The Deschutes Public Library has changed and enriched people’s lives for decades by providing access to books designed to inform and educate, and expand one’s horizons and imagination. When computers started entering the library mix in the 1990’s many questioned how they would fit with our core mission and services.

The answer is that libraries are constantly shifting and flexing to meet the needs of our users to provide access to information in numerous ways. We provide information choices and opportunities through thousands of books, downloadable music, films and eBooks, online databases, computers, Wifi, Internet access, and one-on-one research assistance.

We recently discovered that the access we provide through technology is integral to why thousands of Deschutes County residents use us every day. The Library took part in a computer survey that showed nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older – roughly 77 million people – used a public library computer or wireless network to connect to the Internet in the past year. In Deschutes County, that translates to approximately 40,000 people each year who use the computers and wireless network at the Deschutes Public Library. Nearly 1,000 of you participated in the survey during a 27-day period and reported finding jobs, improving life habits, increasing business opportunities, and receiving financial aid for college. That’s life-changing stuff happening through access of Library computers and the Internet!

Computers will continue to be an integral part of our service at the Library. Technology enhances and balances our traditional offerings such as books and reference help, and provides the access to information that is critical to you. So, wherever your journey takes you, you can be confident the Library has the resources and services you need to make it a great one!

Todd Dunkelberg, Library Director

Deschutes Public Library is Community Center for Internet and Wifi Access

Last month, 1,000 Deschutes County residents participated in the University of Washington’s Information School’s Technology Survey regarding the impact of computers and technology in libraries. The results detailed that approximately 40,000 Deschutes County residents use the computers and wireless network at the Deschutes Public Library every year. Of these responses, 29 percent of users were seeking help with career or employment needs, 28 percent used the computers to further their educational goals, and 28 percent used the Library computers and Internet connection for civic engagement purposes.

The survey also illustrated that 87% of participants were satisfied with the access provided at the Library and 88% believe it is essential to offer technology resources for our communities.

The Deschutes Public Library began offering public access computers in the mid-nineties thanks to funding from the Meyer Memorial Trust, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Friends of the Library organizations, and The Deschutes Public Library Foundation. Today the Library has 133 computers available for public use and a wireless network that patrons with their own laptops can use to access the Internet.

The Deschutes Public Library also provides free one-on-one help, computer classes, and other technology support. Click here to access the full survey report online.

Are you a new parent, wondering how to encourage your child to become a good reader? Do you have a preschooler who seems ready to read but you don't know how to help? The library offers "Read, Rhyme and Romp" workshops to parents and care providers. Each workshop features the skills a child needs in order to be ready to read, as well as fun and simple activities to do with your child(ren) to promote those skills. You'll learn about the best books, have fun with words and rhymes, and leave with a free book and an early literacy toy.

A minimum of 5 people are required for the workshop. Contact Heather McNeil, Youth Services Manager, to set up a workshop. 541-617-7099 or heatherm@deschuteslibrary.org.

A Novel Idea Unveiled is planned for Friday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m. This festive, after-hours event is open to the public. Save the date and be one of the first to know the 2012 A Novel Idea community read. For more information, contact Chantal at (541) 312-1031.

KNOW RELIGION: Free Cultural Programs at the Library during December

Deschutes Public Library offers the opportunity to explore world religions during the Know Religion series that kicks off in December. Local experts will explore a wide range of religious beliefs and practices. All programs are free and open to the public:


Jesus and the Early Christians Outside of the Bible

  Saturday, December 3, 2011, 2:00 pm
  East Bend Public Library

Hindu Art and the Four Goals of Life

  Sunday, December 4, 2011, 2:00 pm
  Sisters Public Library

  Thursday, December 8, 2011, 1:00 pm
  Sunriver Area Public Library

Four Noble Truths of Buddhism

  Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.
  Downtown Bend Public Library

Science Friction: Controversies and Decision Making in a Democracy
This program is sponsored in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities, a statewide nonprofit organization.

  Saturday, December 10, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
  Brooks Room, Downtown Bend Public Library

Wisdom & Compassion in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition

  Saturday, December 10, 3:00 p.m.
  East Bend Public Library

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem

  Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
  Redmond Public Library


For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.

