Deschutes Public Library News and Events

Deschutes Public Library Board Appoints Interim Director

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.”

La Pine Library: Seed Library

Share, donate, and enjoy seeds! This community seed library will help gardeners get started, share resources, grow local seeds, explore new seeds and encourage sustainability in the high desert. Seeds may be from local, regional and similarly USDA zoned seed companies, and from local farmers and gardeners.

Where: La Pine Library

When: Tuesdays in August, 10:00 a.m.-noon, and 4-6:00 p.m.

Seeds are free to take from the seed library. Resources may be limited at the beginning, but we hope to have an abundant supply for the next planting season.

Community members are encouraged to donate seeds from their gardens. Bring your seeds to to the library during Seed Library hours. Please have the following information about your seeds available:

The year the seeds were gathered
Common name of the plant
Optional: days to germination, scientific name of the plant, planting depth, plant spacing, days to maturity, sunlight needs of the plant, frost hardiness, culturally important information

We cannot accept the following types of donated seeds from home gardeners: cucurbits (squash, melon, etc.), corn, GMO patented, or those classified as noxious weeds. And please remember that F1 hybrids will not breed true, please don't bring seeds collected from F1 hybrid plants.

Seeds will be repackaged into standardized envelopes for ease of storing and sharing, and labeled. Community members will be encouraged to do this step when they bring in their seeds, but staff can help.

Staff will be available for some of the Seed Library's open hours. If you have specific questions or need more information, be sure to contact us: erinh@deschuteslibrary.org

“Know Nothing” this August with Deschutes Public Library

It’s okay to not know it all. Join the library as we explore “Know Nothing” this August. Dive into the unknown world of black holes and learn about the Antebellum South era in the United States. Refresh your wardrobe at a clothing swap and explore William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in a two-part series. Learn simple ways to reduce wildfire risk to your home and get survival-savvy with a wilderness safety course before your next adventure. Kids can help Professor Universe solve the carbon conundrum and teens can participate in an escape room at the library. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs marked with an asterisk (*) require registration.

Buddhism, Nature, and Meditation*

Exhale deeply and learn a few simple meditation techniques that help settle the mind. Hear a brief introduction to Buddhism and its profound connection through experiences in the natural world.

Saturday, August 1 • 3:30 p.m. • Sunriver Library | 56855 Venture Lane, Sunriver
Tuesday, August 4 • 6:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

America for the Americans: The Know Nothing Party

This talk will discuss the political, religious, and economic dynamics that produced the Know Nothing party of the Antebellum era, with an eye to how those historical dynamics have familiar echoes in our contemporary moment.

Monday, August 3 • 6:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend
Tuesday, August 4 • 3:00 p.m. • Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar Street, Sisters

Buy Nothing Clothing Swap

Refresh your wardrobe with a fun and free clothing swap. Help build a circular community that prioritizes less waste and reuse over buying. Donations are welcome, but not required to participate.

Wednesday, August 5 • 5–7:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Own Your Zone

Bend Fire & Rescue’s “Own Your Zone” is a community wildfire preparedness campaign focused on getting residents to take simple, specific actions to reduce wildfire risk around their homes, especially by creating defensible space within the first five feet.

Wednesday, August 5 • 5:30 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Carve Away to Nothing: Relief Printmaking*

Explore the art of subtraction—carving away material to reveal an image, working between negative and positive space until what remains tells the story. Carve away to nothing and hand-print bold images from linoleum blocks. Registration required.

Thursday, August 6 • 5:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond
Monday, August 31 • 1:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Escape Room in the Library*

Something strange is happening in the library and nothing is quite what it seems. Participants will race the clock to solve clues, crack riddles, and uncover hidden hints scattered throughout the library. Intended for high school-aged youth. Registration required.

Thursday, August 6 • 6:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend
Monday, August 17 • 6:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond
Wednesday, August 19 • 6:00 p.m. • Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar Street, Sisters
Tuesday, August 25 • 6:00 p.m. • La Pine Library | 16425 1st Street, La Pine

Splints, Stings, and Survival Things

Understand how to stay calm, help others, and be prepared with Scouts from two Bend troops. Learn useful first aid skills, test your teamwork, and take part in exciting, hands-on challenges designed for everyone. Intended for all ages; children under the age of 11 will need assistance from a parent.

