This is the downtown Bend branch of the Deschutes Public Library system (note: you'll find reviews under 'Downtown Bend Library' as well and Yelp seems uninterested in combining the pages despite being asked). - It's a fine library. Big(ish), well-stocked with books, magazines, CDs and such, has numerous free computers, has a good wi-fi system. - Lots of reading areas with comfortable seating. - Staff are friendly and helpful. - A great local section if you're interested in learning about Central Oregon. - Plentiful parking and lots of bike racks. - The online system (which serves the Deschutes system not just the Bend branch) works well and includes downloadable ebooks. read more

Wasted Resources The DPL has a number of rooms set aside for study and tutoring. Some of those rooms are meant for groups. However, when those rooms are not being used by groups, they could be used by individuals who might be working on projects that require more space or maybe they need to do a study call over Zoom or Google Meets. However, the DPL does not allow that under any circumstances at least that's what I was told. Seems a waste of resources to heat, cool and light a space that no one is using. I guess the DPL doesn't mind blowing the public's money in order to follow random rules that make about as much sense as gills on cactus. read more

Regrettable customer service. Firstly, I must point out, I am sure there are many kind and helpful people among the Deschutes Public Library staff. To these people, I apologize for this review. Additionally, there are some awful people that are actively trying to destroy the excellent reputation their fellow employees are building. I called the library because of an unknown fine that had been billed to my account. When I called, an employee named Lauren told me that all the fines are final, and there was nothing she could do. I told her I understood, and asked if I could speak to someone else. Suddenly, she became very defensive, and told me to calm down. I noticed she took offense to this, so I tried to explain myself, but I was interrupted and she said I should "feel free to tell anyone about her." I thought her reaction was a bit unwarranted, seeing as I asked in a calm polite voice, so I accidentally laughed. The woman took this very personally, and disconnected my call right then and there. No matter. I just decided to call the library once again. This time, I was received by an employee named Candice. When I first heard her speak, I thought her voice sounded exactly like Lauren, but I disregarded it. I decided to ask her about the charge, and she told me that I would have to speak to a different department. I asked her for the number, and she said they were only open on Tuesdays. I asked her if there was anyone else I could talk to, and she said that the team was busy. I told her that I would call back on Tuesday, but I wanted to be sure my fine would not be irreversible. She said there was almost no chance I would be refunded. I was irritated as you can imagine, and asked for more information regarding the fine. Candice said that she could not give me more information, and recommended I stop calling the library. Two days later I called, inquiring to speak to the department I was directed to. When I finally called the ILL department as it was known, told me that all billing was the responsibility of the Library to handle. I thanked them and called Deschutes again. This time, the call was answered by someone named Leila. I explained my problem, and she told me that I was harassing the library staff, and that if I continued, I would be banned. As one can imagine, I was quite finished. I explained my frustration to Leila, who also sounded very similar to Lauren, and my call was disconnected again. I was curious about the similar sounding voices, so I decided to check the Deschutes Public Library website's staff directory, and there is no one by the name of "Lauren" "Candice" or "Leila" listed, which is why I mentioned them by name in this review. Deschutes Public Library staff, if you are listening, I don't doubt that your profession has very high stakes, but changing your names? Is that really necessary? In conclusion, I hope the Library reads this, and decides to change the way they handle customer interactions. A bit of compassion can go a long way, and I'm certain some of your fellow employees would be happy to show you just how far it can take you. read more

I have no beef with the library staff. We just passed a new bond/tax for renovations. The Sisters library was included and only recently re-opened. Now, the library is closed again because of a "leak", after being taxed for "renovations". Government at it's best. Disfunctional, unaacountable, and more taxes to repair something that wasn't done right during renovation. read more

How can you not give the library five stars? I've lived in Bend all my life, and I've been going to this library since I was at least 5... Do I love it? YES. There are people that still recognize me from when I was a kid in the little people section!! It's so homey, so intimate (yet waaaaaaaaaay more advanced then it was 12 years ago...) Free wi-fi, starbucks down the street... swings on the other side of the road... does it get any better? Grab a book, grab a coffee, and read on the swings. aaaah, summer! :) read more

