Miller Hull Reinvents Oregon Library System with $100M Central Library
In Deschutes County, Oregon, a transformative $100 million Central Library, spanning 100,000 square feet, has been established in Bend, crafted by The Miller Hull Partnership. Input from over 7,000 community members shaped its design, which includes features like meeting spaces, a coffee shop, and makerspaces. This initiative encompasses renovations of four existing libraries and the addition of two new ones, with the Central Library serving as the focal point, showcasing 'solar shingles' and a stone-clad foundation. Inside, visitors will find a three-story atrium, a 'Library of Things,' and a children's area complete with themed shelving and a playground. The all-electric building aims for net-zero energy and LEED Gold certification. In its inaugural month, it welcomed 63,000 visitors and issued 2,700 new library cards, under the leadership of director Todd Dunkelberg.
Key facts
- Deschutes County voters approved a $195 million library bond.
- The new Central Library in Bend cost $100 million and is 100,000 square feet.
- The Miller Hull Partnership designed the Central Library and renovated four existing libraries.
- More than 7,000 residents provided input on library features.
- The library features a modified Dewey decimal system with themed shelving.
- A sculpture by John Grade is suspended in the atrium, made from 8,456 fragments of salvaged Alaska yellow cedar.
- The building is all-electric with 828 kW of solar generation and battery storage, targeting net-zero energy.
- In the first month, the library had 63,000 visitors and issued 2,700 new library cards.
- The children's floor includes a playground designed by Plus & Greater Than.
- The library has no traditional central circulation desk; librarians use tablets to assist visitors.
Entities
Artists
- John Grade
- Todd Dunkelberg
- Ruth Baleiko
- Randy Gragg
Institutions
- The Miller Hull Partnership
- Deschutes County Library
- Plus & Greater Than
- Design Portland
Locations
- Deschutes County
- Oregon
- Bend
- Seattle
- Portland
- Stevens Ranch
- Central Cascades