Deschutes Public Library News and Events

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.

"Know Camp" This May with Deschutes Public Library

“Know Camp” This May with Deschutes Public Library

April 20, 2026 (Bend, Oregon) — Calling all happy campers! Join Deschutes Public Library this May to celebrate “Know Camp” and discover something new. Learn about local fauna with wildlife stories, flora and food foraging in nature, and better birding field trips. Attend a lecture on companion planting and soil building, and hear about Oregon’s fire lookouts and nearby hikes. Teens can upgrade their glamping essentials with a personalized t-shirt pillow and attend a workshop on essential knot tying for outdoor adventures. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs marked with an asterisk (*) require registration.

Story Stones Workshop with Two Suns Art Studio*

Participants will paint smooth stones with simple pictures and symbols, then decorate a drawstring bag to keep them in. The finished stones can be used for storytelling while camping or gathered around the fire, helping spark imagination and shared stories. Registration required.

Saturday, May 2 • 9:30 a.m. • Two Suns Art Studio + Makerspace | 70 SW Century Dr, Bend

Bugs, Fish, Flies, and the Rivers Between

Join FlyCurious for a fun, beginner-friendly look at the hidden world beneath our rivers—where aquatic insects and other tiny critters shape the entire ecosystem. Learn what our native fish eat, why these invertebrates matter, and how anglers imitate them with hand-tied flies.

Monday, May 4 • 6:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond

Wild Food and Self-Sufficiency: Modern Practical Foundations*

Learn about wild food foraging and practical skills that support resilience. This educational seminar introduces the foundations of wild food foraging and everyday self-sufficiency, with a focus on local plants, seasonal awareness, and practical skills that support resilience and independence. Registration required for Bend event.

Wednesday, May 6 • 6:00 p.m. • Hanai | 62430 Eagle Road, Bend
Thursday, May 7 • 11:00 a.m. • Sisters Firehouse Community Hall | 301 South Elm Street, Sisters

Recycle a T-shirt Into a Camp Pillow*

Do you have a cute graphic tee that you still love but don't wear anymore? Let's recycle it into a cute pillow that's perfect to take on those camping trips. This workshop will cover basic sewing machine skills and show you how to transform a simple T-shirt into a comfy pillow. Intended for teens ages 13–18. Registration required.

Friday, May 8 • 3:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond

Stories and Owl Pellet Dissection with Think Wild

Get into summer camp mode by learning about owls. Join Think Wild for a rehabilitation story time followed by an owl pellet dissection–it'll be a hoot. Intended for children ages 6–12, and children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Saturday, May 9 • 10:30 a.m. • Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar Street, Sisters

Understanding Wilderness Trail Permits

Confused about the system? Get answers from Forest Service staff. What is the value of wilderness and how do we manage and protect these special places? This presentation will take participants through a brief history of the Wilderness Act and the evolution of wilderness areas in Central Oregon.

Tuesday, May 12 • 5:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond
Tuesday, May 26 • 5:00 p.m. • Deschutes Children's Foundation | 2125 NE Daggett Lane, Bend

More Accessible Mindful Birding*

Access the world of birding in a supportive environment. Bring a chair (camp or wheelchair) to join us for an easy 90-minute introduction to a practice often called "mindful birding". No experience is necessary and all ability levels are welcome. Registration required.

Wednesday, May 13 • 1:00 p.m. • Riley Ranch Preserve | 19975 Glen Vista Road, Bend
Sunday, May 17 • 2:00 p.m. • La Pine State Park | 15800 State Recreation Road, La Pine

3D Paper Art*

Participants will explore the playful, theatrical spirit of camp while transforming flat paper into bold art that leans into exaggeration, color, and joyful excess. Staff will guide teens through shaping the snail's sculptural form and crafting a rainbow shell that turns the final piece into a statement of pure camp flair. Intended for high-school-aged youth. Registration required.