Saturday, August 8 • 10:00 a.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Professor Universe: A Comedic Science Show

Join Professor Universe on a mission to save the entire planet with a little help from the carbon cycle. Learn how carbon moves between plants and animals, the ground, and the air, keeping our planet safe. Intended for youth ages 5-12; children must be accompanied by a guardian.

Monday, August 10 • 12:30 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond
Monday, August 10 • 4:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Guided Forest Bath*

Take some time to do nothing but feed your soul. Participants will be led through a series of forest bathing invitations by a local Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Registration required.

Tuesday, August 11 • 10:30 a.m. • Shevlin Park | Meet up instructions will be sent prior to event.

Something Wicked Part 1: Introduction to Macbeth

Explore the world and plot of Macbeth with plenty of time for questions and discussion. This presentation will lead the audience through an exploration of the story of the play using a condensed plot summary.

Tuesday, August 11 • 1:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond

Something Wicked Part 2: Famous Scenes from MacBeth

Explore the opening scenes and moments from Macbeth and walk away with a better understanding of the language and appreciation of its poetic brilliance. Audience members are invited to join in with the reading—no experience needed.

Wednesday, August 19 • noon • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Beaded Embroidery Pins*

Play in the world of colorful beads to create a pin/brooch that's personalized with a monogram. This workshop will cover the basics of beaded embroidery in order to create one-of-a-kind wearable art. This event is intended for ages 12+. Registration required.

Thursday, August 20 • 10:00 a.m.• La Pine Library | 16425 1st Street, La Pine

Tintes y Patrones en español*

Exploraremos el teñido textil usando pliegues, amarres y color. Cada participante manipulará la tela doblándola, retorciéndola o atándola antes de sumergirla en color, permitiendo que el proceso revele formas únicas. Dirigida a niños a partir de 6 años y a sus familias. Se recomienda inscribirse previamente.

Domingo, 23 de agosto • 3:00 p.m. • Biblioteca de Redmond | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond

Black Holes: Making Sense of a Mystery

Dive into the unknown world of black holes. Learn how they were discovered, the types of black holes and how they form, how they are identified, and what happens around a black hole. This presentation will conclude by looking at the exciting mysteries remaining to be uncovered.

Monday, August 24 • 6:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond
Sunday, August 30 • 3:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Repair Café in English y español

Repair Café is a free Community event that connects people with broken stuff to people who like to fix stuff. Repair Café es un evento comunitario gratuito que reúne a personas con objetos rotos con personas a las que les gusta arreglar cosas.

Wednesday, August 26 • 5–7:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

For more information about these programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats or auxiliary aids) should contact Liz Goodrich at lizg@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-312-1032.

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Central Library Hosts Community Grand Opening Celebration August 15

The Central Library has been in full operation for more than two months, and library staff are ready to celebrate this new chapter by hosting an event befitting the role the library plays in the community. A grand opening celebration from noon–4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, is open to the public and will feature the U.S. and Oregon Poets Laureate, presentations, activities, performers, and more.

“The community response to the Central Library has been nothing short of amazing,” said Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “We’ve had nearly 150,000 enthusiastic people come through the doors since we opened in mid-May. Now that we’ve had a chance to settle in, we’re excited to throw a proper grand opening event that celebrates not just this incredible new building, but the people of Deschutes County who made it all possible.”

The grand opening event is the largest yet thrown by the library. It all begins at noon on August 15 with remarks from members of Indigenous Neighbor Nations as well as U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze and Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston.

The Central Library will be closed the morning of August 15 in preparation for the event, with doors opening to the public following remarks at noon. Attendees will be treated to performances from kite fliers as well as Lava City Cirque, and are invited to explore the library to take part in fun happenings, such as face painting, hands-on activities in the MakerSpace, balloon artistry, and a poetry exhibit. Fun library swag will also be found throughout the building.

