As Deschutes County’s population continues to grow, its libraries might need to adapt, evolve and potentially add a new, larger branch, according to Deschutes Public Library staff.

At an open house at the East Bend Public Library on Thursday night — one of six scheduled throughout August — library officials met with about 15 members of the public, from kids to senior citizens, to brainstorm ideas to expand current libraries or build a new center in Bend.

Library Director Todd Dunkelberg told the crowd every library — except East Bend, which is in a leased strip-mall space — is at least 20 years old and ill-equipped to handle a booming community. For example, if every person in Sisters visited the Sisters library at once, they’d each have about one foot of space, he said.

“We have excellent facilities, excellent services. How are we going to continue that as we get more and more crowded going forward?” Dunkelberg said. “Most libraries are designed for the way we did library services 25 years ago, and a lot has changed in the past 25 years.”

One major change would be a new library, which would likely be located on the Bend Parkway corridor in either north or south Bend. Dunkelberg reassured the crowd the new library wouldn’t result in any older branches closing, and it’s only a possibility for now.

Although the crowd didn’t have any strong feelings about a new branch, Dunkelberg said he wasn’t surprised by the muted reaction.

“Until I tell you it’s going to be a monolith, and it’s going to sit right behind your house and block the sun, you may not have strong feelings about it,” he joked.

Five of the system’s six libraries each had potential improvements listed on nearby posters, including meeting and study spaces, remodeled entryways, technology spaces and even an outdoor play area at La Pine. The only library that had no updates was East Bend, which Dunkelberg said couldn’t physically expand further.

Dunkelberg emphasized he wanted the communities to have a strong voice in what the libraries of the future might look like.

“It comes straight from what people are telling us,” he said of the possible library upgrades. “It’s not trying to make what works in Ohio or California … but what our community wants, and making that work.”

The group came up with many ideas for improving the libraries, such as a midsized stage where authors could give readings or traveling theater groups could perform. A couple of kids said they’d like public speaking programs, a place where people could learn to write computer codes on computers or iPads, and collaborative Lego activities. Other ideas included themed reading nooks for kids (such as a treehouse), fireplaces and an “analog zone” with only paper books and no electronics.

Dunkelberg said in order to fund the library upgrades or a new building, the library system would likely need to pass a bond, but officials would look at their existing funds and attempt to find grants, donors and partnerships before asking the public for money.

Library officials will hold three more public hearings next week at the Sunriver, Sisters and Redmond libraries on Aug. 28, 29 and 30, respectively, all at 6 p.m. On Oct. 10, the architectural firm Group 4, which studied each existing library and monitored public opinion, will present recommendations to the library board, Dunkelberg said.

— Reporter: 541-617-7854,jhogan@bendbulletin.com