A Message From the Director
I’m often asked how the recent downturn in the economy has affected the Library. And I tend to answer, “We are no longer the best secret in town!” The Deschutes Public Library has experienced a 50% increase in usage during the last two years.

Library customers are using us more than ever for job searching and career changes with the aid of our reference resources and knowledgeable staff. They are attending free computer classes to improve their technology skills so they can re-enter the job market and expand their opportunities. Customers are also taking advantage of the free cultural programming offered every week for all ages, such as story times, author programs, and civic discussions. And, they are enjoying the best sellers, foreign films, music CDs, and vast resources offered online and in our libraries to enrich their daily lives. All of our cultural programs, services, and resources are free and accessible for everyone in Deschutes County.

On the financial side, we have implemented three cost saving initiatives that have helped us keep up with demand while facing a decrease in funding:

Floating Collections:  This past year the library changed the way materials are checked in by allowing an item to stay at the local branch to which it was returned. This means that branches have different items and titles at their locations every day. And, customers have a greater opportunity to see unique titles every time they visit a local community branch. In addition, materials spend less time in library workrooms waiting to be sent to other branches and staff have more time to spend with customers.

Hours:  We reviewed current open hours at each library location and eliminated open hours during the slowest times while adding more hours during the busier periods. This shift allowed us to maximize the Library’s open hours at the busiest times and locations without adding more staff.

Staffing:  And, finally, this fall we reorganized the Library staff, eliminated several management positions, and initiated training for more staff to focus directly on customer service. Training is continuing and we are already realizing gains in improved customer service and more flexibility in covering desks and locations. These changes also allow us to provide resources and access to the Library for the 45,000 East Bend residents who are currently underserved (read more about this exciting news later in this newsletter).

While tough times have impacted us all, I am proud to say that the Library will continue to enrich the lives of our community members seeking to learn, discover, and grow in a fun, friendly, and progressive environment that offers free resources and services to all!

Todd Dunkelberg

Know Culture – Free Library Programs

Library Hosts Three Nationally Acclaimed Slam Poets – Night Kite Revival
Deschutes Public Library and the Cascades Theatrical Company have joined together to bring an evening of spectacular spoken word performances to Central Oregon. The performance is free and open to the public. It begins at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 12 at Greenwood Playhouse, 148 NW Greenwood, Bend.

On tour under the brand new moniker Revival, the Night Kite Revival is back! Anis Mojgani (2-time Individual National Poetry Slam Champion), Derrick Brown (invited to open for the Flaming Lips and Cold War Kids), Buddy Wakefield (2-time Individual World Poetry Slam Champion) bring to you the planet’s ultimate spoken word theatre experience! Their individual successes are many but together they have struck an undeniable power chord with North American audiences for the past three years.

A Novel Idea 2011
The Library revealed the 2011 Novel Idea selection to a group of eager fans on October 29 at the Novel Idea Unveiled gala in the Bend Library. The book selected is Kapitoil by author Teddy Wayne. Kapitoil has already received major accolades, earning Wayne a prestigious fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist, which raved about his “wonderfully assured debut novel, at once poignant, insightful, and funny.”

The novel is deftly told through Karim Issar whose funny and often robotic observation of American culture is both incisive and heart-wrenching. Kapitoil and the Novel Idea programs will provide ample discussion and discovery for our communities to explore in April 2011.

A Novel Idea…Read Together kicks off on April 10, 2011 with three weeks of free cultural programs, book discussions, films, food tastings, music, and art – and will culminate with author Teddy Wayne visiting Central Oregon April 28 – 30. For more information, please visit the Library’s website at: http://www.deschuteslibrary.org/events/novelidea/ or contact Chantal Strobel at 541.312.1031 or chantals@dpls.us.

Know Crafts!
The Deschutes Public Library is holding a series of craft programs to get you in the holiday state of mind. The programs will be held at several libraries throughout the county through December 8th. View the full list of programs online.

Local Library News

Bend Public Library Installs Drive-up Book Drop
You no longer have to park your car to return materials! A convenient drive-up book drop is now located at the back of the downtown Bend Library. The book drop will remain open at all times except during holidays.

East Bend Library to Open Spring 2011
The much anticipated East Bend Library is slated to open in March 2011. The 8,000 square foot library will be housed in leased retail space in Borden's Corner located at 2175 NE Highway 20. Construction for the remodel of the retail spaces will begin in early December.

The services in the new library will focus on popular collections and services. Services will include Internet access, story times, meeting room space, children’s programs, holds pick-up, and books, music, and movies.

The East Bend Public Library does NOT require additional funding. The library has been fiscally conservative and set reserves aside for future development. Reserve funds will pay for development of the site and the Library has implemented several other efficiencies to pay for operations.

Redmond Library Winter 2010 Art Exhibit
The Redmond Library’s Art Committee is sponsoring the Winter 2010 Art Exhibit, Sat., Nov. 6, 2010 through Fri., Jan. 8, 2011 at the Redmond Public Library. Central Oregon artists are showing original art created in a variety of mediums including watercolor, photography, oils and pastels. The majority of the art is for sale and any sales contribute 20% to the Redmond Friends of the Library who supports the Art Committee and art exhibits at the Library. For additional information contact Linda Barker at 541-312-1064.

Sunriver Public Library -- Pajama Time & Live Read!
Beginning in December, the Sunriver Area Library will have Pajama Story time featuring a cozy evening of stories, finger rhymes, songs and movement skills, targeted for children 0-6 years old. This fun program is held the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Children may bring their favorite stuffed toy and/or wear their jammies.

Live Read, a fun program for adults to gather around the Sunriver Library fireplace and listen to great short fiction read out loud by library staff. Soon we will be adding features to our Live Read story time with an open mic platform. Stay tuned for details. You are never too old for story time!

Library Faces

Board Member Leaves 25 Year Legacy
Deschutes Public Library Board Member Pat Lawrence stepped down from her 25-years on the board. Ms. Lawrence was elected to represent the Redmond and Terrebonne residents of Deschutes County. During her tenure, the Library Board established a Library District, renovated the Jessie Hill School into the Redmond Library, built new libraries in Bend, Sisters, and La Pine, and built the first library in the Sunriver Area. Lawrence will be replaced by Redmond resident Susan Torassa.

Cherished Librarian Retiring at Redmond Library
Peggy Rhoads, the Librarian who has fostered a love for reading for the children of Redmond is retiring after nearly 10 years with the Library. Peggy has performed thousands of story times for the children of Redmond, visited the schools regularly to share the latest reads, and created a dynamic culture for life-long learning and fun at the Library. Please join us on Wednesday November 17 from 4:00 – 6:00 at the Redmond Public Library to wish Peggy farewell and to thank her for touching so many young hearts and minds.

Foundation Executive Director Hired
The Deschutes Public Library Foundation hired its first Executive Director, Marie Bernardy, who was hired in September. Bernardy comes to the Foundation with 26 years of experience. She served as the San Jose Public Library Foundation Executive Director for several years. Prior to her work with the SJPL Foundation, she was the VP of Development at a large hospital in California. She has also worked for many years as a non-profit consultant for several agencies and has experience with capital campaigns, strategic planning, donor relations, and planned giving.

The Library Foundation received a development grant from the Oregon Community Foundation that made this position possible. For more information regarding the Library Foundation, please contact Marie Bernardy at (541) 610-7004 or dplfoundation@gmail.com.

The Library Foundation Board is currently seeking members to serve on the Board. Please contact Marie Bernardy if you are interested.

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