New library to be three times larger

The proposed new Sisters Library will be more than three times the size of the present building, according to the schematic layout being presented to the City Planning Commission April 15.

"We'll have room for over 25,000 volumes, up from the present 11-12,000 books we now hold," said Peg Bermel, Sisters Library branch manager.

In addition to the greater number of book racks, the new building will have a "multi-purpose" or public meeting room for 65 or more persons for community meetings and other library-related events.

"We still propose to have the 'Story Time' activities in the central part of the library as now except it will be much larger and can accommodate many more children," Bermel said.

A reading/singing performance at the existing library last week drew over 90 people sitting or standing in and around every book stack or rack in rapt attention.

The youth stacks, young adult, juvenile and "easy reader" sections will take up about one-quarter of the public portion of the single-floor building.

The expanded computer laboratory, now becoming one of the most used sections of the library, will be expanded and located directly across from the lobby and entrance to the building where the service desk (checking books out) will be located.

There will be an expanded staff work room ­ "desperately needed," according to Bermel -- and additional office space near the service area.

The reference area and adult book stacks will be at one end of the proposed library, opposite the young people's area. There will be lounge chairs for reading periodicals and for checking in-house computers to locate fiction and non-fiction books -- not just in the Sisters branch but throughout the Deschutes Public Library system.

Ample parking on the site will provide 44 spaces to be shared with the new proposed city hall and an additional 22 spaces will be provided along Locust Street.

The plot plan shows room for expansion with two additional wings to the west.

It allows for approximately 50 percent more space for future growth if and when needed.

An exterior patio and extensive landscaping are included in the master plan.

While the $1.65 million for the construction of the new library is in hand, additional funds might be needed for items not included in the basic plan such as artwork, pavers at the entrance, additional furniture, a fireplace and other amenities.

Friends of the Sisters Library and the Sisters Historical Society are exploring the possibility of saving and moving the original library building, now on the southern side and directly adjacent to the present library, for a historical society building.