Community Resources ·
Free Podcast Studio at the Kelowna Library
KFS no longer has a dedicated podcast room, so when we found a free local option with real recording and editing tools, it felt worth sharing.
A free place to record a first episode.
While Kelowna Film Studios no longer operates a dedicated podcast room, people still ask where they can record a first episode, narration or voice-over test without buying a full setup. The ORL Audio Recording Studio at the Downtown Kelowna library is a genuinely useful community option.
The sound-protected room has one RØDE NT1-A microphone, a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 interface, headphones, monitors, Pro Tools and Audacity. Independent use requires the short audio studio orientation, a Makerspace waiver, an ORL card and photo ID. Bring your own storage, then check the booking calendar before you go.
There is more than a microphone.
The Downtown branch's Creation Station has Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Audition and Premiere. The nearby digitization stations can handle photographs, negatives, slides, VHS, cassettes and vinyl, which is handy for old family media, archives and documentary research.
The Downtown Makerspace list also includes 3D printing, a Glowforge laser cutter, Cricut, a heat press, a sublimation printer and basic video recording equipment. It is a good place to test an idea before buying another tool or software subscription.
Courses and films come with the card too.
An ORL card also unlocks LinkedIn Learning courses in editing, audio, photography, design, software, AI, business and project management. You use your library card and PIN, and you do not need a personal LinkedIn profile.
For film reference, Kanopy through ORL currently includes 15 viewing tickets per month. Its Criterion Collection includes one of my favourite films, Carl Theodor Dreyer's The Passion of Joan of Arc.
Start with an ORL card.
If you do not have one yet, check ORL membership, then confirm the current equipment and orientation requirements on the product page you plan to use. Availability changes, so book ahead or call the Downtown branch before travelling.
We are not connected to the program; we just think more local podcasters, students, artists and small teams should know it exists. If this saves someone from buying equipment before they know what they need, it has done its job.
