Miller Hull

The new Redmond Library in Central Oregon is more than a replacement for an aging civic asset. Designed by The Miller Hull Partnership with local partner Steele Associates for Deschutes Public Library (DPL), the two-story, 40,000-square-foot facility represents a new model for 21st-century libraries: deeply rooted in place while systemically coordinated across a growing regional network.

One of six libraries modernized, reconstructed, or newly built under a countywide bond measure, Redmond’s library offers a compelling case study in how civic buildings can simultaneously reflect the unique values of a local community and leverage system-wide efficiencies. It asks, and answers, the question: how do you design for one place while designing for many?

A Civic Hub Shaped By Local Voices

Redmond is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with a changing population that includes families, outdoor recreationists, Spanish-speaking communities, LGBTQ+ youth and many others. DPL engaged in an extensive public outreach effort before design even began, conducting targeted conversations with community groups to understand what people needed from their library, and how those needs could evolve in the future.

The result is a building defined by flexibility, inclusivity and a strong civic identity. The design includes a vibrant children’s discovery space, a dedicated teen lounge, a creative maker space, reservable meeting rooms and co-working rooms.

These decisions weren’t arbitrary, but were directly informed by the community. Spanish-speaking families, for instance, often use the library as a multigenerational group, so the Spanish-language collection was intentionally located adjacent to the children’s area to keep families connected. Additional features support everyday ease and accessibility. A drive-through book drop and staff service window allows patrons to pick up holds and return materials without leaving their vehicles, a convenience especially appreciated by families and older adults, or during Central Oregon’s colder months.

Outside, the library introduces a broad civic plaza and a deep, covered porch that serves as an extension of the library’s programmatic heart. Positioned adjacent to both the children’s and maker spaces, the porch allows activities to spill outdoors in warmer months. Whether it’s a storytime, craft fair, or casual gathering, the porch functions as a community living room, a threshold between civic infrastructure and everyday life.

Read the full story at Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce