Deschutes Public Library fundraising shifts from ‘Friends’ to foundation
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From a collection of small buildings and outposts 100 years ago to a robust system of six libraries serving nearly 200,000 people today, Deschutes Public Library has long benefited from the efforts of volunteers to help support its mission. That dedicated volunteer support included the work of Friends of the Library organizations, many of which formed at a time when diminished funding threatened the existence of a viable library in Deschutes County.
Deschutes Public Library said in an announcement Tuesday it is working with the Friends organizations—five in all—to transition to a single and more sustainable fundraising effort that focuses on the needs of the library district as a whole.
That single organization is the Deschutes Public Library Foundation, which formed in 1993 with a mission to provide dependable and sustainable funding that supports and enhances library programs and outreach services that are not funded through tax dollars.
“The Friends have played an important role in the library’s development,” said Deschutes Public Library Board President Ann Malkin. “They helped library management and staff, the Library Advisory Councils—and the Foundation—pass the bond levies for the construction of libraries throughout the county and raised funds to help furnish new facilities. We are tremendously grateful for their support and dedication.”
Spaces in Deschutes Public Library’s six public locations that had been used by the Friends groups for book sales and storage are being converted to areas accessible to the public. For example, the space occupied by the Friends group in the Downtown Bend Library is available to the public as a meeting room space. In Redmond, the former Friends space will now provide a larger area for children’s books and services, as well as a dedicated early learning space.
“We truly appreciate the Friends groups’ support and efforts over the years,” said Library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “Their hard work and commitment to the Deschutes Public Library has had a lasting impact in enriching the lives of Deschutes County residents. We are forever grateful for their dedication.”
About the Library:
The Deschutes Public Library district, located in the high desert of Central Oregon, serves more than 190,000 Deschutes County residents through libraries in Bend, La Pine, Redmond, Sisters and Sunriver. We offer technology, programs, classes, resources and services for all ages. The Library’s website (www.deschuteslibrary.org) provides access to hundreds of resources, magazine articles, downloadable books and more from the comfort of home and work. Outreach services to senior centers, day care providers, and homebound residents are an integral part of the Library as well as our free and dynamic cultural programming for all ages to enrich our daily experience and encourage all residents to Know More.
