“Libraries remain the meccas of self-help, the most open of open universities…where there are no entrance examinations and no diplomas, and where one can enter at any age.” – Daniel J. Boorstin
A group of library enthusiasts formed the first library association in 1912, and opened the first library in 1914. The library was located in the billiard room of the Fred Hollister residence, which is now the North Bend Chapel Funeral Home. The first library held over one hundred books and periodicals, was open Tuesday-Friday afternoons, offered Saturday afternoon story-times for children as well as various talks of interest to adults.
The library moved often in the early years. Needing a permanent location, the voters approved a bond measure in 1954 to add a wing to the NB City Hall where it remained for over thirty-five years. During those years, the library collection grew and it was time to delve into yet another building project. The voters once again passed a bond measure in 1987. In 1989, staff and volunteers moved over 54,000 books to the current library located at 1800 Sherman Avenue.
The new 20,000 square foot building included the main library with a four station circulation desk, six public catalog computers, ten public computer stations, a children’s library, a conference room and a large meeting room with full kitchen. In 2001, the NBPL added a 2,100 square foot – 15 station work room and kitchen for staff, funded entirely by a generous donation from a long time library patron. Technology continually evolves; currently the NBPL provides public access to 3 catalog computers, nineteen adult computers, two kids’ computers, color and BW printers, a copy machine and fax machine.
The NBPL employs 10.94 FTE, has 16 volunteers, owns 111,000 circulating items, and has access to 30,000 eBooks, 21,000 eAudiobooks and 32 state licensed databases. In 2014, the NBPL circulated 220,000 items, provided 117,000 computer sessions via public computers as well as access for 4,600 free wifi sessions and answered over 16,000 reference questions. Library programming included 176 kids’ programs, 52 teen programs and 50 adult programs in 2014. Many of the special programs for adults and children are sponsored and funded by the Friends of the North Bend Library. The library is open 45 hours per week and sees 224,000 patrons per year. The library offers 30 art exhibits and special displays annually.
The library is a member of the Coos County Library Service District. City and countywide cooperation for library services has served library users well for over 26 years. Your COASTLINE library card is the gateway to libraries countywide. Library card holders can search the online catalog, use research databases, renew books or place holds online at http://www.cooslibraries.org/ COASTLINE – Coos County Library Service District