April: A Novel Idea Begins, Central Library Updates, Spring Has Sprung, and More from Your Library

Central Library Drive-Thru Now Open

The brand new Central Library in Bend (61956 SE Santorini Street) will open to the public on Monday, May 11! The drive-thru at the Central Library is already open, with holds pick-up available Monday through Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m. Books, DVDs, and magazines can be returned at the book drop, located just after the drive-thru window, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When placing a hold to be picked up at the Central Library drive-thru, select “Central DRIVE-THRU” as your pick-up location.

The last day of operations at the Downtown Bend Library is Friday, April 10. The library closes temporarily for a remodel and will open again in spring 2027.

Explore Themes for A Novel Idea

Programming for our annual community book club, A Novel Idea, kicks off this month. From seag ulls and reefer madness to Japanese American internment camps and potato chowder, we invite readers to explore ideas found in the two selected books, Supersonic and Hope in the Valley. A Novel Idea programming culminates with the final author event on Saturday, May 2, at Summit High School, and a visit from the youth edition author on Thursday, April 16 at the Redmond Library. All programs, including the authors' presentations, are free of charge.

MakerSpace Updates

The Redmond Library MakerSpace offers a range of the latest technology and tools, like 3D printers, button makers, craft kits, and more. Whether you're working individually or as part of a group, our staff and volunteers are here to support you every step of the way. As we expand programming in Redmond and prepare for the new space opening this summer at the Central Library, now is a great time to sign up for the MakerSpace newsletter to stay up to date on classes, events, and creative opportunities.

Spring Has Sprung! Gardening Time

Gardeners in Central Oregon face multiple challenges: cold winters, a short growing season, low humidity, and hot summer days along with cool nights. Some even say that "to garden in Central Oregon, you need to be willing to take a pile of money and set it on fire."

Learn how to extend the growing season, conserve water, and choose plants adapted to our climate with these resources.

Digital Resources and Learning

Use your library card to unlock dozens of free digital resources, from eBooks and movies to language-learning tools, online sewing classes, bike repair help, and so much more! Get started with this list of resources.

Nonprofit Support

Did you know your library offers resources for nonprofits? With a broad range of support, including one-on-one time with our Community Librarian specializing in nonprofits, we can help you get started and support your continued success.

April is National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture. Check out this curated poetry book list and learn some new poems!

EVENTS AND PROGRAMS IN APRIL

KIDS & FAMILY

Family Story Time, Toddler Story Time, Preschool Story Time, and Baby Story Time - Visit our online calendar for dates, locations, and times. You’ll also find story times on our YouTube channel (as well as STEAM programs, scavenger hunts, and more).

Sensory-Friendly Spring - 4/2 (Redmond)

SPRING Into Action! - 4/7 (Sunriver); 4/14 (Sisters); 4/21 (La Pine); 4/23 (Redmond)

Book Discussion and Pizza Party - 4/7 (Deschutes Historical Society); 4/11 (Redmond)

Connection Through Creativity: An Art Workshop - 4/8 (FREAK'N ART)

Peter Rabbit Spring Celebration - 4/10 (Sisters); 4/15 (Sunriver); 4/20 (Redmond); 4/30 (La Pine)

Youth Songwriting Workshop: Songs in the Valley - 4/11 (Sisters)

The Sound of Music: Screening and Sing-Along - 4/11 (Redmond)

Graphic Novel Book Club: Stargazing - 4/14 (Redmond)

B.U.R.S.T. - 4/16 (Redmond)

Author Mitali Perkins: Home Is in Between - 4/16 (Redmond)

A Glimpse of Bengal: Henna, Face Painting, and More - 4/18 (Sunriver); 4/19 (The Open Arts Center)

Graphic Novel Book Club: Almost Sunset - 4/21 (Larkspur Community Center)

Kids' Card-Making Workshop - 4/22 (La Pine)

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL

Connection Through Creativity: An Art Workshop - 4/1 (Redmond)

Teen Library Council - 4/8; 4/16 (Redmond)

Teen Open Mic Night - 4/16 (The Open Arts Center)

Needle Felted Apricots - 4/22 (Sunriver)

ESPAÑOL

Tardes en Familia - 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 (Redmond)

Clases de Computación en Español - 4/2, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 (Redmond)

Tummy Time en Español - 4/6 (Redmond)

Clases de Inglés Para Hispanohablantes - 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27 (Redmond)

Bilingual Stories & Songs en Español e Ingles - 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28 (Deschutes Children's Foundation)

Technology Troubleshooting in English y Español - 4/7 (Redmond)

RootedHomes Drop-In Consultations en Español - 4/22 (Redmond)

