Deschutes Public Library Board Appoints Interim Director
Posted By: Tina Walker Davis
Date Posted: 8/14/2026
The Deschutes Public Library Board decided on Wednesday evening, August 12, to appoint Chantal Strobel as Interim Library Director. Their decision came in advance of Director Todd Dunkelberg’s August 28 retirement and after a pause in the district’s search for a new permanent director. Strobel has been with Deschutes Public Library for 32 years, most recently serving as Assistant Director of Community Engagement since 2023.
“Chantal was an integral part of Deschutes Public Library District’s establishment in 1998 and has been involved in shepherding the district through every major development and challenge since then, from the Great Recession to COVID our recent bond projects,” said Library Board President Ann Malkin. “She’s uniquely qualified to thoughtfully guide the organization for the foreseeable future as we continue the search for a new Library Director.”
Malkin says the board will talk in the coming weeks about when to actively resume the search for a permanent director. Dunkelberg says he fully supports the board decision, and will assist Strobel through the transition process.
“Chantal has been a trusted and essential leader since I’ve been with the district,” Dunkelberg said. “She knows the workings of the library district inside and out. Her unique blend of experience, knowledge and temperament are exactly what Deschutes Public Library needs as the board works to refocus their search for a permanent director.”
Strobel says she looks forward to working with library staff and the community as Deschutes Public Library continues to evolve its services and resources.
“We’re in an exciting time for the district as we approach the completion of years-long capital projects,” said Strobel. “A lot of time and energy has been focused on new buildings and remodels, but we now have the opportunity to build in other ways—in how we serve the community, how we make the most of these amazing new buildings, and how we engage staff in that important work. I’m committed to help the district do that work as the board works toward hiring a new director.”