Inspired by the concept of lifelong learning, Margaret Cleaveley set out to establish an adult learning community in the Kamloops region.

To that end she met with board members of the Kelowna Seniors Learning in Retirement (SLR). In September of 2005 she held an information meeting which 50 people or so attended and chose the name Kamloops Adult Learners Society. The first courses were offered in the late Fall 2005, among them a ten session Canadian history course instructed by Dr. Anne Gagnon.  In honour of Margaret Cleaveley’s dedication to her vision, KALS created the Margaret Cleaveley Award for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010.

In the ensuing years until 2016, KALS administration was run by a combination of volunteers and a part-time clerk in the Northills Mall.  Later that year, under the leadership of the then KALS president, Lois Hollstedt, with support from Norm Daley, KALS administration moved to Kamloops Sports Council premises on Lorne Street, where full clerical support was provided.  In 2018 Kamloops Sports Council moved to their McArthur Island location which has become a venue for KALS classes.

Despite the declaration of the COVID pandemic in March 2020, KALS adapted well to limitations and became flexible in course management and modes of delivery. Zoom entered the KALS realm. In 2023, as a result of Ginny Ratsoy’s initiative, KALS connected with the Speakers Swap Program of Later Life Learning, and committed to Zoom delivery of at least two courses a semester, a move that has greatly increased KALS range of offerings and includes presenters from across Canada.

KALS continues to offer a diverse range of single and multi-session courses and field trips, often as many as 40 to 50 per semester.  KALS latest initiative to improve communication with members, and ease the registration process, is the redevelopment of the KALS website, which is made possible by a grant from the City.