Festival de Sant Jordi - 4/25 (Redmond)

BOOK CLUBS

A Novel Idea Book Discussions:

The Library Book Club: Supersonic - 4/2 (Redmond)

Saturday Larkspur Library Book Club: Supersonic - 4/11 (Larkspur Community Center)

A Novel Idea Book Discussion: Supersonic - 4/20 (Online); 4/27 (Sunriver Books)

Thump Downtown Library Book Club: Supersonic - 4/24 (Thump Downtown Bend)

The Nonfiction Library Book Club: Rebel Girl - 4/14 (Suttle Tea)

Larkspur Library Book Club: The Elements of Marie Curie - 4/15 (Larkspur Community Center)

The Fiction Library Book Club: The Book Swap - 4/29 (Online)

Quiet Writing Time - 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/29 (Redmond); 4/2, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 (Sisters)

Central Oregon Writers Guild - 4/14 (Central Oregon Community College)

Third Thursday Spoken Word Night - 4/16 (SCP Redmond Hotel)

ADULTS

Thrive Central Oregon Drop-in Consultations - see calendar for dates and times and visit Thrive's website for more drop-in sessions and locations throughout the county.

Changing Patterns: Re-Entry Weeklies - 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27 (Deschutes Historical Museum)

Law Librarian Office Hours - 4/7 (La Pine); 4/14 (Redmond)

Technology Troubleshooting - 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28 (Redmond)

Child Abuse: Signs, Symptoms & Prevention with KIDS Center - 4/7 (Online)

Lawyer in the Library - 4/8, 4/22 (Online)

D&D for Beginners - 4/13, 4/24 (Redmond)

Notary Public in the Library - 4/14, 4/28 (Council on Aging of Central Oregon)

Let's Talk About It Training with KIDS Center - 4/14 (Online)

Medicare Made Simple - 4/15 (Redmond)

Art and Poetry - 4/16 (Peterson Contemporary Art Gallery)

Business/Nonprofit Librarian Office Hours - 4/17 (La Pine); 4/21 (Redmond)

Artificial Intelligence in Our Everyday Life - 4/17 (Sisters)

Music in Public Places - 4/18 (La Pine)

SCORE Small Business Counseling - 4/21 (Redmond)

SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices with KIDS Center - 4/21 (Online)

Pathways for Affordable Homeownership with RootedHomes - 4/21 (Redmond)

RootedHomes Drop-In Consultations - 4/22 (Redmond)

Red Cross Blood Drive - 4/24 (Redmond)

Spring Flowers Applique with the Cricut - 4/24 (Redmond)

Darkness to Light® Training with KIDS Center - 4/28 (Online)

Getting to Know Your iPhone Workshop - 4/30 (Sisters)

A NOVEL IDEA

Mental Asylums in Fiction: Sanity, Conformity, and Control - 4/2 (Sisters); 4/7 (Roundabout Books)

Understanding Grief in Children and Teens - 4/2 (Redmond)

From Skyliner to Mt. Bachelor: Bend's Ski History and People - 4/2 (10 Barrel Brewing East Side Bend)

Discover Steller Jay Creative - 4/3 (Steller Jay Creative)

My Father's Story: WWII Japanese American Internment Camps - 4/7 (SHARC); 4/8 (Sisters)

Hendrix: An Evolutionary Force in Pop Culture - 4/7 (Redmond); 4/21 (Sisters)

Needle Felted Mini Landscapes - 4/8 (Redmond)

Exhibit Sneak Peek Read/Create - 4/10 (Deschutes County Historic Museum)

From Reefer Madness to Legal Cannabis - 4/13 (Redmond); 4/29 (Bevel Brewing)

"Seagulls" in Central Oregon? - 4/14 (Redmond); 4/19 (Larkspur Community Center)

My Father Created D.B. Cooper - 4/17 (Redmond); 4/18 (Sunriver)

Boeing: Military & Commercial Aircraft Maker To The World - 4/20 (Redmond); 4/21 (Deschutes Children's Foundation)

Promised Land Documentary Screening - 4/21 (Tin Pan Theatre)

Central Oregon's Neighbor Nations - 4/25 (Hanai Foundation); 4/26 (Redmond)

Klondike Era Potato Leek Chowder and Fry Bread - 4/28 (Arome)

Central Oregon's Most Important Crop for Over 50 Years - 4/30 (Redmond)

All library locations will be closed on Sunday, April 5 and on Thursday, April 9, for staff training. Visit our website for locations and hours.

Our Mission:

Deschutes Public Library enriches the community through equitable, open access to books, services, and resources that inspire people to reach for their dreams. To learn more about our mission, vision, and core values, visit our website.

We’re here to help; contact us