Saturday, August 15 events and presentations:

11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Performances by Lava City Cirque
Noon: Event begins with remarks from Todd Dunkelberg, members of Neighbor Nations, Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, and U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze
12:30 – 2:3o p.m.: Kite flying
12:45 p.m.: Members of Central Oregon’s Neighbor Nations present (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Bur Paiute Tribe, and Klamath Tribes) present
1:45 p.m.: Artists whose work appears in the Central Library present, including Jeremy Okai Davis, John Grade, and MoWo
3:00 p.m.: U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze presents

The celebration continues with the following events on Sunday, August 16:

9:00 a.m.: Library opens
9:30 a.m.: Llamas on the Central Library’s east patio
11:00 a.m.: Free screening of the film The Librarians
2:00 p.m.: Writing workshop with Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston (registration required)
3:00 p.m.: Bella Acapella Choir performance

All library events are free and open to the public.

In November 2020, Deschutes County voters supported the library’s bond measure to expand and improve libraries across the county. The bond funded the remodeling of existing libraries in La Pine, Sisters, and Sunriver, and is funding the remodel of the Downtown Bend Library, with work expected to be complete in summer 2027. Bond funds were also used to build a new library in Redmond, which opened in January 2025, and the new Central Library in east Bend, which opened May 2026 to serve all Deschutes County residents.

Deschutes Public Library Board to Extend Director Search

The Deschutes Public Library Board decided on Wednesday evening to extend their search for a library director. Their decision came after meeting with two candidates on July 7 and 8.

“We value the experience and enthusiasm the two candidates brought to the table,” said Library Board President Ann Malkin. “We are in an exciting time for the library district, and the board is committed to making sure we make the right decision for the community and library staff. We will take a brief pause to refocus our search, with a goal of finding the right director for this vibrant and growing community.”

Malkin says the board will discuss appointing an interim director at their August 12 board meeting. Library Director Todd Dunkelberg will retire on August 28, concluding a 16-year tenure as director and 26 years with the library system.

Deschutes Public Library Board Selects New Member for Zone 4

Deschutes Public Library Board members voted to appoint Bend resident Brian Tanis to the Zone 4 Library Board position; he was sworn in at the Board’s June 10 meeting at the Sisters Library.

“We appreciate Brian’s dedication to serving the library and the community by taking on this role,” said Library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “The Library Board is eager to begin working with him.”

The vacancy comes after board member Betsy Tucker resigned her position in April. Library Board members Michele Anderson, Laura Leis, Ann Malkin, and Erin Trimble voted 4–0 in favor of Tanis’s appointment.

“We are very fortunate here in Deschutes County to have a fantastic library system with lots of public support,” Tanis says, “but ensuring that success requires continued action. As someone with experience serving as board member for other organizations and with a background in education, I aim to work collaboratively with the board and library leadership to continue to strengthen and expand the impact of the library.”

Tanis been a part of the Central Oregon community since moving to the Bend area in 2020, building ties he established over several years conducting ecological research in the region. As a scientist and educator, he is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, engaging experiences and access to supportive spaces for the community. Tanis says he’s keen to serve as a liaison and work collaboratively with the board to steward and support the vital role of the library in Deschutes County.

“Personally, I am a big proponent of lifelong learning, curiosity and discovery,” Tanis says. “Libraries play a key role in both developing and facilitating that journey through access to resources and highly engaging programs. I also believe that having an accessible space for people to gather and develop communities is an increasingly important role for libraries, especially here in Central Oregon.”

Tanis will serve in the Zone 4 position through June 30, 2027. The Zone 4 position will be up for public election in May 2027.

Central Library Welcomes Nearly 20,000 Visitors in Opening Week

The community response to the new Central Library has been nothing short of incredible. During its first full week open to the public, the new library welcomed 19,944 visitors who checked out 31,215 items.

Opening day alone brought over 4,000 visitors through the doors, with customers checking out 7,504 items and returning another 2,263. 1,159 customers signed up for a library card during their visit the first week. Visitors spent the week exploring the library’s expansive new spaces, including a collection of more than 165,000 books, along with Thump Coffee, study rooms, the MakerSpace, and our very popular Children’s Discovery Area.

Behind the scenes, Central Library’s volunteers have also been hard at work helping make the opening a success. In just 10 days, 106 active Central Library volunteers logged nearly 600 service hours supporting shelving, MakerSpace activities, programs, holds, and more. Volunteers have become an essential part of daily operations, helping create a welcoming and vibrant experience for visitors throughout the building.

