Due to Covid-19 protocols, our KDGS Resource Centre is currently closed. However, we will be happy to do look-ups and send you digital images from the books in our collection. Our Library List can be found through the link below. Please email your request to: Librarian@KDGS.ca.
Instructions: Click to open the PDF “Library List” in Google Docs. To save a copy to your own computer, select 'File-Download;' the List will be sharp and in focus plus you can enlarge it for easier viewing. To search the list by keyword, hold down the “CTRL” key and press the “F” key to bring up a search window; then type in your search word or words (such as author’s surname, topic or word from the title, etc.) and click on “Next” to quickly hunt through this 71-page document.
The List was last updated in March 2020 and is organized by World Region, then Country or Topic and then by Subject within each main listing. The order of the List follows the order of our collection on our shelves at the KDGS Family Local & Local History Resource Centre. Materials are cross-indexed; the main entry (where it is shelved) is in bold with all sub-entries in italics. Material added since October 2017 is highlighted in yellow.
The List was last updated in March 2020 and is organized by World Region, then Country or Topic and then by Subject within each main listing. The order of the List follows the order of our collection on our shelves at the KDGS Family Local & Local History Resource Centre. Materials are cross-indexed; the main entry (where it is shelved) is in bold with all sub-entries in italics. Material added since October 2017 is highlighted in yellow.
Note: all KDGS Library Materials are Reference Only and do not circulate
General
•Please respect other researchers by keeping conversations quiet and to a minimum
•Please do not take KDGS materials off of the 2nd floor
•When finished, please return to the designated book cart for re-shelving
•Use the KDGS material with care
•Material may be photocopied or scanned on the ORL photocopiers or photographed with your 'Smart' Phone.
Library
The KDGS Genealogy & Local History Reference Library is located on the second floor of the Okanagan Regional Library’s (ORL) downtown Kelowna Branch. Our partnership with the ORL has allowed the KDGS to offer convenient access to our stellar collection of books, periodicals, maps and digital databases to the Central Okanagan community. KDGS members provide a regular “Genealogist in Residence” service (see schedule below) and will be very pleased to help you with your family history project. There is no charge for this service. As well, the KDGS facilitates free, monthly Family History Forums (see “Forum Schedule” tab for dates and topics) which are open to everyone – please join us for these informative sessions – no registration necessary!
Our Library features genealogical handbooks and guides for most countries plus many published records such as, newspaper vital events, cemetery records, probate records and much more. We subscribe to many different family history journals from across Canada, the US and the UK. Feel free to peruse these in the comfort of the Library. Our collection of local histories for Canada, especially, BC, the Prairie Provinces and Ontario is excellent – many of these include vignettes of local families. These books are also very useful for anyone doing historical research and school projects – not just family historians! Our map cabinet features some rare specialist maps. We continually add to our collection, so visit us often!
Make Kelowna your destination research centre: in one location, you have access to the collections of the KDGS Library and the ORL Library (including a large collection of material on microfilm: census records, vital events, newspapers and historical BC Directories) plus you are just steps away from the resources of the Vince Bezeau Military Library & Archives and the Kelowna Public Archives.
To learn more about our Library, visit us on YouTube: CLICKHERE!
Genealogist in Residence (GIR) Service Schedule*
Due to Covid-19, we are unable to provide our in-library GIR Service. However, our GIRs are still eager to assist you with your family history questions via email, phone, Skype or Zoom. Please email your request to: Librarian@KDGS.ca and we will partner you with one of our helpful GIRs.
Members of the KDGS are available to assist the public in getting started in family history, to locate reference material and for general help in research.
Wednesday: 1-3pm (Ancestry Meet-Up)
Thursday: 1-3pm (Ancestry Meet-Up) September through to June Only.
Saturday: 1-3 pm (summer hours) April 2 - September 25
Sunday: 1-3pm (winter hours) October - March
Sunday: 1-3pm (winter hours) October - March
* Our digital databases are only available when GIRs are on-duty.
GIR's are in attendance in the Westbank Library from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm on the last Wednesday of the month.
Family History Forums
Due to Covid-19, our Family History Forums are now being held via Zoom in partnership with the Okanagan Regional Library. They are free to attend and open to all but you must preregister: go to the ORL Events Calendar https://orl.bc.ca/hours-location/kelowna - find the Family History Forum event (under Adult events). Once you register, a Zoom invite will be sent to you via email.
These are generally held on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except Dec., July and Aug.) in the second floor Classroom 2 at the Downtown Kelowna Public Library (unless otherwise noted), 7-9pm. See the Forum Schedule tab for more information.
Everyone is welcome! Admission is free.
