iN NUMBERS: Thousands still use libraries in Okanagan, Kamloops

If you don’t have a library card, get one, if for no other reason than to make people believe you’re well read. You never know when you might want a good mystery novel or some weird textbook about bugs.

You might think reading books is on the decline but the Okanagan Regional Library and Thompson-Nicola Regional Library are still getting a lot of use:

• 784,620: Digital books borrowed from Okanagan Regional Library branches in 2024, up 8.6 per cent from 2023.
• 487,170: Okanagan Regional Library audiobooks listened to in 2024, up 23 per cent from 2023.
• 232,365: Digital magazines read in 2024, up 61 per cent from 2023.
• 11,297: Programs at Okanagan Regional Library branches in 2024.
• 2.2 million: Materials borrowed from Okanagan Regional Library branches.
• 1.4 million: People walked into Okanagan Regional Library branches.
• 119,444: People have Okanagan Regional Library cards.
• 22.9: Million dollars in revenue for Okanagan Regional Library.
• 23.3: Million in expenses for Okanagan Regional Library.
• 14: Thompson-Nicola Regional Library branches, including Kamloops and North Kamloops branch.
• 30: Stops for the mobile Thompson-Nicola Regional Library.
• 29: Branches of the Okanagan Regional Library.
• 1 million: Items checked out of Thompson-Nicola Regional Library branches each year.
• 1: New app for Thompson-Nicola Regional Library users to get information and manage accounts.