New Sisters library edges closer to reality

Plans for a new Sisters Library got a boost last week.

Meeting in the La Pine Library, the Deschutes Public Library System (DPLS) Board approved borrowing $1.4 million to supplement the $240,000 in its reserve fund to finance the new Sisters Library project.

Michael Gaston, DPLS director, reminded the board that the budget is tight but DPLS will create a quality library in Sisters.

The board selected architect Rich Turi for the project. Turi completed the La Pine branch library in 2000 for DPLS. Turi also designed libraries in Prineville and Florence.

The new Sisters Library will be modeled on the La Pine footprint of 8,000 square feet. The present, cramped library in Sisters has 2,600 square feet of floor space. It is hoped that there will be a new library completed by 2008 or before. Presently, there are three sites under consideration.

Board members Mary Beth Pearl-Gent (Sisters area representative), Pat Lawrence (contacted by telephone conference), Ray Miao and George Riser were on hand for deliberations.

Peg Bermel, Sisters Library branch manager, attended the meeting. Board member Ann Everson was not present.

Commenting on the Patriot Act and DPLS compliance, Gaston told the assembled group that there is no way to protest the Act. If a certified government official asks for information about library patron use, under the Patriot Act, it must be provided.