The Redmond Library will temporarily relocate to 2127 S Hwy 97 as the historic downtown location will be torn down and replaced with a new two-story library.

Exciting things are happening with your library!

The word is out: Deschutes County is a desirable place to live. While growth can present challenges, it also provides remarkable opportunities for innovation in how the Deschutes Public Library District serves the Central Oregon community.

In 2014 the library began a visioning process with the people of Deschutes County to explore what they’d like to see in their future libraries. After six years of planning and meeting with more than 6,500 community members, the library brought its vision to the voters—and they supported a bond measure to expand and improve libraries across the county, including in Redmond, where the population has more than tripled since the library moved into the Jessie Hill School in 1996.

“We are committed to carrying out the will of Deschutes County voters to create a new Redmond Library that will carry us into the 21st century,” said library director Todd Dunkelberg. “This dynamic new space will allow us to increase the materials collection in Redmond, as well as add much-needed public meeting and gathering spaces for people of all ages to use and enjoy. We know the Redmond Library serves as a dynamic community hub, and we’re excited to grow that hub to a 40,000-square-foot library befitting the growth of the city.”

The new library, which will be constructed at the existing library’s site between Cascade and Deschutes Avenues, will double in size and will feature:

• Multi-purpose meeting and study rooms: These spaces will address the increased demand for tutoring and small-group meeting spaces.

• Creative and DIY areas: These highly functional spaces will provide opportunities for hands-on activities as well as access to recording, filming, and other creative endeavors.

• Children’s discovery spaces: Children of all ages can access a robust discovery space for interactive play and learning.

• A civic patio: A covered patio will create an inviting space for all ages to gather informally as well as for special programs and events.

• Collaborative and co-working areas: A generous area dedicated to co-working professionals, allowing for collaboration and access to library resources.

• Solar power and EV charging stations: The library is committed to meeting its net-zero goals by maximizing the use of solar panels on the roof and over parking stalls, as well as providing EV-charging stations.

• A drive-up window: Customers can pick up materials at the convenient drive-up window when the library is open and drop off materials through the library’s after-hours book return.

• A teen space: Teens can meet, study, and create in a space all their own.

A temporary Redmond Library will open at 2127 S. Highway 97 in Redmond in January and will remain open while the new Redmond Library is being built. Dunkelberg says the new Redmond Library is scheduled to open its doors in fall 2024.

For more information about what’s happening at the Redmond Library, visit dpl.pub/futureredmond.