Just got into town, went to DMV, USPS and now carry an official Deschutes County Library Card. Thanks Joan! Awesome job at explain everything and being so friendly. First impression is that this place rocks. Just starting with the 1st floor dedicated to young folks is a blessing to my city sore ears. Great video section and audio as well. 2 stories tall all for learning stuff. read more

I am new to Bend and the library staff each time I have been there, which is several times now, have been amazing! everyone is so helpful and pleasant. I have nothing but good things to say about this library and their staff! read more

Bend now (2008) has 75,000 people and the library is pretty big though maybe not so much if this town keeps growing like it has. Wireless internet access is available. You have to invent and enter an email address to get in the system. Supposedly you have only two hours a day to use the Internet - don't know how if at all it is enforced. There's a library parking lot across the street to the south. Parking on the library block is sparse. read more

I love books and libraries, Deschutes Library does not disappoint. Teen Books. April the teen librarian is unbelievably engaged and helpful. We have visited April and emailed her looking for book recommendations for both kids. One kid is a capable, but reluctant reader. The other an enthusiastic reader who's a little on the young side for some of the YA books out there right now. April has helped both kids (and me too) with finding the right book whether it be for homework requirements, or pleasure. April is a gem among gems at the library. So happy to have her as a resource. Children's books. The ladies working in the kids department have a great handle on the needs and desires of young readers. My kids are little older now, so we don't frequent this department, but they have historically done a great job finding the best of the best chapter books for both kids. Adult reading. I read a lot. When you think of a lot, think more. I probably check out roughly 100+ books a year from the library, reading across quite a few genres. Great selection and I love the book displays. I always pick up a few of the books on display because they look good. Authors I recognize and love, plus a few unknowns that turn out to be great and then I've found another new author to read. Front deak. They are lacking. Several encounters that left me wondering. One was inquiring about a free magazine that they had on display in the front racks of the library. It's called Bookpage. It's in the same rack as The Source. I asked about it one day, couldn't remember the name. No idea what I was talking about, couldn't help me and evidently there was no one to ask because she stood firm on not knowing what I was talking about. Luckily it was there again the next time I was there. Second was paying my late fee. I know, naughty to be late. Wanted to donate my change from the transaction because on previous visits to pay late fees the gals have complained that they don't have much change. This woman was unable to accommodate a donation. The gal's co-worker said it was okay, no, no, no said the woman "helping" me. Messes things up, her till would be wrong, etc. Okay, missed donation. The competence/service level at the front desk comes up short. read more

I've been in a lot of libraries - like A LOT - and this one is top notch! Anyone who says otherwise must come from planet $$$ because this library is at least ten times nicer, cleaner, and friendlier than most of the other libraries I've been in. There are a good selection of items on hand, books, periodicals, DVD's, all the usual suspects, like any other library. But this library is lacking graffiti in the bathrooms, phantom urine smells, and grumpy librarians - oh wait, that's a good thing! They offer really helpful courses and workshops there too. I took one that taught me how to use the Foundation Director Online - a research tool if you're looking to write grant proposals for nonprofit organizations. It was super helpful and informative. The computers there work well too, always a plus. All-in-all 5 stars for the library! Bend has a great library system. We are lucky. read more

I come to the library quite often and more often then not is it extremely noisy. Books being put away people and staff talking. Just does not give me that library feel of silence. read more

Great summer reading programs for kids & adults. Love the yearly Novel Idea county-wide book club in the spring! The librarians are always friendly & helpful. They've also purchased all the books & DVDs I've suggested that they didn't previously have within the county. Love that! read more

The Deschutes County Library system goes above and beyond any library system I have experienced. We particularly like the Redmond library. The staff is friendly, the selections are expansive, and all of activities for kids is amazing. read more

Very modern libraries, great selection of books, great web-based system of finding books. Very easy to have books transferred to your closest library location so you don't have to drive a long way to get the books you want. Friendly staff. Very active community-driven programs and content. Also, it's a wonderful place to just come and read in one of the many comfortable chairs. Especially in the main downtown Bend location. I love this library. Thanks library team! read more

I love libraries, and have had great experiences at most -- but we truly have a gem here in Bend. The staff are, without exception, helpful and kind. My work puts me in contact with many of our homeless, and the library has been an extremely good resource for them, and never has ostracized them. Thanks Deschutes Library System!!! read more