Deschutes Public Library
Deschutes Public Library is a voter-approved public library district operating six branches across Deschutes County, Oregon, providing free physical and digital collections, programming, and community services to over 200,000 residents.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1920
- HeadquartersBend, Oregon, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Deschutes Public Library does
Deschutes Public Library is a public library district serving Deschutes County, Oregon, with six branch locations centered in Bend and including La Pine, Redmond, Sisters, and Sunriver. The district was established by voter approval on November 3, 1998, building on library services first offered in the county beginning in January 1920. The library serves a population of more than 200,000 residents and circulates over two million items per year. Operations are governed by a publicly appointed Board and a Library Director (Todd Dunkelberg), with no parent company or commercial ownership.
Core offerings include physical collections of books, media, and DVDs; a digital downloads platform built on third-party integrations with BiblioCommons (catalog and user dashboards), OverDrive (eBooks, audiobooks, magazines), and Kanopy (streaming video); and the DPL Mobile App for catalog browsing, holds, and digital card storage. The library operates the Discovery Pass program (partnering with Quipu Group) for free admission to local museums and outdoor destinations, MakerSpaces at Redmond and the new Central Library, Seed Library, Board Game checkout, Library of Things equipment lending, Interlibrary Loan, and notary services. Programming spans Servicios Latinos (Spanish-language services), Summer with the Library, A Novel Idea, Write Here!, and dedicated children, teen, and senior programs. Marketing reaches residents through the library website, email newsletter, podcasts, social media, and community events; distribution runs through six physical branches plus drive-thru services at Central and Redmond locations.
The library is funded through local property tax levies and the $195 million voter-approved Bond Measure 9-139 passed in 2020, which is financing construction of the LEED-certified Central Library (opened May 11, 2026), expansion of Redmond Library, and remodels of La Pine, Sisters, Sunriver, and Downtown Bend. The Downtown Bend Library is temporarily closed for an extensive remodel expected to reopen in late spring 2027. The Central Library is a 103,343-square-foot all-electric, energy-independent facility designed by The Miller Hull Partnership and is the new administrative and circulation hub. Public art is commissioned at each branch through Oregon's 1% for Art program, and the library maintains operational partnerships with Deschutes County (law library services), Thrive Central Oregon, OHSU School of Nursing, SCORE, Cascades East Transit, and Nature Connect of Central Oregon.
Deschutes Public Library firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Deschutes Public Library
- Legal name
- Deschutes Public Library
- Website
- https://deschuteslibrary.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1920
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Deschutes Public Library is a voter-approved public library district operating six branches across Deschutes County, Oregon, providing free physical and digital collections, programming, and community services to over 200,000 residents.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Deschutes Public Library industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Special Libraries (Law, Medical, Corporate, Government) Operations (EDAEAGAD)
Keywords
Where Deschutes Public Library is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bend, Oregon
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Deschutes Public Library business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Deschutes Public Library product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Deschutes Public Library is a tax-funded public library system that provides free access to physical and digital collections, community programs, and civic resources to Deschutes County residents. It operates six branch locations, circulates over 2 million items annually, and offers digital lending (OverDrive/Kanopy), MakerSpaces, notary services, meeting rooms, Spanish-language programming, and learning programs for all ages.
Product overview
Deschutes Public Library is a public library system serving Deschutes County, Oregon with six branch locations and a comprehensive digital presence. The core offering centers on physical and digital collections including books, movies, music, and downloadable media through platforms like OverDrive and kanopy. The library provides technology-enabled services including a mobile app, online catalog via Bibliocommons, digital downloads, and community resources like Discovery Passes for museum access. Specialized programs include MakerSpaces for hands-on creativity, Seed Libraries for community gardening, Board Game lending, Library of Things equipment rentals, and digital services like Mobile Print. The system also offers free notary services, meeting room rentals, law library resources, Spanish-language services (Servicios Latinos), and community programs including Summer with the Library, Write Here! writing programs, and A Novel Idea reading initiatives. The recently opened Central Library (May 2026) serves as the administrative hub featuring MakerSpace, children's discovery space, co-working areas, and public art.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Library Card & Account Services Free library card issuance and account management for Deschutes County residents, providing access to physical collections, digital downloads, computer use, meeting rooms, and all library programs and services.