The excitement and support from the community have been overwhelming, and library staff have worked tirelessly to make the opening a success. From helping customers find their next read to navigating library card sign-ups and answering hundreds of questions, staff helped create a welcoming and joyful first week in the new space.

We are so grateful to everyone who stopped by to explore, check out materials, or simply admire the building. If you have not visited yet, we cannot wait to welcome you to Central Library.

Central Library facts:
LOCATION: 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

CONSTRUCTION TIME: 24 months (May 2024–May 2026)

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 103,343 square feet

ARCHITECT: The Miller Hull Partnership

LOCAL ARCHITECT REPRESENTATIVE: Steele Associates

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company

OWNER’S CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: Redpoint Construction Management

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY AREA DESIGN: Plus and Greater Than

LEED Certification: Gold or Platinum

Summer with the Library: Fun and Prizes for All Ages-All Summer Long

The warm days are back, and so is Summer with the Library! Starting June 1, readers and explorers of all ages can sign up for the free Summer with the Library program. Then, start reading and take on fun challenges all summer long. Keep track of your reading and activities to earn a free book.

Join us for music, dancing, and library fun as we kick-off Summer with the Library 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to noon on June 6 at Alpenglow Park in Bend. Enjoy an all-ages line-dancing lesson with Alex Reininger of Mindful Motion, fun activities with the Children’s Museum of Central Oregon, Face Painting by Anne, and more.

“Summer learning can happen anywhere,” says Deschutes Public Library’s Youth Services Supervisor Chandra vanEijnsbergen. “Our community librarians enjoy finding creative ways to bring meaningful experiences to people of all ages throughout Deschutes County.”

Starting in June, readers and adventurers of all ages can sign up for the free Summer with the Library program. Stop by any library, or any Summer with the Library event, to pick up your Reading and Activity Log or sign up online via the Beanstack website. Get reading tips and ideas that provide a fun way to keep track of your summer reading. After you’ve worked through the reading and activity pathway, simply stop by your local Deschutes Public Library location to receive a free book of your choice.

“All reading counts, whether it’s a graphic novel, memoir, audiobook, e-book or anything in between,” says vanEijnsbergen. “The goal is simply to help people enjoy reading in whatever way feels most accessible and meaningful to them this summer.”

Don’t worry if you can’t attend the June 6 kick-off event because Summer with the Library is also hitting the road. Join the library and Nature Connect of Central Oregon for a fun, literature-based activity followed by an engaging outdoor education program at various locations throughout Deschutes County. Visit the library’s website at www.deschuteslibrary.org/summer and explore the Events guide for a full list of programs, including when and where the library will be near you.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the Central Library

What is LEED? Is this a LEED building? LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a certification standard created and monitored by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The goal of LEED certification is to reduce the environmental impact of buildings, improve the quality of life for its occupants, and lower operational costs over time. The Central Library is on track to achieve LEED Platinum status, the highest level of LEED certification. The solar panels on our roof and over parking areas produce all the energy we need to run this building and more. The LEED certification also speaks to this building’s energy efficiency and conservation, which includes reduced water use, improved indoor air quality,efficient heating and cooling systems, reduced carbon emissions, and the use of materials that prioritize sustainability.

Where was the wood used in the building sourced from? Many materials, furnishings, and equipment were sourced from within 500 miles of Central Oregon in Oregon and Washington. The Dowel-Laminated Timber (DLT) that is evident on the ceiling and columns throughout the building is from Canada and is a mix of oak, pine, and fir. DLT is an all-wood, glue-free timber product made by friction-fitting hardwood dowels through stacked softwood lumber. To achieve our high-level LEED certification, all wood must come from sustainably managed forests that use selective logging and replanting to maintain the forest ecosystem. Wood used in the ceiling and in beams and columns is also DLT.

What is the library doing to prevent birds from hitting the glass? We installed glass that has an integrated dot pattern that breaks up the reflective surface of the glass to reduce bird collisions. You can best see this in place on the northwest corners of the second and third floors. We will continue to monitor our windows and bird interactions.

Why are bookshelves meandering instead of in more traditional straight lines? The Central Library, and all libraries in Deschutes County, are designed to allow for an interactive browsing experience, much like you would find in a bookstore. The meandering shelves echo that feeling, allowing customers to not only find what they’re looking for, but to discover more along the way.

