Deschutes Public Library has branches in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine and Sunriver.
Amanda Peacher / OPB
Deschutes Public Library is looking at how to expand in the coming years to meet the needs of Central Oregon’s rapidly expanding communities.
The library surveyed the community this year and found that most people value the library for its sense of community and ability to bring people together. The way the library serves the community is far different from when the branches were constructed.
"All of our libraries were pretty much designed 20 years ago," said Todd Dunkelberg, director of Deschutes Public Library. "Twenty years ago, libraries did not do a lot of programming. Technology was new, we didn’t have a lot space for computers and internet access. And all of these things take space."
He says as Central Oregon continues to grow, the library is considering whether to build new facilities with more flexible meeting spaces.
County taxpayers fund Deschutes Public library through its own distinct district.