| 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 we serve the community. In 2020, Deschutes County voters supported a bond measure to build, expand, and improve libraries across the county, and that includes a new 100,000-square-foot library in east Bend—the Central Library at Stevens Ranch. With the upcoming 2026 opening of the Central Library, service is winding down at the East Bend Library.
When will the East Bend Library close?
The last day of service at the East Bend Library is Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Why is the East Bend Library closing?
The East Bend Library is the only building in our library system that isn’t owned by Deschutes Public Library, and its lease ends in December 2025. After discussing several options and factoring in the upcoming addition of the new 100,000-square-foot Central Library at Stevens Ranch less than two miles away, the Library Board decided not to renew the lease agreement for the East Bend Library.
Bend residents will have two libraries in Bend to serve their needs: the Central Library at Stevens Ranch (61956 SE Santorini St.) when it opens in the spring of 2026, and the Downtown Bend Library (601 NW Wall St.), which will close for a remodel in the spring of 2026 but will reopen in early 2027. This will create roughly 140,000-square-feet of library space in Bend, a significant increase from the existing 48,000-square-feet.
Find a timeline of library transitions in Bend on our website.
Will there be a goodbye party for the East Bend Library?
Yes! The public is invited to join us on Saturday, November 8, from noon to 2:00 p.m. as we celebrate the staff and the community surrounding the East Bend Library.
What will happen to holds left on the pick-up shelves at the East Bend Library?
Holds left on the shelves at the East Bend Library will be transferred to the Downtown Bend Library on November 1. We encourage East Bend customers to change their hold pick-up location from the East Bend Library to the library of their choice before November 1.
What should I do if I have books or other materials to return after the East Bend Library closes?
You can drop off your items at the Downtown Bend Library (601 NW Wall Street, Bend) orat any other Deschutes Public Library location. When the Downtown Bend Library closes for its remodel, items can be returned to and picked up from the Central Library at Stevens Ranch or any other Deschutes Public Library location.
For answers to more frequently asked questions, visit our website. To be notified when an opening date is set for the Central Library, sign up for the “Central Library Updates” newsletter on our website. |
