As of May 31, 2023 Construction has begun and will be complete in Fall 2023 (September/October) 2020 Bond - LaPine Library Renovation - Deschutes County Library Deschutes Public Library provides services to the southern region of Deschutes County at the La Pine Library. Opened in the year 2000, the 8,100 square-foot library is centrally located and adjacent tobusinesses, schools, and parks in the community of approximately 1,900 residents. The library is well maintained and provides important programs in the existing space but has organizational issues that need improvement to increase effectiveness and maximize programming opportunities. The La Pine Library and Sisters Library have similar space configurations and have functional issues that include poor visibility and supervision of the entry lobby, limited visibility and connection to the community room, an outdated and oversized service desk, lack of study and small meeting rooms, lack of connection to outdoor spaces, limited flexibility to reconfigure spaces for special programming and an unbalanced quantity of patron services to staff areas. The proposed improvements will create cohesive spaces throughout the library that improve the visitor experience with clear wayfinding to program areas. Increased visibility from the entry lobby into the central gathering area, community room, and children’s services allows activities to flow, if needed, over the course of the day. Moveable glass panels can be opened or closed to maintain definition of spaces and control sound transmission if active programming is occurring. Enclosing exterior space adjacent to the community room provides the opportunity to relocate storage and provides a direct connection to Children’s Services. Story time and other children’s programming could easily expand between the two rooms with minimal disruption. The center of the library is filled with natural light from a high clerestory window and vaulted ceilings. As the “heart” of the library this area will be developed as a Marketplace to provide resources to all library visitors and host special exhibits, musical events, and holiday activities. Small meeting rooms and program areas along the east wall will support specialty programs and provide quiet areas away from the larger spaces. Operable panels can open these smaller spaces to the gathering space for larger events. The adult and teen area will provide a variety of seating areas and types of furniture among shelving and library material displays. After-school programs for young adults and children are significant due to the location directly adjacent to the La Pine Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Providing spaces that make younger visitors have a sense of place is important to attract them to use the library as a resource and source of exploration. The southern end of the library can be opened into a secured, outdoor patio to provide additional space for library events. Building system improvements of the mechanical systems, lighting, information technology, and audio-visual equipment may be upgraded if life-cycle analysis indicates need. Energy efficiency will be a primary criterion in selection of replacement systems.
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