across the ORL branches], 650 programs were offered, and almost 30,000 people attended those summer reading club programs,” Hubbard said.

“So it’s really the busiest time of year for our libraries.”

There were also 32 teen programs run in Vernon in 2025.

Hubbard also touted the other services the library offers such as the free wi-fi, computers, printers and scanners, and the economic benefit those contribute as people use the services during their search for employment or using the spaces to do business.

The ORL is the fifth largest library network in B.C., and Hubbard said being part of the regional system allows for materials to be easily shared across the communities it serves.

Following the presentation, Vernon’s Mayor said the figures showed the value of the library.

“It’s very important, a great asset to the community, and mostly funded by local taxpayers,” Victor Cumming said.

“All I can do is encourage more residents to go use it. It’s a high quality resource right in our community, and if you’re paying taxes you’re already paying for it so I suggest you enjoy the benefits.”