‘The center of communities’: Bend’s Central Library celebrates opening with weekend of events
(Update: adding comments from library official, video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes Public Library marked a new chapter over the weekend with the formal grand opening of its Central Library in east Bend.
Although the library first welcomed visitors in May, the two-day celebration gave community members an opportunity to explore the new building while taking part in performances, presentations, and other activities.
Sunday’s events included a free documentary screening, a writing workshop with Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, and a performance by the Bella Acapella Choir.
Liz Goodrich, event supervisor for the Deschutes Public Library, said it was exciting to see residents experience the new space.
“We’ve had two full days of celebrating this new, big, beautiful Central Library with the county residents,” Goodrich said. “It’s just been so much fun, such a delight to see people come into the building and just be so excited.”
The three-story, 103,000-square-foot library offers more than books. Its features include a MakerSpace, meeting and co-working rooms, an early learning area, public art, study spaces, and a café.
“They have a state-of-the-art building. They have a MakerSpace. We have more meeting rooms and larger community rooms for the public to use and for the library to host programs," Goodrich said.
Goodrich said the early learning area on the second floor has already become a favorite among children and families. She also encouraged visitors to explore the public art displayed on all three floors.
Library leaders say the building was designed to serve as a gathering place for people throughout Deschutes County.
“Libraries are really the center of communities. Everyone is welcome here. All resources and services here are free and open to the public, and that’s a mission that we’re really proud of," Goodrich said.
The Central Library was made possible through a bond approved by Deschutes County voters in 2020. The bond also funded a new library in Redmond and remodeling projects at libraries in La Pine, Sisters, and Sunriver. It is also funding the ongoing renovation of the Downtown Bend Library.
After years in the making, the weekend’s events were less about opening the doors and more about celebrating the community that made the new library possible.
