Everything about the library sysyem was terrific until the planning started for the new library…read more The new library is in a word overkill and a hugh waste of taxpayers' money. And when thinking about the planning for the opening of the new library and the virtual closing of the existing downtown library the planning is in my mind nonexistent. Bend is a city of 100.000 and we virtually have no ibrary at this time. The plans for the remodeling of the existing downtown library are again a waste of $. It is in a word "perfect" as is. I would guess that if the public had any idea of how the $ were to be spent (wasted) the library bond issue would have been voted down! The plan of how to spend the bond proceeds should have been "as needed" instead of spend (blow) it all!

Human Citizens of Bend:…read more How are you so fortunate to have this amazing collection of resources? I came here to say: The staff have always been most helpful. Thank you for helping me with kindness and empathy when I needed it.

This is the downtown Bend branch of the Deschutes Public Library system (note: you'll find reviews…read moreunder '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.

Wasted Resources The DPL has a number of rooms set aside for…read morestudy 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.

A Much Improved Experience…read more I want to update my previous review because Central Oregon Community College has made some real improvements. A while back, I had a frustrating experience with their mailroom my package sat untouched for a week, and communication felt nonexistent. Thankfully, things have changed. Recently, the staff has been far more responsive and helpful. Packages are processed quickly, and it's clear that the team is paying attention and taking their responsibilities seriously. Whatever changes they've made behind the scenes are working, and I appreciate the effort. I'm happy to say COCC has come a long way, and my experience now reflects a much more reliable and well‑run operation.

I just came home from the Dental College and had work done for 20 dollars and the staff and doctors…read morethere are amazing. Highly recommend. I will never go back to Advantage dental or Gentle Dental, they were horrible. I had a tooth pulled and it was the perfect extraction and I have had many.

I'm going to be graduating here in two weeks, and let me tell you:: as excited as I am to be…read morefinished, I loved every minute. I was inspired and challenged and lifted up more here at Kilns College than I have been in my life! If you're unsure where to go after high school, I highly recommend attending here to get firm in your faith and truly understand what it means to be a believer. God bless!

An inspiring story and a wonderful faculty and staff. A great resource right here in Central…read moreOregon! Their bookstore alone is worth checking out - TOMS shoes, hundreds of books on social justice, history, and theology, and lots of fair trade goods!

This review is for Doug, you know who Doug is if you go to OSU Cascades. We love Doug and you…read moreshould give him a raise. What a guy!

What's not to love about this school right in one of the best locations in Oregon? I love to visit…read moremy son here! There's so much to do and see from skiing, mountain biking, road biking, river rafting, climbing, hiking, and checking out the great variety of terrain. The views of the mountains and the high desert makes the time spent here worth the drive from California (aside from my being with my son!). Consumer prices are a bit lower than in the Bay Area where I live, so that's a bonus. There are many new hotels and lovely bed & breakfasts in Bend. Lots of trendy restaurants to test as well! One summer day I enjoyed tastings from several restaurants which had set up tents along the Deschutes River. There was live music and plenty of friendly people, although not nearly the large crowds I'm used to. The next day I attended a Beer Festival featuring over 40 micro breweries in the area. This event was held at the new outdoor amphitheater and also featured live music. Many, many people travelled to this event on their bicycles, which were locked up to the surrounding fences. A really cool, mellow atmosphere alongside the river banks.

This is one of my favorite cities to visit to get some cool weather in September. It is about a 3…read morehour drive from Portland and under 30 minutes from the Redmond Municipal Airport. There are a variety of hotels, motels, and B&B's between downtown and the Old Mill District. If you want a quieter environment, stay in the Old Mill District area. Bend has some beautiful landscapes full of different outdoor activities. Flow riding on the rapids of the Deschutes River, jogging along the river paths, shopping in town, and dining at some wonderful restaurants. I also love that Oregon is tax-free on merchandise, so the price of goods is the total price. Bend still had that small town feel even though it is quickly becoming more popular with people moving here for a better family environment.

I feel like Bend is now known as a playground for Californians with too much money. Growing up, I…read moreonly visited a few times, mostly related to a youth organization I was in; it's about 2.5 hours east but my family wasn't into skiing or anything and there were rivers, lakes, and reservoirs much closer to home. But rather than just sit at home and stare at each other we decided to take a drive to Bend when I was home recently. When we go my mom likes to drive by the house which my grandparents lived in for a few years whilst she was in college, before moving back to Eugene, and there's not usually anything in particular we're here for. This was not really an exception. We did stop at the Last Blockbuster, since my nephew was along and wanted to. We went to the downtown district where there are some cute shops. I got a permanent bracelet at Nashelle and I love it; I wish that I was closer because they had some really nice charms to go with it. Bend Burger has good burgers. But what people usually come to Bend for is the recreation. Located in the Deschutes National Forest and at a high elevation, Bend is a place for skiers. Mt. Bachelor isn't too far away. Suttle Lake is nearby as well, so if lake recreation is more your bag you'll find it here as well. Volcanic eruptions in the state has left some of the area covered in lava beds. Fishing, rafting, and so on are all popular activities in the area.

Beautiful bookstore with a great selection of new releases and a nice coffee bar. I loved the…read morecreative way they decorated their counters with remainder materials. I purchased some books and a cribbage board. A few days later I noticed the cribbage had the wrong number of points! I returned to the store and was pleasantly impressed with the return service I received store credit on a gift card. Easy parking for Bend area and I will definitely return.

This was a cool little bookstore that came highly recommended by a friend that lives in the area…read more I had been anticipating the release of a book so while in town I drove up to this location. It has a great little coffee shop with bake goods they brought in from a local bakery. I found the book I wanted, an iced tea, and a cookie and I was all set. The proprietor asked me about my selection and we talked a bit about it. All in all a great experience and I will definitely be back again.

This is such a cute and great bookshop. It's very well laid out and nicely organized. A must go to!read more

Super cute gem in downtown Bend. I walked in not sure what to expect and was greeted with a…read morethoughtful curation of books and charming coffee bar. I loved the added touch of staff picks throughout the store. The team had writes notes about the books they recommend in each section. Upstairs is a great quiet place to sit with your coffee and work too. Look forward to going back.

Is the USPS on vacation here in Bend, OR?? Have not had any mail delivery since 12/9/2025. No…read moremail 12/10, no mail 12/11, no mail 12/12 and nothing yet today. They are delivering Amazon packages though! I did catch the USPS out delivering the Amazon packages and he said they were literally dumped with pallets of packages from Amazon. Perhaps Amazon needs to pay a subsidy during the holiday season so the USPS can hire the additional hands needed? Or Amazon should consider a presence here in Bend! This is all affecting the small online business I am attempting to operate here in Bend. I still have 2 packages that were hand carried to the USPS at 97701 on 12/9/2025 and as of 12.13.2025, they have yet to be scanned for tracking by my customers. We have no way of knowing where they are. Customers are paying $5.50 for the USPS service and this is not the service they expect to receive.

Such a refreshing experience for a government office!! The woman helping me at my passport…read moreappointment was so effective and quick! The service all around was great.

I don't know about the rest of the operation but the Friday kiosk is great. At 8 AM, they set out…read morean array of goodies - tarts, scones, croissants, turnovers, etc - for folks to drop by and purchase. It's self-serve and operates on the honesty principle: leave money in the box. $2 apiece or $15/dozen, which is a deal.

Cascade Culinary Institute is awesome! Their brand new state of the art culinary center just opened…read moreto students this week and I'm excited to visit "Elevation" their new student run restaurant.