Library friends discuss building

Library volunteers Dorthy Davis (L.) and Evelyn Brittingham (R.) study proposed library designs. photo by Conrad Weiler

Planning for Sisters' new library building is marching forward after the Wednesday, November 12, "family" meeting at the current facility.

About 30 Advisory Council, Friends of the Library, staff and volunteers heard Peg Bermel, Sisters Library manager, and Todd Dunkelberg, Assistant Director, Deschutes Public Library System (DPLS), describe the present course of library planning.

Bermel told her audience that the site has been chosen on part of the old Sisters Middle School grounds. Architect Richard Turi has been chosen to do the design work and a preliminary floor plan has been drawn for the new, single-story building.

"The basic footprint, with minor changes, will be modeled after the La Pine Library, also designed by Turi," Bermel said. "What we need now is input from Sisters residents regarding inside and outside finishing touches."

To that end, the library has "pictorial ballots" to fill out indicating choices for external features, interior design and site location on the property for the new library. These are due by Friday, December 12.

The $1.6-million library project requires okays from the community design committee and the City of Sisters. It must meet community expectations and finally win the approval of the five-member DPLS Board.

The new library will be 8,000 square feet as opposed to the 2,600 square feet of the current building. It will have an 800-square-foot meeting room for up to 60 people and larger areas for both adult and children sections. It will hold 35,000 books and materials and offer more Internet computer space, eventually with 14 computers and two terminals.

"We have an opportunity to create a community centerpiece," said Bermel. "It's hoped that the entire site will take on an integrated campus look, when the new library is completed and the new City Hall and Sisters School Administration buildings are eventually built on the old middle school grounds."

Library timelines are: public input (fall 2003); contractor chosen (spring 2004); groundbreaking (summer 2004); and Grand Opening during fall 2005.

"We want to capture the 'Spirit of Sisters' in the look of the new library," Dunkelberg told the group.

To that end, Dwight Smith, Friends of the Library chair, suggested his group would meet in January to decide what features they would like added to the basic library design and supported with Friends money.

Paul Bennett, advisory council chair -- and others -- asked about the garden setting of the present library and what plans are envisioned for the new site.

"There is one garden spot already suggested," said Bermel.

"There is a grassy area that could also be used for more of a garden atmosphere depending on time and money the community wants to put into it," said Dunkelberg.

Library volunteer Mary Crow asked if it would be possible to have local artists displayed at the new library and received a positive response from Peg Bermel.

John Anderson, advisory council member, asked if the meeting room could be used for other purposes than just meetings. "It might be nice to use it as quiet space for reading when not in use," said Anderson.

Phoebe Olson asked about cooking arrangements for the new meeting room, especially with the interest shown in the Friends cookbook sales.

"This will probably be kept to a minimum," said Bermel. "A microwave oven could be used to heat foods."

Several questions revolved around the proposed future road couplet design that would bring traffic off Highway 20 and past the library.

A community meeting is planned on Wednesday, November 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sisters Fire Hall.