The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) is pleased to announce it has contributed seed funding in the amount of $5,000 to establish a permanent endowment with the Shuswap Community Foundation. When the endowment reaches $10,000 income earned will be used to support library services and programs in the Shuswap region. The Foundation and the ORL look forward to working with donors who would like to contribute to the fund.

Currently there are five ORL locations in the Shuswap: The Salmon Arm Branch in Piccadilly Mall, the South Shuswap Branch in Blind Bay, the North Shuswap Branch in Scotch Creek, the Silver Creek Branch and the Sicamous Branch. Last year, these five branches welcomed 216,002 visitors and had 11,522 children attend story times. 380,460 free materials and resources were also borrowed at these branches.

“We recognize the importance of libraries in the Shuswap communities, and in planning for their future, we wanted to create an endowment to support library services,” explains ORL Board Chair, Catherine Lord of Vernon. “We hope this endowment encourages local residents to invest in the sustainability of their library.”

Dave Wood, SCF President, congratulated the ORL board on their acknowledgement of how community foundations can play a role in administering endowment funds which will provide future income in support of library services and programs. SCF continues to grow its many agency funds; and welcomes the establishment of Okanagan Regional Library (Shuswap) Endowment Fund.