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Future Libraries: Expansions and Improvements

After six years of planning and meeting with more than 6,500 community members, Deschutes Public Library is putting vision into action to provide outstanding library spaces and services for decades to come. A bond measure approved by Deschutes County voters will fund the design and construction of an approximately 90,000-square-foot library to serve all Deschutes County residents. Bond funds are also paying for doubling the square footage of the Redmond Library and will renovate and update existing libraries in Downtown Bend, East Bend, La Pine, Sisters, and Sunriver.

What’s happening at the Downtown Bend Library?

This 38,000-square-foot library first opened to the public in 1998, when Bend’s population was 35,000—Bend is now home to more than 100,000 people.

The Downtown Bend Library will temporarily close for an extensive remodel starting in spring 2026 when the new Central Library at Stevens Ranch is ready to open in east Bend. With many administrative functions moving from the Downtown Bend Library to the Central Library at Stevens Ranch, the Downtown Bend Library will be remodeled to include more square footage for public use. The remodel is expected to be complete in spring 2027.

Proposed Level 1 Floor Plan

1.

Multi-purpose Room

Multi-purpose Community Room

This large community space will host library programs and events, and can also be reserved by the community for private meetings and gatherings.

2.

Youth Programming

Youth Programming Space

A youth programming room is planned to host story times, crafts, and creative activities, and other exciting programs for children.

3.

Discovery Space

Children’s Discovery Space

Children of all ages will enjoy a dynamic discovery space for interactive play and learning.

4.

Children’s Collection

Children’s Collection

From board books to youth chapter books, children will find a vast array of books in this newly designed and enlarged space.

Proposed Level 2 Floor Plan

1.

Study Rooms

Study / Meeting Rooms

These reservable room address the increased demand for study and meeting spaces for individuals and small groups

2.

Co-working Area

Collab / Co-working Area

A generous area dedicated to co-working for students and working professionals allows for collaboration and access to library resources.

3.

Teen Space

Teen Space

Teens can meet, study, and create in a space all their own.

4.

Open Seating

Open Seating / Technology Access

Ample seating and access to technology is available throughout the second floor.

Timeline: Downtown Bend Library and Central Library at Stevens Ranch

  • February 2026
    Limited browsing of collections, holds pick-up, public computers, materials return, and check-outs available on the first floor. Downtown Bend Library’s second floor closes to prepare for remodel.
  • March 2026
    Downtown Bend Library transitions to limited lobby service for holds pick-up and materials return only.  
  • April 2026
    Downtown Bend Library closes for its remodel. 
  • Early Spring 2026
    Drive-thru service begins at the Central Library at Stevens Ranch for holds pick-up and book returns. 
  • Late Spring 2026
    Central Library at Stevens Ranch fully opens to the public. 
  • Spring 2027
    Downtown Bend Library re-opens to the public.

Page Last Modified Thursday, July 24, 2025

Future Libraries

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