- Physical Collection Borrowing Lending of physical books, movies, music, DVDs, board games (over 100 titles), and other physical materials via a floating collection across six branch locations; the system circulates over 2 million items yearly.
- Digital Downloads Digital lending of eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines via OverDrive, plus streaming video access via Kanopy, available 24/7 with a library card.
- DPL Mobile App Free mobile application for iOS and Android that allows patrons to browse the catalog, renew items, place holds, and access digital library card storage on the go.
- Mobile Print Print-on-demand service allowing library cardholders to send print jobs remotely to library printers from anywhere with internet access.
- Discovery Pass Free passes to local museums, attractions, and outdoor destinations available for checkout through an online reservation system (powered by Quipu Group).
- MakerSpace (Redmond) Hands-on creative space at the Redmond Library providing tools, equipment, and expert staff guidance for making and creating; the first MakerSpace in Deschutes County.
- Central Library MakerSpace Hands-on MakerSpace on the third floor of the Central Library for teens and adults to create, learn, and explore with equipment and staff guidance.
- Seed Library Community seed-sharing program allowing gardeners to share, donate, and borrow seeds to promote local growing and sustainability.
- Board Game Checkout Collection of over 100 board games available for patrons to check out and take home from the library.
- Library of Things Equipment lending program including Curriculum Crates and other specialized items available for checkout from the library's collection.
- Interlibrary Loan Service that allows Deschutes County library cardholders to request and borrow items from libraries outside the local system.
- Book-a-Librarian One-on-one personalized assistance with research questions and library services from professional librarians.
- Ask a Librarian Reference service providing brief answers to factual questions and resource suggestions for library patrons.
- Technology Assistance Technology troubleshooting assistance, including one-on-one help sessions with library staff and classes on topics such as iPhone Health App usage.
- Meeting Room Rental Library meeting rooms available for public use by non-profit, for-profit, government, and community groups at all branch locations.
- Notary Services Free drop-in notary services for the public at library locations, supporting basic notarial needs for patrons.
- Law Library Services County law library contracted through Deschutes County, providing legal resources and laptop access to LexisNexis and For the Record for public legal research.
- Servicios Latinos Free Spanish-language services including library card registration, events, classes, educational resources, and digital downloads for the Latino/Hispanic community.
- Summer with the Library Annual summer reading program with activity tracking, free book rewards, and prize entries for readers of all ages throughout Deschutes County.
- A Novel Idea Community Reading Program Seasonal community reading program featuring author visits and related programming, organized as a shared-reads initiative across Deschutes County.
- Write Here! Writing Program Writing program featuring three components: Writers Reading (author talks), Writers Writing (workshops), and Writers Working (business of writing).
- Book Clubs Monthly book clubs held throughout Deschutes County at various library locations, with books chosen month-to-month by participants.
Quantifiable outcome
- 19,944 visitors in first week of Central Library opening
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Deschutes Public Library
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Deschutes Public Library technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature1 record
Deschutes Public Library partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Cascades East TransitminorPublic transportation partnership to potentially add bus stop near Central Library location, improving accessibility for transit-dependent residents.
- Brooks ResourcesminorReal estate firm assisted with land purchase analysis for the 12.75-acre Central Library site at Stevens Ranch.
- Oregon State LibrarycoreState library provided $115,000 grant for Sisters Library construction in the 1980s.
- Oregon's 1% for Art ProgramcoreState program that funds public art commissions at library branches through a 1% set-aside on construction costs.
- Thrive Central OregonminorSocial services partnership providing drop-in consultations at library branches to connect residents with community resources.
- OHSU School of NursingminorPartnership providing research-based walking group toolkit as part of 'Step Into Community' program.