Friday, May 15 • 4:00 p.m. • Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar Street, Sisters
Wednesday, May 20 • 2:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond
Tuesday, May 26 • 4:00 p.m. • La Pine Library | 16425 1st Street, La Pine
Wednesday, May 27 • 3:00 p.m. • Central Library | 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Fitness Boot Camp for Every Body*

Join us for an energizing session focused on building lifelong health and wellness. We’ll start with a 10-minute fitness overview exploring why regular movement is key to longevity, vitality, and overall well-being. Then, we will dive into a 35–40-minute guided workout designed to get your heartrate going and those muscles moving—adaptations available for all fitness levels. Intended for participants ages 14+. Registration required.

Saturday, May 16 • 10:00 a.m. • Gym X | 2185 NE 2nd Street, Suites A & B, Bend

Companion Planting and Soil Basics

Learn simple practices on soil building, composting, and pairing crops. Healthy soil and smart plant partnerships are the foundation of every thriving garden. Join Shiv Shakti of Shakti Farm Design to learn the basics of soil building, composting, and how to pair crops through companion planting for resilience, productivity, and flavor.

Sunday, May 17 • 10:00 a.m. • Larkspur Community Center |1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend

Taller de Lámparas de Papel en Español*

Diseña tu propia linterna artística para guiarte en tus aventuras. Les invitamos a descubrir el arte de crear lámparas de papel, en este taller exploraremos cómo la luz, las formas y las transparencias de colores con papel celofán pueden transformarse en composiciones luminosas únicas. Se recomienda inscripción previa.

Domingo, 17 de mayo • 2:00 p.m. • The Open Arts Center | 999 NE 2nd Street, Bend

One-Pot Camp Meals*

Easy to cook and easy to clean are the tenets of camp cooking. In this class we’ll cover two of Janice’s go-to camp meals—one-pot Greek chicken quinoa salad and vegetarian Buddha bowls. Both of these recipes are packed with protein and veggies and are gluten-free with easy dairy-free and vegetarian adaptations. Registration required.

Monday, May 18 • 5:30 p.m. • Arome | 432 SW 6th Street, Redmond

Skate Camp: All Abilities Flow Edition*

Experience an evening of inclusive skateboarding in a supportive setting. Join BoardHouse to get stoked, develop your skills, and build the confidence you need to take on your summer in style. Intended for beginner skaters and skaters with disabilities ages 13–21. Registration required.

Monday, May 18 • 5:30 p.m. • Northpointe Park | 63856 Hunters Circle, Bend

Open Play Time: Camp Creativity

Drop in for some camp-inspired activities. A come-and-go event where school-age kids can explore, build, create, and move at their own pace. Each station is designed to keep kids engaged while helping them grow new skills.

Tuesday, May 19 • 3–4:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond

Campamento de Pausa y Reconexión en Español*

Desde su propia experiencia, Andrea Spencer hablará de cómo lo que vivimos como personas migrantes impacta en nuestro cuerpo y cómo el mindfulness y el yoga han sido herramientas de apoyo en su proceso. Realizaremos ejercicios conscientes y exploramos cómo integrarlos en actividades cotidianas como caminar, respirar y comer. Se recomienda inscripción previa.

lunes, 19 de mayo • 5:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond

Teen Open Mic Night at the OAC*

Calling all Central Oregon teens! Take the stage every third Thursday at the Open Arts Center for a night of creativity and community. Share your music, poetry, comedy, dance, or any other stage-worthy talent in a welcoming, supportive space. Intended for teens ages 13–18. Registration required.

Thursday, May 21 • 5:00 p.m. • The Open Arts Center | 999 NE 2nd Street, Bend

Three Essential Field Knots and Expedition Stories*

This workshop focuses on three essential knots for outdoor adventures: the Bowline, Alpine Butterfly, and Trucker’s Hitch. Participants will learn when and how to tie each knot, ensuring they are reliable and secure. The session also includes a photo talk about Jeska's upcoming Arctic expedition and lessons from past expeditions, followed by a Q&A. Intended for ages 11+. Registration required.

Saturday, May 23 • 1:30 p.m. • Larkspur Community Center |1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend

Pinch Pots with Camp Clay*

Come play with clay and discover the potential of pinch pots. Participants will learn this classic method of pinching and shaping clay to make a variety of forms. Pinch pots can be used for teacups, ring dishes, planters, salt dishes, and more. Intended for creators ages 14+. Registration required.

