Okanagan Regional Library (ORL)

who they are

The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) is a public library system serving over 360,000 residents across British Columbia with 30 branches, offering traditional and digital collections, STEAM makerspaces, a Library of Things, events, and community programming.

contributors

Publisher

Designer

Developer

The Challenge

what they needed

ORL needed a digital platform that reflects the vibrant, inclusive experience patrons enjoy in branch locations. The site had to deliver seamless access to a wide range of materials—books, e-resources, makerspaces, programs—and support community amenities such as event listings, branch services, and online learning tools.

how we tackled it

We delivered a modern, intuitive web design tailored to provide fast, easy access to ORL’s offerings. The redesigned site features streamlined search tools, a refreshed events calendar, and mobile-friendly navigation to match patrons’ in-library experiences. We organized the user journey around ORL’s core pillars—Read, Watch, Listen, Programs & Activities, Resources—with highlighted sections like “Summer Reading Club,” Makerspaces, Library of Things, and digital collections such as eBooks, e‑Magazines, and Online Resources. We also incorporated updated navigation, improved content layouts, and accessibility enhancements to ensure inclusivity and ease of use across user groups.

Key Highlights

Homepage structured around core categories: Read, Watch, Listen, Programs & Activities, Resources
Enhanced search and navigation, with dedicated areas for digital borrowing (Libby, NNELS), makerspaces, and the Library of Things
Streamlined program discovery, including events, summer reading clubs, e-learning, and STEAM offerings
Optimized branch pages with clear location details, hours, services like meeting rooms and exam invigilation, and up-to-date event listings

The Result
The refreshed ORL website delivers a welcoming, functional, and inclusive experience—with faster navigation, richer content accessibility, and clear pathways to library services and resources. It reinforces ORL’s role as a central cultural and educational hub across the region and deepens community engagement through accessible digital services.