‘I love the library so much!’: Remodeled Sunriver Library reopens its doors to visitors’ warm welcome
(Update: Adding video, comments from Powers, library users)
SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sunriver Library reopened Tuesday after an extensive remodel that involved nearly 10 months of construction, and first-day visitors and staff expressed appreciation for the changes.
“We are so excited to welcome customers back into the library!” said Sunriver Library Operations Supervisor Heidi Powers. “So much is new — from the children’s space to the community room — but things like the high-beamed ceiling and fireplace area will be familiar. It’s the perfect blend of beloved elements and new enhancements that really bring us into the 21st century.”
On reopening day, visitor and Sunriver resident McKinley Grant said, "I love the library so much. It's really cool!"
In 2020, Deschutes County voters supported a $195 million bond measure to expand and improve libraries in downtown Bend, La Pine, Sisters and Sunriver.
Powers said, "I'm just excited that our doors are open. That is the most exciting part, that people get to come back and use their library again."
The Sunriver Library was renovated by Bend-based Sunwest Builders.
Some of the first visitors told us they appreciate the new features, including a study room, community room and children's space.
The children's space is designed to spark imagination.
Lyra Zaniboni said, "We're going to look for a dinosaur book."
Powers said, "It's suited for our little ones to be able to discover, to play and interact with each other right here."
The community room allows users to hold meetings, with after-hours access.
Powers added, "When somebody is having a meeting in there, they can close and have their meeting. But when they're not, it's not being used, we can open those doors, and then we have overflow."
The upgrades also include all new computers and updated WiFi for high-speed internet.
Three Rivers resident Cassandra Zaniboni said, "I love the modern feel, and I kind of like the play area, how you see a little bit of the geology and some of the nature influence. It's just a really nice resource to have down here."
Here's the rest of the library's reopening announcement:
Updates to the Sunriver Library include an all-new children’s discovery space designed to engage young learners and spark the imagination. A new study room provides a place for the public to meet, something that was repeatedly requested during the planning phase.
The all-new community room, now located on southwest corner of the building, features state-of-the art technology as well as a retractable glass wall to allow for flexibility of use, including after-hours access. An electric fireplace provides a focal point and cozy space to read, and all-new public computers and updated Wi-Fi give customers essential access to high-speed internet.
“There is definitely a sense of anticipation to the opening of the remodeled library,” said Deschutes Public Library Board member Anne Ness. “The community will have the opportunity to explore the new children’s discovery area, take advantage of the expanded meeting and tutoring spaces and computer workstations, and so much more. We look forward to welcoming our users to this newly energized library.”
While the Sunriver Library will resume normal operations on August 20, a public grand opening celebration is slated for Saturday, September 14, from noon–2:00 p.m. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the public will be welcomed into the brand-new space, where they’ll find live music, a balloon artist, fun with the GlinWood Fae and more.
In November 2020, Deschutes County voters supported the Library’s bond measure to expand and improve libraries across the county. In addition to updating existing libraries in Downtown Bend, East Bend, La Pine, Sisters and Sunriver, the bond is funding the design and construction of a new Central Library at Stevens Ranch to serve all Deschutes County residents, with construction now well underway and doors opening to the public in 2026.
Bond funds are also being used to build a new Redmond Library that doubles the square footage of the previous building; it’s expected to open this December.
For more information about building and remodeling projects, visit https://dpl.pub/futurelibraries.
