Central Library opens in Stevens Ranch, linking library expansion with Bend growth
Tracee Tuesday
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The new Bend Central Library opened on May 11th, at 61956 SE Santorini Street, establishing a major presence within the Stevens Ranch master-planned development. The Deschutes Public Library system intentionally chose the southeast Bend location for its anticipated growth. City officials confirmed that no changes to the master plan were necessary to accommodate the 100,000-square-foot facility.
This three-story facility is a central component of a $195 million bond, approved by voters in 2020, dedicated to system-wide library upgrades. The library’s current location in Stevens Ranch follows an abandoned plan for a north-end site. The Stevens Ranch Master Plan, greenlit by the Bend City Council in 2021, is projected to bring between 1,400 and 2,400 new homes to the area.
Library Director Todd Dunkelberg for the Deschutes Public Library system, emphasized the new facility’s dual purpose. “Like all of our libraries, they all kind of form a dual role of definitely serving the neighborhoods right around them and then also serving a broader community,” Dunkelberg said. He added that the anticipated growth in the Stevens Ranch area and southeast Bend was a significant factor in selecting the location.
The City of Bend’s perspective on the library’s integration into the master plan was clarified by Renee Brooke, Planning Manager for the City of Bend. Brooke confirmed that no adjustments were necessary for the master plan or development standards. “We didn’t,” Brooke said, referencing potential changes. “And the developer had designated that area for commercial zoning. The library was a permitted use in that area, so no changes needed to be made to the master plan or any development standards in order for the library to locate there.”
The library’s current location was not its original planned site. The library board initially acquired property on the north side of Bend along U.S. Highway 20 for the 100,000-square-foot facility. However, that north-end site encountered opposition due to concerns about its accessibility, its contribution to urban sprawl and a lack of support from the Bend City Council.
The application for the first site was later terminated and the library purchased the Stevens Ranch property in late 2022. The new Central Library facility represents an investment of more than $137 million. It is seen as an intentional civic anchor for the 370-acre Stevens Ranch Master Plan. This development aims to transform Bend’s east side into a dense, walkable urban hub.
The library is intended to catalyze the construction of between 1,400 and 2,400 planned housing units in the area. Beyond serving as a neighborhood branch, the library’s “Central” designation highlights its role as the operational hub for the entire Deschutes Public Library system, housing the county-wide distribution system. This strategic placement avoids the congestion of downtown Bend while providing a large public amenity. The facility also features a Thump Coffee cafe, multiple maker spaces, co-working areas and enhanced children’s spaces.
The library’s construction coincided with significant infrastructure upgrades in the area. These included a new roundabout at SE 27th Street and Wilderness Way, as well as the extension of water and sewer utilities to support the anticipated residential growth. The facility features a transit-oriented design, positioned next to wide biking and pedestrian paths that will eventually connect new residential blocks to the Deschutes River Trail. The building itself sets a high sustainability benchmark for future development in Stevens Ranch. It was constructed to LEED Platinum standards as an all-electric, net-zero facility.
The Stevens Ranch master plan area is situated east of 27th Street, south of Reed Market Road and Stevens Road, north of Ferguson Road and west of the eastern city limits. The non-platted property is currently addressed as 21425 Stevens Road.
The new Central Library’s opening is part of a larger plan for the Deschutes Public Library system, which includes the future remodel of the Downtown Bend branch. The downtown location closed in Spring 2026 for a reopening in 2027.