Deschutes Public Library System

I love books and libraries, Deschutes Library does not disappoint.
Teen Books. April the teen librarian is unbelievably engaged and helpful. We have visited April and emailed her looking for book recommendations for both kids. One kid is a capable, but reluctant reader. The other an enthusiastic reader who’s a little on the young side for some of the YA books out there right now. April has helped both kids (and me too) with finding the right book whether it be for homework requirements, or pleasure. April is a gem among gems at the library. So happy to have her as a resource.
Children’s books. The ladies working in the kids department have a great handle on the needs and desires of young readers. My kids are little older now, so we don’t frequent this department, but they have historically done a great job finding the best of the best chapter books for both kids.
Adult reading. I read a lot. When you think of a lot, think more. I probably check out roughly 100+ books a year from the library, reading across quite a few genres. Great selection and I love the book displays. I always pick up a few of the books on display because they look good. Authors I recognize and love, plus a few unknowns that turn out to be great and then I’ve found another new author to read.
Front deak. They are lacking. Several encounters that left me wondering. One was inquiring about a free magazine that they had on display in the front racks of the library. It’s called Bookpage. It’s in the same rack as The Source. I asked about it one day, couldn’t remember the name. No idea what I was talking about, couldn’t help me and evidently there was no one to ask because she stood firm on not knowing what I was talking about. Luckily it was there again the next time I was there. Second was paying my late fee. I know, naughty to be late. Wanted to donate my change from the transaction because on previous visits to pay late fees the gals have complained that they don’t have much change. This woman was unable to accommodate a donation. The gal’s co-​worker said it was okay, no, no, no said the woman «helping» me. Messes things up, her till would be wrong, etc. Okay, missed donation. The competence/​service level at the front desk comes up short.

Just got into town, went to DMV, USPS and now carry an official Deschutes County Library Card. Thanks Joan! Awesome job at explain everything and being so friendly.
First impression is that this place rocks. Just starting with the 1^st floor dedicated to young folks is a blessing to my city sore ears. Great video section and audio as well.
2 stories tall all for learning stuff.

Great summer reading programs for kids & adults. Love the yearly Novel Idea county-​wide book club in the spring! The librarians are always friendly & helpful. They’ve also purchased all the books & DVDs I’ve suggested that they didn’t previously have within the county. Love that!

How can you not give the library five stars?
I’ve lived in Bend all my life, and I’ve been going to this library since I was at least 5… Do I love it? YES. There are people that still recognize me from when I was a kid in the little people section! It’s so homey, so intimate (yet waaaaaaaaaay more advanced then it was 12 years ago…)
Free wi-​fi, starbucks down the street… swings on the other side of the road… does it get any better? Grab a book, grab a coffee, and read on the swings.
aaaah, summer! :)

Bend now (2008) has 75,000 people and the library is pretty big though maybe not so much if this town keeps growing like it has.
Wireless internet access is available. You have to invent and enter an email address to get in the system. Supposedly you have only two hours a day to use the Internet — don’t know how if at all it is enforced.
There’s a library parking lot across the street to the south. Parking on the library block is sparse.