In compliance with Oregon Executive Order 20-12, all Deschutes Public Library locations remain closed to the public at this time.

A Novel Idea Moves Online

 Pull up a stool and make a toast to a memorable book that has people around Central Oregon talking. Though recent events make it impossible to gather together like in years past, Deschutes Public Library will still celebrate “ A Novel Idea…Read Together ” in April, with Anne Griffin’s debut novel When All Is Said taking center stage. Many of the programs originally planned for April are moving online, and Anne Griffin will still join us by video for a culminating presentation on May 3. It all starts this Sunday with great Irish music by Chris Sepic (watch on Facebook or YouTube). Click here to view a listing of the A Novel Idea programs and book club discussions that you can find online throughout April , and for more information about how to view Griffin's presentation on May 3. Follow this link for a complete A Novel Idea Reader's Guide , which includes an interview with Griffin and essays about some of the book's themes. If you'd like a library representative to join your online book club discussion of When All Is Said , email newsletter@deschuteslibrary.org for more information.

Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn from Home

The Source Weekly recently said "The Deschutes Public Library is your new Netflix" in an article covering many of the ways you can take advantage of all the library has to offer--without ever leaving home. The Bulletin also provided great coverage of many of our resources in their Thursday issue of GO! Magazine . Remember that we offer much more than eBooks! You can stream movies and audiobooks, download dozens of popular magazines, take crafting classes online, learn a new language, and more. We also have a quick guide here that highlights many of the ways you can continue to READ, WATCH, LISTEN, and LEARN with your library from wherever you are with internet access.

Celebrating Our Centennial

We're still highlighting the library's history every month as we celebrate our 100th anniversary. In January we began celebrating a new decade every month, and April is dedicated to the 1950s. Check out library history on our website here , including fun facts about the library in the '50s. A report in The Bend Bulletin noted that "Circulation per capita … is one of the highest figures of any library in the United States. In spite of Deschutes County’s isolation and reputation for rugged individualism, the area is one of the ‘best-read’ in the United States." Look for staff dressed up in '50s garb--socially distanced, of course--on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

You Can Still Get a Library Card

We are still processing library card applications during the closure. If you are a Deschutes County resident 17 or older and need a library card, head to our website here and select "Pre-apply online." We will process applications online, and aim to get a card number to you via email within three business days. If you have questions about your current library card or need help with your application, you can reach out to us. Visit our Contact Us page on our website to reach us via email.

We're Still Here and Ready to Help

We may not be able to see you in person, but we are still here to help you with your questions. You can still use our Book-a-Librarian service to communicate one-on-one via phone with a librarian regarding your research questions. You can also submit questions by email or online chat from the Ask a Librarian page on our website . If you'd like to explore some of the most frequent questions we're receiving, be sure to visit the FAQ page on our website . We keep it updated with the latest information.