What are some of the library features that are different from the Downtown Bend Library?

• A range in sizes of public meeting and study rooms on the second and third floors

• A café (Thump Coffee) in the lobby

• A large (and divisible) community meeting room on the first floor

• A MakerSpace (third floor) that gives the public access to hands-on resources

• A Creative Space (second floor) for all-ages programming and self-directed exploration

• A co-working area

• A drive-thru window for holds pick-ups and drive-thru book/DVD/magazine returns

• An Automated Materials Handling (AMH) machine for faster processing of materials

• All-gender restrooms and wellness/lactation rooms

• Children’s discovery area; largest in the county

• “Child-minder” workstations for caregivers of small children

• New public art

How many items are on the shelves? At opening there are approximately 151,000 items on the shelves. DPL’s overall collection side is 306,000+.

Where did the money come from to build the Central Library? Library construction and renovation projects were funded by the bond approved by Deschutes County voters in 2020 (20-year bond). This bond paid for the construction of the Central Library and the Redmond library, and the remodeling of the La Pine, Sisters, and Sunriver Libraries and the Downtown Bend Library (currently under renovation). The Central Library came in under budget and on schedule.

Is the landscaping complete? Landscaping is mostly complete. Some additional trees, plants, and grasses will be added later this spring to enhance the outdoor spaces. Exterior sculptures are also planned in the next year to further complement the building’s exterior and enrich these public spaces.

Are there charging locations for electric cars? Yes, there are five charging stations at the Central Library.

Is there a bus that stops near the Central Library? Yes, Cascades East Transit (CET) Route 6 stops on the east side of 27th at the NW edge of library property.

How long do the lights stay on at night? The interior and exterior lights are programmed to dim to appropriate but still offer safety protections. All lights are set to dim or turn off, via motion sensors, when the building is unoccupied. The library does contract with a janitorial service to clean the building during evening hours, which may impact the lighting schedules during this time. The lighting levels were analyzed by lighting experts and set to serve our customers for day and evening use and to provide safety lighting in the parking lot and surrounding exterior after hours, while also ensuring that exterior lights do not spoil Central Oregon’s dark skies.

When can the public start reserving meeting rooms? Public reservations for meeting and study rooms on the second and third floors begin on May 11, with those rooms being available for immediate reservation. Reservations for the community room on the first floor will open on May 11, and the first available reservation date will be July 1.

Where is the staff/reception desk? Staff are encouraged to help people where they need it—whether that’s at a check-out kiosk, in and amongst the bookshelves, or other public spaces in the library. We are now using mobile workstations and tablets so that we can assist customers at their point of need. There is also an info desk in the lobby.

Is the library going to be open on Sundays? Yes! Starting May 11, the Central Library will be open 7 days a week:

Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Friday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Thump café hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m –5:00 p.m.

The drive-thru is open 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., for holds pick-ups; it is open 24/7 for the return of books, DVDs, and magazines.

May I take coffee and other purchases from Thump Coffee with me throughout the Library? Yes, food and beverages are allowed throughout the building. We just ask that you alert staff of any spills.

Can the bond money pay for more books or for the library to bring back Hoopla? What’s the difference between a bond and a levy? A bond and a levy are both funding mechanisms typically used by public institutions (schools, libraries, local governments) to raise money, but they serve different purposes and are structured differently. Bonds fund capital (building) projects, such as the construction of a new library building or a major renovation; a portion of bond funds can be used for opening day collections, but cannot be used for things like staffing, Hoopla, or operations. A levy pays for operational type expenses such as staff positions and extending hours. The Deschutes Public Library District operates with a .55/$1,000 tax rate that was approved when voters approved the Library District in 1998; it has not changed since that time.

What is AMH? Why does the library have AMH? Will this mean fewer jobs for library staff? AMH stands for Automatic Materials Handling. This machine receives returned library items, checks them in, and sorts them into categories (such as books with holds on them, books that need to go to another location, books to be shelved, etc.). The AMH allows us to get books and other library materials into the hands of the public more quickly. This does not mean fewer jobs for library staff; it means library staff have more opportunities to work with the public rather than process materials.

