We’re starting a new chapter in the story of the Redmond Library, one that includes an all-new building befitting the growth of this dynamic city. The public is invited to join us on March 11 at noon as we break ground on the new Redmond Library (address: 827 SW Deschutes Avenue). Join us and learn more about the new building, which will double the square footage of the previous library and give the public access to more books and resources, more meeting and creative spaces, updated technology, a children’s discovery space, and more. We’ll have fun library swag on hand for all ages, including book bags and t-shirts; we’ll even have a limited supply of commemorative bricks to share from the Jessie Hill building. And don’t forget: a temporary Redmond Library is now open at 2127 S Highway 97 in Redmond.

Remodeling is in full-swing at the La Pine and Sisters Libraries, with both spaces expected to reopen later this fall. A temporary library is now open on the Sisters Library property where you can pick up holds as well as do limited browsing and access computers and a printer/copier. Work is wrapping up on a temporary space for the La Pine Library; we appreciate your patience as we move closer to an opening date, which is now targeted for mid-to-late March. We’ll post an exact date as soon as we have it at dpl.pub/futurelapine. In the meantime, the next closest library is in Sunriver at 56855 Venture Lane. Customers affected by the La Pine Library closure, please disregard any overdue notices. Our team is working diligently to review items that may be overdue due to the closure. We appreciate your patience during this time.

The public is invited to get a first look at proposed designs for the new Stevens Ranch Library in east Bend on Monday, March 13, at 6:00 p.m. (event location: Larkspur Community Center). Library staff and members of the design team will give a brief presentation and will be on hand to answer your questions. The new library will be the largest in the Deschutes Public Library system and will provide increased materials collections, multiple meeting and gathering spaces for all ages, a dynamic early learning center for children, and efficient processing systems for quicker and far-reaching service delivery across Deschutes County. 

A Novel Idea: Passport to Reading and a Book Bag!

Over the years, A Novel Idea has taken us around the world and throughout time, and this year it’s taking us to even more places, with four authors and four books! We’re excited to offer a commemorative Reading Passport and book bag to celebrate the 20th year of this popular community read program. To take part, stop by any library to pick up a passport, then stop in to get a sticker when you complete a book (or books). Once your passport is complete, you can pick up your book bag. You get a sticker for reading any book by each of our four A Novel Idea 2023 authors: David James Duncan, María Amparo Escandón, Peter Heller, and Anne Griffin. To learn more about this year’s epic A Novel Idea program visit our website here.

From tablets to computers, keyboards play a large role in how we communicate, but writing by hand has multiple benefits. In particular, learning cursive can help train a young brain to integrate various forms of information at once, including visual and tactile inputs, while applying fine motor skills. Be sure to check out the Kid’s Cursive Workshops in March at several locations. Ideal for kids 6-11, this one-hour workshop will teach basic pencil strokes, letters, and some words. Participants will leave with their own cursive workbook to continue their practice. Scroll down to KIDS & FAMILIES for program locations and times, or visit our web calendar for March and search for “cursive.”

Are you looking to discuss books with other book lovers? Check out the book clubs offered through the library--you’ll find six in March, with two happening online and four in-person. If you have your own book club, we’re here to support you. We offer hundreds of book club kits that you can check out for two months at a time. Each kit comes in a handy tote and includes 10–12 copies of the book, as well as a discussion guide. Explore the full selection on our website.

There’s still time to take part in the Winter Reading Challenge for adults (ages 18+). Complete bookish challenges and track your progress via the free Beanstack app for the chance to earn great prizes! The Winter Reading Challenge runs through March 20. Learn more about the challenge and how to take part on our website here.

Note: We’ve partnered with a variety of businesses and organizations in La Pine, Redmond, and Sisters to ensure that we can continue story times and adult programs during remodeling and construction, so be sure to note the locations for all programs and events when following the links below.