Sunday, May 24 • 12:30 p.m. • Camp Clay | 147 NE Olney Avenue, Bend

Hiking Oregon's Fire Lookouts

For more than a century, fire lookouts have been an important tool to spot and report wildfires. Many of those lookouts are long-gone, but some that remain make for great hiking destinations. Learn more about the history of fire lookouts with Oregon native and author Cheryl Hill.

Saturday, May 30 • 3:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond
Sunday, May 31 • 11:00 a.m. • Rosie Bareis Community Campus | 1010 NW 14th 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.

Announcement of Library Board Vacancy

A vacancy will exist for the Zone 4 position on the Deschutes Public Library System board of directors. This zone represents portions east and southeast Bend and surrounding areas. The term for this position will run from May 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Interested candidates must reside in one of the following Deschutes County precincts: 2, 4, 9, 12, 21, 25, 33, 43, 44. Any elector residing within these precincts is qualified to serve as a district board member.

If you are unsure of what precinct you live in, a precinct map can be found on the Deschutes County Clerk’s website: https://www.deschutes.org/clerk/page/precinct-and-district-maps

The Board holds monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. In addition, the Board may hold subcommittee meetings and Board planning sessions in addition to the regular monthly meeting.

All applicants must submit an application by 4 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2026.

Apply Online

Deschutes Public Library Seeking Director

Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg is set to retire from his position effective September 2026, concluding a 16-year tenure as director and 26 years with the library system. With Dunkelberg's upcoming retirement, the Library is now seeking applicants to serve as Director, an exciting leadership role that brings together exceptional infrastructure, stable financial resources, strong and sustained community support, and an outstanding quality of life within one of the premier outdoor recreation regions in the American West.

Deschutes Public Library is one of the most innovative and community-driven public library systems in the Pacific Northwest. Serving residents across Deschutes County through six library locations, the Library provides welcoming, dynamic spaces where people of all ages connect, learn, and explore. Over the past decade, the District has made a significant investment in the future of library service. Thanks to the support of the voters in passing a bond in 2020, each of the system’s six libraries has been newly built or completely remodeled, creating spaces thoughtfully designed for collaboration, creativity, and community engagement.

With this exceptional foundation now in place, the next Library Director will have the opportunity to help shape the future of library services in Deschutes County, expanding community engagement, advancing innovative programming, and ensuring the Library continues to evolve alongside one of the fastest-growing regions in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

To learn more about this position and to apply, visit the executive search website.

Announcement of Library Board Vacancy

Interested candidates must reside in one of the following Deschutes County precincts 2, 4, 9, 12, 21, 25, 33, 43, 44. Any elector residing within these precincts is qualified to serve as a district board member.

If you are unsure of what precinct you live in, you will find a precinct and zone map here.

All applicants must submit an application by 4 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2026.

Apply Online

Redmond Library Achieves LEED Platinum Certification

The Redmond Library has formally received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification for its commitment to sustainability. As a framework, LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system and provides a framework for assessing everything from energy and water use to materials selection and indoor air quality.

“The sustainable design and construction of the Redmond Library makes it one of the most comprehensively high-performance public libraries in the country,” said Library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “We are proud of this achievement and believe it shows the Library’s commitment to sustainability for the communities we serve.”

The Redmond Library was designed to operate as a net-zero energy building, powered entirely by on-site solar. The library’s rooftop photovoltaic array allows the building to generate all the energy it needs.

Buildings constructed to LEED certification ensure electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments where people live, work, learn and play. In the United States alone, buildings account for almost 40 percent of national CO2 emissions, but according to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-certified buildings have 34 percent lower CO2 emissions, consume 25 percent less energy and 11 percent less water, and have diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills.

By building its new construction projects to meet LEED certification—including the Redmond Library and the new Central Library in Bend—Deschutes Public Library is working to contribute to a better standard of living for everyone.

