The New Redmond Library Opens in Late January!

We are just a few weeks away from the opening of the new Redmond Library. On Monday, January 27, the building will open to the public with limited hours (noon–6:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday, noon–5:00 p.m. Friday–Saturday); we will update you about the start of regular operating hours in the February edition of this newsletter. We are excited to share this new, state-of-the-art building with you! Redmond customers: Please continue to hold your returns until the new library opens; no late fees will be charged for materials during this time. For more information about this new building, and the transition from the temporary library into the new Redmond Library, please visit our website.

The 2025 A Novel Idea Selections... Revealed

Ritu Mukerji’s Murder by Degrees is the 2025 A Novel Idea selection for adults, and Sarvenaz Tash’s The Queen of Ocean Parkway is the youth selection. Visit the A Novel Idea page on our website for more information about the books and the authors. And if you missed the December unveiling, you can watch a message from both authors on our YouTube channel. Events begin in April, including visits from both authors. Teachers: If you’d like to incorporate The Queen of Ocean Parkway into your curriculum, be sure to reach out!

Join the Winter Reading Challenge

Make the most of winter’s long days by joining Deschutes Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge. Running January 1 through March 20, it’s a great way to explore new genres, read diverse authors, and participate in fun activities for the chance to win great prizes from the library. Sign-ups via Beanstack begin January 1. Learn more by visiting our website.

Staff Picks: Our 2024 Favorites

When you work in a library, chances are you love books and movies. So when it comes to sharing recommendations, library staff members are a great resource! You’ll find some of their favorites from 2024 here. There’s something for a variety of ages and interests, from fiction to nonfiction. Pro tip: some books may even help jumpstart your Winter Reading Challenge!

Volunteer Expo: Ways to Help Your Community

Are you looking for ways to serve your community? If you’d like to find new ways to help others while improving your own life, consider volunteering! Stop by the Downtown Bend Library on Sunday, January 26, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., to visit with community organizations that are looking for civic-minded individuals who want to make a positive impact.

Dungeons & Dragons for Teens and Tweens

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has surged in popularity, especially with new generations of players. Playing D&D can provide a range of benefits, from fostering problem-solving skills to enhancing social connections. You’ll find D&D sessions for high school- and middle school-age youth throughout January, including character-creation workshops. Visit our website for details.

Plan Ahead: Schedule Your Free Tax Aide Session

Get ready for tax season by setting an appointment with volunteers from AARP Tax Aide. Tax Aide volunteers are available on January 21 and 22 (10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) at the Downtown Bend Library to schedule appointments for their free tax preparation program. Stop in and schedule your appointment before the rush. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides free tax preparation from IRS-certified tax volunteers for individuals earning under $67,000 a year; visit https://cashoregon.org/ for more information.

Follow the links below to learn how to access these programs

All libraries will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, in observance of the New Year holiday; on Thursday, January 9, for staff in-service training; and on Monday, January 20, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday. Visit our website for locations and hours.