Sisters Library wants you to 'Know More'

If you have a library fine that's been giving you a bad case of guilty conscience, now is the time to do something about it. Over the next few weeks all library fines are being forgiven - if you get there before the "Fine Freedom Cards" run out.

And while you're there, you can take the time get a new library card and review the library's new image, "Know More!"

It's part of a rebranding effort largely conceived by Chantal Strobel.

Strobel is Deschutes Public Library's community relations manager, responsible to help see that the library functions at its utmost efficiency within budgets.

That's not as easy as it sounds. For example, over the past two years, patrons' services and items throughout the system have increased by some 250,000 pieces. That includes books, tapes, DVDs - virtually everything that is available to the library system's patrons.

Those numbers are the equivalent of what both the Sunriver and Sisters branches deal with on an annual basis.

The increased volume and variety of library services is accompanied by a recrafting of the library's image.

Strobel and other library officials spent hours thinking it over and discussing options, and Strobel came up with what she calls "Know More," a way of changing the way patrons see, think, and feel about the library system - at the same time changing how the staff sees, thinks, and feels about their patrons.

The image of the library as a hushed and staid institution is undergoing a great change, through necessity. For example, you can drink your coffee, lemonade or soda pop in the library; just be responsible for your actions. In fact, when you settle your overdue fines, you will receive a discount ticket for your favorite beverage at Sisters Coffee Co.

You can stay at home and Google to find the answers to your questions, but if you decide to use the new, updated, brighter DPL Web site instead, you'll be able to focus more quickly on what you're looking for. If you've gone onto the DPL Web site lately, you have noticed the "new look" that isn't just skin deep.

When you use all the tools available on the Web site you will not only discover how powerful and fast it is, but so much easier to use, and more fun as well.

The library now has new and improved services from the cradle to the grave, literally. In fact, if you are aware of studies that suggest the importance of reading to your child before he or she is born, you can find those services as well.

Heather McNeil, the library's youth services manager, is a qualified early literacy trainer. She not only functions in that capacity at the library, but goes throughout the community teaching anyone and everyone methods for acquiring literacy early in life.

The Deschutes County business community has new and better services available as well, thanks to Glenda Rhodes, adult services manager. The library is continually striving to help and partner up within the business community even more, offering help through Rhodes' activities and materials.

Another powerful, and improved, educational tool available through the library is Outreach Services. Jo Caisse, outreach services manager, calls her program, "Homeward Bound." She carries her tools and materials to assisted-living facilities, daycare centers and the Deschutes County Jail. "We like to think of our services to the jail as a family gathering that is providing positive reinforcement," Strobel says. "We want to partner up with every area of our community to make life better for everyone."

So, it isn't just the over-due fine that you can put behind you with the new brand the library offers; you can take yourself and your family to resources that will help you know more, be more, and enjoy life more.