“Net-zero energy public libraries remain rare across the United States, making the Redmond Library one of a small number of public libraries designed to generate as much, or more, energy than they consume,” said District Board President Ann Malkin. “We hope our stewardship serves as a roadmap for libraries across the country.”

When the new Redmond Library opened in February 2025, its square footage nearly doubled compared to the previous building, yet both the 12-month energy costs and the site’s overall electrical use went down. Net electrical use dropped from 276 MWh to 57 MWh, nearly an 80% decrease. That total now also includes electricity used for EV charging.

The LEED Platinum status adds to recent recognition the Redmond Library has received for its design and sustainability. In addition to national recognition from the American Library Association, the library also received a 2025 Building a Better Oregon Award from the Cascades East Association of Realtors. The long-standing awards program honors projects that have made a significant positive impact on their community. Judging criteria include economic benefit, neighborhood improvement, unique design and materials and environmental friendliness.

In November 2020, Deschutes County voters supported the Library’s bond measure to expand and improve libraries across the county. In addition to building a new library in Redmond and updating libraries in La Pine, Sisters, and Sunriver, bond funds are being used to remodel the Downtown Bend Library (April 2026–spring 2027) and construct new Central Library in Bend, which opens on May 11, 2026.

Redmond Library facts:

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 40,000 square feet

CONSTRUCTION TIME: 23 months (Feb. 2023–Jan. 2025)

OPENED TO THE PUBLIC: January 2025

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

Find more information about the Library’s bond-funded projects on its website: www.deschuteslibrary.org/futurelibraries

A Novel Idea, Oregon’s Largest Community Read Program, Kicks Off April 1

Explore Booms and Busts in Supersonic and Hope in the Valley with Free Programs and Author Events

A Novel Idea returns this April with a month of dynamic, free programs and events connecting readers across Deschutes County. This year’s featured selections—Thomas Kohnstamm’s Supersonic and Mitali Perkins’s Hope in the Valley (youth edition)—spark conversations that leap off the page and into the community. There’s something for all ages with more than 40 free events, including creative workshops, book discussions, and author visits. Join us as we celebrate the 23rd year of A Novel Idea—building community one book at a time.

The 2026 A Novel Idea selections are rooted in the importance of place. At their core, they share the idea that place matters, and the struggle to preserve those places is worth it. Supersonic author Thomas Kohnstamm is a Seattle native and found himself pulled deeper into writing about Pacific Northwest history. “A lot of people move in and out of this region without really understanding what’s gone into creating the contemporary Western world we inhabit,” said Kohnstamm. “Writing Supersonic brought into sharper focus how every cultural wave looks back with a mix of nostalgia and unease.”

Memorable characters and layered symbolism weave through Supersonic and Hope in the Valley. “These books pack a punch with their sweeping timelines and interconnected communities,” said Liz Goodrich, Events Supervisor at Deschutes Public Library. “Their broad appeal provided a lens for our team to create engaging events, inspire discussions, and provide the foundation for meaningful conversations about what people will do to protect the places they love.”

Programming for A Novel Idea begins on April 1. During the weeks leading up to the main author events, readers can attend programs and see literary-inspired quilts that tie into themes found in Supersonic and Hope in the Valley. A Novel Idea culminates with free author events featuring Thomas Kohnstamm on Saturday, May 2, at Summit High School and the youth edition author, Mitali Perkins, on Thursday, April 16 at the Redmond Library.

All programs, including the authors’ presentations, are free of charge thanks to the support of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation and generous donors. Tickets are free, but required for Kohnstamm’s author event and are available at www.dplfoundation.org starting April 1.

In 2002, A Novel Idea began with David James Duncan’s The River Why. From 400 participants that first year, the program has grown exponentially, with more than 10,600 people taking part in 2025. The Novel Idea series continues to attract new readers each year, offering something for all ages and interests.

About the Programs

This year the library is hosting more than 40 programs in support of A Novel Idea. Visit the A Novel Idea website (dpl.pub/anovelidea) for dates, times, and locations. Programs with an asterisk (*) require registration.

