(Bend’s new Central Library – now the largest in the Deschutes Public Library System – with a staggered roof line that mimics the mountains in the distance | Photo courtesy of Deschutes Public Library)
Excitement is building as the new state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot Central Library in Bend — representing the largest branch in Deschutes County by a wide margin — prepares to open its doors to the public May 11.
The three-story structural mass timber facility, located at 61956 SE Santorini St., off 27th St., heralds a new chapter in community engagement, featuring a host of amenities, including community meeting rooms, study rooms, co-working spaces, a children’s discovery center, a teen lounge, a creative DIY “MakerSpace” zone, outdoor patios and solar-powered EV charging stations.
Many of the features were inspired by community input on what county residents would like to see incorporated in the new facility, which will also allow the Deschutes Public Library system to double the size of its collection and provide quicker processing
of materials.
The much-anticipated project stems from a broader district-wide expansion funded by a bond measure supported by Deschutes County voters in November 2020. The initiative has already funded the remodeling of the La Pine, Sisters and Sunriver libraries, as well as construction of the new Redmond Library and the current renovation of the Downtown
Bend Library.
The Downtown Bend branch recently temporarily closed as it undergoes a major remodel, and is expected to re-open in summer of next year once work is complete.
Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg said the new Central Library, sitting on 9.3 acres, was the culmination of a “long and thoughtful” planning process that incorporated input from more than 7,000 community members, as part of a wide-ranging public canvassing effort.
He said, “We talked to people across the county through multiple outreach efforts, including everything from open house presentations to attending local fairs, standing in front of big box stores and interacting in libraries, to make sure we got as comprehensive a cross section of feedback from staff and community members as possible.
“One consistent response was that residents wanted a wider range of resources, including more meeting spaces, and better accessibility. We have addressed those requests through various means, including providing a large 250-capacity community room that can be divided.
“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.
“The site is central for the whole county and the resounding voter support received speaks to the quality of the community and what it values.”
Architects involved were The Miller Hull Partnership in conjunction with local firm Steele Associates — a team that also worked on the Redmond Library project. Bend-based Kirby Nagelhout Construction served as general contractor during nearly two years of construction following a May
2024 groundbreaking.
Final preparations for the new Central Library over recent weeks have provided time to train staff and allow them to become familiar with the new space, with a focus on making sure they have a full understanding of all the systems and processes that make the new building function — which Dunkelberg says is key to having a successful opening.
The multiple meeting and study rooms include the 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 the MakerSpace that provides opportunities for hands-on creativity.
Users will find ample seating areas throughout the building, public computers and print stations, and — in a first for a library in Deschutes County —
a Thump Coffee café in the lobby.
Sustainability is a defining feature of the new building. “It was designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification standards,”
says Dunkelberg.
“It is 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.”
Steele Associates President Scott Steele said, “This is a career milestone as an extremely important public project for the community, and a great source of pride for me personally, as a Central Oregon native.
“The team, including Principal Architect Andy Harmon, poured their heart and soul into this project, as it did for the new library in Redmond. Any project benefitting the local community means a lot — these facilities are not just libraries any more, they are important community centers.”
Design group The Miller Hull Partnership’s website states, “Designed to speak to the young, old, studious and synergistic, the Central Library will have a space — and be a place —
for everyone.
“Creating and experimenting are prioritized, with spaces that are devoted to epitomizing these ideals. Creative spaces include equipment and flexible space to host a variety of activities for all ages; from crafts, to quilting, to emerging technology and more.
“A departure from convention extends to the various adult spaces, as well. Because of the increase in the number of remote workers coming to Deschutes County, there is greater demand for coworking spaces that don’t create any cost impediments.
“The new library responds to this heightened need by providing rooms that can support all types of ambitions and dynamics — from the virtual employee to the student to the entrepreneur.
“Another core principle involves early learning. In an effort to more deeply engage children beyond the simple provision of games and books, the children’s area will be filled with interactive elements that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration of the collection, and provide hands-on interaction for children and caregivers.”
Reflecting the nature of its surroundings, the library’s base is made of regional stone and dry-toned metal, while its staggered roof line mimics the mountains in the distance with its undulating roof plane — human-made peaks and valleys.
Functionally, the sloped roof helps break down the multi-story space, enabling different types of spaces defined by ceiling height. One such space —
the soaring atrium observed when entering the building — inspires a grand sense of arrival, while its openness functions as a wayfinding element, communicating a defined architectural menu that immediately orients visitors.
The design also maximizes mass timber, which provides significant structural integrity while occupying a 50% lower carbon footprint than concrete or steel.
Building on a collection of public art at libraries across the County, the Central Library features original art from a variety of artists working in a range of mediums.
A centerpiece is John Grade’s iconic wooden sculpture “Juniper” which floats over the main staircase, with more art representing artists such as Jason Graham, Sara Siestreem, Jeremy Okai Davis, Sarah More, and others.
Dunkelberg added, “We are excited to share the new Central Library with the people of Deschutes County.
“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.
“So many people involved in the project and working at the highest level were dedicated to the library mission, and there was a lot of local pride involved to create a library that will be a community asset for years to come.”
