Coos Bay Public Library: More Than Just Books

Coos Bay Public Library connects our community to information in various forms, ensures equitable access to information and technology, and provides opportunities for learning, cultural enrichment and improved quality of life.

In addition to a large collection containing a variety of materials and formats, the library also offers programs and events for all ages. It is the largest library on the Oregon Coast with a service population of 28,817 and over 112,000 physical items available for checkout. The library also offers a wide variety of digital and downloadable materials. Visit coosbaylibrary.org for more information.

Coos Bay Public Library was established in 1910 through the efforts of dedicated citizens and a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. The current facility was built in 1965 with an expansion and remodel done in 1998. The building is located on Anderson Ave between 6th St and 5th St, just south of Coos Bay City Hall.

Building Needs

The current library is sinking, falling apart, and does not meet the community's needs. The building does not have adequate seismic reinforcement and is located in a flood plain and tsunami zone, so is vulnerable in the event of natural disasters. The building's mechanical and electrical systems are outdated and in constant need of repair as they struggle to keep up with demands. The building configuration is far from optimal for the community's needs, and does not have the flexibility or clear lines of sight needed to safely serve patrons. 

A Library Steering Committee -- consisting of representatives from the Coos Bay Library Board, Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, City staff, and the City Council -- was formed to assist with the new facility planning, and public opinions and input were solicited throughout the entire process. The library's web site has additional details on the issues and options for a new facility.

The library's site used to be a large slough that was filled in with material from a mill and the water was diverted through a large culvert. With the rising and lowering of the tide, heavy rains, and long dry periods, the fill beneath the building continues to shift and causes various parts of the building to rise and fall at different rates. A 2014 engineering study determined that all of the pilings under the building have failed. Although the building is currently safe to occupy, the constant shifting of the foundation causes structural damage that will eventually require the closure of the building. 

No part of the building has any seismic reinforcement. While the building was built to code at the time that it was constructed, it does not meet today’s building codes. The current building is in the Local and Cascadia Tsunami Zones.

Besides the failing foundation, the shifting damages the building's structure. There are cracks in ceiling beams and support posts, along with numerous fissures in the walls. The most obvious and greatest number of cracks are in the building's Northeast corner. The roof shifts and has significant leaks. The roof had a new coating applied in 2017 and additional repairs in 2021, but leaks continue to appear. It is not uncommon for staff to have to protect office equipment and library materials from the leaking, most commonly by placing tarps or trash bins under large drips. 

The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems range in age from almost sixty to twenty years old. All systems experience high use and are in constant need of repair.

The current building was built when libraries were mainly book-focused. Today libraries serve as community spaces where people meet, learn, socialize, and use library materials. Space needs to be flexible to meet the ever-changing needs of library users.

The cost of making the repairs and necessary improvements to the structure is equal to or exceeds the cost of a new building. A repaired building would still leave the library in a vulnerable position on unstable ground in a tsunami and flood zone. Construction to repair the building and make necessary upgrades would require the library be closed for a year or more robbing the community of a valuable resource.

This is not a problem that is going to go away. The longer the solution is delayed the more costly it becomes and the potential for loss of services increases.

Community Engagement Specialist

Liz Davenport is the new Community Engagement Specialist at the Library. She is available to help connect people with community resources, Veteran services, food services, behavioral health assistance, and so much more. Almost two years ago, Coos Bay Public Library was able to start this new service for the community. Through grants and partnerships, Coos Bay and North Bend libraries were able to fully develop the program that Tammy Aley helped grow and make it into the success it is today. In her new position, Liz will continue to assist the community.

Liz is a native Oregonian and has a BA in anthropology from Oregon State. In her free time, she loves to be outside foraging for foods such as mushrooms, berries, and other delights.

Liz is available by email at at liz.davenport@chw.coos.or.us

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