Can I leave my child alone in the discovery space area while I look for books or use the MakerSpace equipment? Children younger than 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult caregiver at all times in the library. Children 10 years old and older can be in the library without an adult caregiver; this follows guidance under ORS 163.545. Please remember that parents and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for their children’s behavior, safety, and supervision when using the library.

Can teachers schedule school visits? Are there general tours available? Teachers can schedule school visits through the Community Librarian team (each school has a Community Librarian liaison). Teachers can visit dpl.pub/school and fill out the form for “Educator Support.” Docents will provide tours of the Central Library at regular intervals Monday through Saturday:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m, 5:30 p.m.

Maps of the library are also available (in English and Spanish).

Where can I make comments about the building/furniture/space/lighting/parking/collections/etc? We have an online comment form at www.deschuteslibrary.org/about/contact that customers can fill out. Questions are routed to the staff member who specializes in the area.

CENTRAL LIBRARY: ART

How did you select the art for this building? The library established the Art Committee for Deschutes Public Libraries after the bond passed in 2020. The Art Committee is comprised of representatives from each of our communities within Deschutes County, including: two architects, a local art professor, several local artists, arts and culture leaders, community leaders, and the Library’s Assistant Director of Community Engagement. The Art Committee follows standard protocols set by the Oregon Arts Commission in the curation/selection of art pieces and follows a national selection process from CallForEntry.org (CaFE). We accepted art submissions from artists who reside in the western United States with a larger emphasis placed on local Oregon and Pacific Northwest artists.

Can you tell me more about the large sculpture over the stairs? Juniper, a large-scale art installation by John Grade is suspended over the central stairway. Juniper weighs 2,500~ pounds, attaches to the ceiling with 1,440 cables, is made up of 8,456 individual wood pieces, and is constructed from Alaskan yellow cedar that has been sustainably sourced. The sculpture is inspired by the expansion of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) trees and the contraction of glaciers within Deschutes County. The sculpture takes the form of the surface of an alpine valley conflated with concentric growth rings of the interior of a western juniper. At the top of this undulating form is an additional layer of forms inspired by a retreating glacier. The inspiration for these forms was old-growth western junipers growing within Deschutes County and the alpine topography around the summit of South Sister Mountain where glaciers are currently retreating.

What other art can be found in the building? Umpqua River Valley artist Sara Siestreem (Hanis Coos) combines the ceremonial traditions of her ancestors with contemporary modes and materials in her two vibrant mixed-media paintings above the Thump café.

Central Oregon resident and long-time spoken word poet, performer, and painter, MOWO, has created prose and paintings to provoke positive connections within the negative space of perceived differences. His four paintings can be found on the third floor across from the MakerSpace.

Portland artist Jeremy Okai Davis’s portraits of the Phelps family, the first-known Black family in Central Oregon, welcomes visitors to the third floor. These portraits are located directly across from the elevator.

Is there going to be more art in the Central Library? Yes, more art is on its way to the Central Library. Later this summer, artist, poet, and former Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani will install four panels of poetry and graphics in the teen area. This September, Seattle artist and one-time Bend resident Sarah Helen More will install a colorful mosaic of glass and tiles to greet children of all ages to the second floor, across from the elevators.

A fiber art piece is planned for the second floor adjacent to the Creative Space. An artist and timeline are still being decided. Outdoor sculptures are also being planned for the front of the library on the east side, as well as the south terrace area. These sculptures will be installed in 2027–2028.

How can I get my art in the Central Library? The art selection process is now complete.

CENTRAL LIBRARY: ADDITIONAL FACTS

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 100,000~ square feet

CONSTRUCTION TIME: 24 months (May 2024–May 2026)

ARCHITECT: The Miller Hull Partnership

LOCAL ARCHITECT REPRESENTATIVE: STEELE Associates

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY AREA DESIGN: Plus and Greater Than

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company

OWNER’S CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: Redpoint Construction Management

LEED CERTIFICATION: Gold certification, may reach Platinum

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

DESCHUTES PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

PUBLISH DATE: April 22, 2025

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Deschutes Public Library District, Deschutes County, State of Oregon to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 will be held at Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond, OR. The meeting will take place on the 13th day of May, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting will also be available via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/98807727095. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 11, 2026, at Deschutes Public Library District, Central Library, 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend, OR 97702, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.

A second notice will be posted on our website at http://www.deschuteslibrary.org/ on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.