Hope in the Valley Main Event: Home Is in Between with Mitali Perkins

Author Mitali Perkins discusses how code switching is a superpower. Hear her experience of growing up between cultures and how it empowered her for the rest of her life. Enjoy a book signing and Q&A session afterward.

Thursday, April 16, 2026 • 4:00 p.m. | Redmond Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond

Supersonic Main Event: A Novel Idea Author Thomas Kohnstamm at Summit High School*

Join us for this capstone event, when author Thomas Kohnstamm takes the stage at Summit High School to discuss his book, his writing process, and more. Free tickets are required and available online (http://www.dplfoundation.org) staring April 1.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 • 4:00 p.m. | Summit High School, 2855 NW Clearwater Dr., Bend

Adult Programs

Youth, Teen, and Family Programs

Connection through Creativity: An Art Workshop | Needle-Felted Mini Landscapes | Youth Songwriting Workshop: Songs in the Valley | Youth A Novel Idea Book Discussion Pizza Party | The Sound of Music Screening and Sing-Along | Teen Open Mic Night at the OAC | Henna, Face Painting, and More: Culture from West Bengal | Kids' Card-Making Workshop | Home Is in Between with Author Mitali Perkins

About the Donors

A Novel Idea is made possible by The Deschutes Public Library Foundation and its supporters as well as: The Roundhouse Foundation; Chris Mahr & Associates; E.H. and M.E. Bowerman Advised Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation.

About the Book: Supersonic
Supersonic charts the rise of a boomtown city in the American West where ambition outpaces memory. In the present day, PTA president Sami Hasegawa-Stalworth is determined to rename her daughter’s elementary school after her late grandmother—a beloved music teacher and Japanese internment survivor. What begins as a symbolic family gesture spirals into a kaleidoscopic, multi-generational story of struggle—for and against change, and over who gets to define the future.

Through interwoven lives—an opioid-addicted 19th-century conman, a disgraced Navy seaman building a jet that will fly faster than sound, a stay-at-home dad turned weed entrepreneur and a family haunted by the ghosts of progress—Supersonic reveals how each era tries to remake the same ground beneath its feet. At once intimate and panoramic, the story channels the restless energy that propels the West.

About the Author: Thomas Kohnstamm
Thomas Kohnstamm was born and raised in Seattle. He still lives in the same house he grew up in—now with his wife and two children. Supersonic is his third book. A freelance writer for more than 20 years, he’s been a Spanish and Portuguese translator, travel writer, a video and travel writer, and an animation producer.

About the Book: Hope in the Valley
Hope in the Valley is a middle-grade novel exploring grief, friendship, family, and growing up in a community facing a housing crisis.

Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret space: the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street. But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new—maybe affordable—housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice—and the strength to move on—in order to give her community hope.

About the Author: Mitali Perkins

Mitali Perkins has written many books for young readers, all of which explore crossing different kinds of borders. Her goal is to make readers laugh or cry, preferably both, as long as their hearts are widening. She lives and writes in the East Bay of California.

For more information about A Novel Idea, please contact Liz Goodrich at (541) 312-1032 or lizg@deschuteslibrary.org. Visit the A Novel Idea website at www.deschuteslibrary.org/novelidea for event listings as they are scheduled and for author information.

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New Central Library to Open to Public May 11; Drive-thru Starts March 23

Deschutes Public Library announced today that the new Central Library in Bend (61956 SE Santorini Street) will open to the public on Monday, May 11, 2026. This comes just less than two years after the official groundbreaking ceremony on the site on May 21, 2024.

“We are excited to share the new Central Library with the people of Deschutes County,” said Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “Bend’s last library was built more than 20 years ago, so it’s essential that our library system keeps pace with our county’s growth. The Central Library—along with the new Redmond Library and remodeled neighborhood libraries—allows us to increase our services, resources and public meeting spaces. Plus, centralizing operations gives us the ability to move items to our other libraries throughout the county more quickly and efficiently than ever before.”

Dunkelberg says now that construction work is finished, staff will spend the next few weeks putting the finishing touches in place while also being trained on how the brand-new building operates. The Central Library is by far the largest in the Deschutes Public Library District at nearly 100,000 square feet.