Go on an an animal adventure at the East Bend Library and meet a new animal every month, hear the wild tales, and join in on a fun craft. Stop by the East Bend Library the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 AM for 45 minutes of adventure for children ages 3 and up. Space is limited to 30 children and their caregivers.

The Deschutes Public Library received a financial award in the amount of $1,731 for its careful attention to energy efficiency of the East Bend Library. The Library received the monies specifically for its choice in lighting for the new library.

Our libraries’ need for strong community support has never been so important. With more than 4,000 people visiting our libraries in person or online every day, our libraries are truly a busy place. Tax dollars pay to keep our library doors open, but gifts to the Deschutes Public Library Foundation support many of the additional services that are so vital to our communities’ success.

Did you know that because of budget cuts, Bookmobile services had to be discontinued to thousands of children, teens and seniors this year? Or that our Summer Reading program that helps more than 4,400 children and teens return to school with better reading skills is facing reduced funding?

You are invited to help keep our library strong:

• Consider making a gift to the foundation this holiday season in honor of someone
• Make a yearend gift to the foundation
• Be an active user of your library’s programs and collection
• Encourage your neighbors, friends and employees to get involved

Your support will create an enduring legacy for Deschutes County–a library that will enrich and strengthen our children and communities for generations to come. To make a gift, visit www.dplfoundation.org. For more information contact Sharon at 541-610-7004 or sharon@dplfoundation.org.

Mary Beth Pearl-Gent was a legacy in the library community. Her tireless commitment and leadership for our library was demonstrated at the local, district and statewide level. Mary Beth has ensured that her passion for our library will continue for generations to come. She left a gift to the Deschutes Public Library Foundation in her will. You can also help guarantee our library will continue to thrive for the next generation by making your own planned gift to the Deschutes Public Library Foundation.

Designate the Library Foundation as a beneficiary in your retirement account and will. For more information contact Sharon at 541-610-7004 or sharon@dplfoundation.org.

Friends of the Bend Library Holiday Book Sale!
Buy a Book for your loved ones at the Bend Friends Holiday Book Sale

The best deal in town this holiday season! Great holiday deals are waiting for you at the Friends of the Bend Libraries book sale planned for Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Library Administration Building (Old Bend Library) located at 507 NW Wall Street, Bend. Need more information? Call (541) 389-1622.

Learn Essential Computer Skills at the Redmond Library
Open Computer Lab is coming to the Redmond Library! Drop in and practice your computer skills or work on any problems you’re having with one of our staff on hand to help. Two sessions are being offered on Friday, December 2 at 10:30 a.m. and Monday, December 12 at 2:30 p.m.

Friends of the Redmond Library Art Exhibit
Through the month of November, the Friends of the Redmond Library Art Committee will be featuring the work of Bryan E. Warner in the Silent Reading Area at the Redmond Public Library. Warner’s show features four panels of illustrations in the Frank Zombie PI Comic Book. A drawing for the four individual panels will be held at the end of November. Sign up for your chance to win a piece of local art! The drawing will be held at closing on November 30. You need not be present to win. For additional information contact Linda Barker at 541-312-1064.

Exploring Africa at the Sisters Library
Cal Allen will share a photos and a presentation on his spring trip southern Africa on Sunday December 11 at 1:30 p.m. His presentation will include photos of the wildlife in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This free presentation is part of the Diane Jacobsen Speaker Series Sponsored by The Friends of the Sisters Library. Fund.

Friends of the Sisters Library’s Book Corner has a lot to offer!
The Friends of the Sisters Library’s Book Corner offers used paperbacks, hardbacks, CDs, DVDs, Children's books and collectibles. Drop in Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Book Corner is located at the corner of the Library near the book drop.

Sunriver Friends of the Library Great Gift Idea!
Thinking about a gift for the holidays? How about a guide for native plants: 'Native Plants of the Lewis and Clark Expedition contains pictures and planting information for plants that grow naturally in this area. The book is available for only$3.00! Many other hardback books are available for $1.00, paperbacks are 50 cents, and a good selection of CDs & DVDs are ready to wrap for $1.00. The Sunriver Friends Book Shelf is open during Library business hours.

Visit the library’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/deschuteslibrary) and become a fan to receive Facebook updates on events, programs, and what’s new at the library.