- Nature Connect of Central OregonminorCommunity partner for 'Library Adventures Outdoors' program combining library and outdoor experiences.
- Deschutes CountycoreContracted by Deschutes County to serve as the county law library. County provides list of extreme weather respite locations.
- SCOREminorBusiness mentorship organization providing services through library meeting spaces.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Deschutes Public Library competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- San Mateo County Libraries: A county-level library system operating as a Joint Powers Authority in California, with similar scale, branch network, and innovative service offerings (Library 2.0 model with curated experiences). Provides a structural comparison point for a multi-branch county library.
- Boulder Public Library: A municipal public library in Colorado serving a similar college-town/affluent demographic profile to Bend. Known for innovative programming including MakerSpace, IdeaLAB, and community-focused services — directly comparable in mission scope and per-capita investment.
- Multnomah County Library: The flagship public library system in Oregon, serving Multnomah County (Portland metro). It is a directly comparable regional library district with a similar voter-approved funding model, multiple branches, and broad programming — making it the most operationally analogous peer to Deschutes.
- Austin Public Library: A fast-growing municipal library system serving a similarly expanding and demographically diverse population. Comparable in offering MakerSpaces, extensive digital collections, multilingual services, and community programming in a high-growth metro context.
- Eugene Public Library: Another Oregon public library system of comparable size and structure, also offering MakerSpaces, digital lending, and community programming. Operates as a municipal department rather than a district, providing a useful structural comparison point for Deschutes.
Broad incumbents
- Seattle Public Library: A large, architecturally distinguished urban library system in the Pacific Northwest with extensive digital services, MakerSpaces, and community programming. Larger in scale than Deschutes but shares regional geography, sustainability focus, and innovation orientation.
- King County Library System: A regional library system serving King County, Washington — a suburban/mixed geographic profile comparable to Deschutes County. Operates as an independent taxing district similar to Deschutes, with multiple branches and a strong digital lending platform.
Others
- OverDrive: The dominant digital lending platform for eBooks and audiobooks used by Deschutes Public Library (along with most U.S. public libraries). Relevant as a critical infrastructure dependency and ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.
- Bibliocommons: A vendor/infrastructure provider for library catalogs and patron dashboards — Deschutes uses Bibliocommons for its catalog system. Listed as OTHERS because it is a technology enabler rather than a peer competitor, but is highly relevant to understanding DPL's digital stack.
Regional players
- Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries: A regional library district serving Clark County, Washington and surrounding areas. Similar in scale and district structure to Deschutes Public Library, with comparable programming (MakerSpaces, community events) and a Pacific Northwest footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Deschutes Public Library social profiles
Digital presenceDeschutes Public Library compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Deschutes Public Library financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Deschutes Public Library leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Deschutes Public Library subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries6 records
Deschutes Public Library funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Deschutes Public Library M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Deschutes Public Library
What does Deschutes Public Library do?
Deschutes Public Library is a tax-funded public library system that provides free access to physical and digital collections, community programs, and civic resources to Deschutes County residents. It operates six branch locations, circulates over 2 million items annually, and offers digital lending (OverDrive/Kanopy), MakerSpaces, notary services, meeting rooms, Spanish-language programming, and learning programs for all ages.
Is Deschutes Public Library a public or private company?
Deschutes Public Library is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Deschutes Public Library founded?
Deschutes Public Library was founded in 1920. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Deschutes Public Library based?
Deschutes Public Library is headquartered in Bend, Oregon, United States, in the North America region.
Who are Deschutes Public Library's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are San Mateo County Libraries, Boulder Public Library, Multnomah County Library, Austin Public Library and Eugene Public Library. Broad incumbents are Seattle Public Library and King County Library System. Others are OverDrive and Bibliocommons. Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries is listed as a regional player.
Does Deschutes Public Library have an API?
No public API is recorded for Deschutes Public Library.
What industry is Deschutes Public Library in?
Deschutes Public Library's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management, with a secondary code of EDAEAGAL, Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support). Its NAICS code is 51921 and its SIC code is 8200.