“We’ve remodeled three libraries so far and built a new Redmond Library. We’ve learned that providing time to train staff and allowing them to get familiar with the new space is key to having a successful opening,” Dunkelberg said. “For the next six weeks or so we’ll focus on making sure everyone understands all the systems and processes that make this new, three-story building function.”

Even before the Central Library opens on May 11, the Central Library drive-thru will open for holds pick-ups. Drive-thru service will start on March 23, 2026, with holds pick-up available Monday through Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m. Books, DVDs and magazines can be returned at the book drop, located just after the drive-thru window, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When placing a hold to be picked up at the Central Library, customers will need to select “Central DRIVE-THRU” as their pick-up location (note, “Central DRIVE-THRU” will be available to select starting March 23).

Some of the new library’s features include multiple meeting and study rooms—including a large, divisible community room on the first floor—as well as a children’s discovery space that encourages interactive play and learning amidst the books on the second floor. The third floor houses the adult collection, as well as a co-working area with plenty of space for collaboration and a MakerSpace that provides opportunities for hands-on creativity. Customers will find ample seating areas throughout the building, public computers and print stations, and—a first for a library in Deschutes County—a Thump Coffee café in the lobby.

Sustainability is a defining feature of the new Central Library. “It was designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification standards,” says Dunkelberg. “It’s an all-electric building engineered to operate as an energy-independent facility. We’ve also incorporated energy-efficient systems that will significantly reduce the building’s environmental footprint while helping ensure reliable library service for the community well into the future.”

Building on a collection of public art at libraries across the County, the Central Library will feature original art from a variety of artists working in a range of mediums. John Grade’s wooden sculpture “Juniper” floats over the main staircase, with more art to come from artists such as Jason Graham, Sara Siestreem, Jeremy Okai Davis, Sarah More, and others.

In November 2020, Deschutes County voters supported a bond measure to expand and improve libraries across the county, including construction of the Central Library. The La Pine, Sisters and Sunriver Libraries were remodeled and a new Redmond Library was built. The final project, remodeling the Downtown Bend Library, is now underway. The Downtown Bend Library temporarily closes to the public on April 11 but will reopen when renovation work is complete in spring 2027.

Central Library Quick Facts:

Address: 61956 SE Santorini Street, Bend

Opening: May 11, 2026

Drive-thru opening: March 23, 2026 (hours Mon.–Sat., noon–6:00 p.m. for holds pick-up, 24/7 for book, DVD and magazine returns at the book drop)

Size: 100,000 square feet, three levels

Architect: The Miller Hull Partnership

Contractor: Kirby Nagelhout Construction

Owner Representative: Redpoint Construction Management

Floorplans and more information available at https://www.deschuteslibrary.org/futurelibraries/stevensranch/

Centralizes library administrative and operational functions

All-electric, energy-independent building built to achieve LEED Platinum certification

Digital Resources: Now Streaming, Learning, and Creating

Use your library card to unlock dozens of free digital resources from movies to language-learning tools, online sewing classes to bike repair help, and so much more!! Get started with the resources below or dive headfirst into more here.

Kanopy
Stream something new this season. With Kanopy, your library card unlocks award-winning films, documentaries, world cinema, and thoughtful series you won’t find on typical
streaming platforms. Watch from home or on the go (no ads, no subscription required). Just press play.

Libby
Fresh reads are always in season. With Libby, you can borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines instantly from your phone or tablet. Whether you’re reading on the patio, listening on a walk, or discovering your next favorite author, your library travels with you.

Creativebug
Let your creativity bloom this spring. Creativebug offers thousands of online classes in art, crafts, sewing, painting, knitting, and more, all taught by expert instructors. Follow along at your own pace and learn something new from home.

LinkedIn Learning
Grow your skills. LinkedIn Learning gives you access to thousands of expert-led courses in business, technology, leadership, and creative fields. Always free with your library card.

Mango Languages
Say hello to something new. Mango Languages makes it fun and easy to learn over 70 languages with interactive lessons focused on real conversation. Start your language journey!