Located just a quarter mile from Bandon’s beautiful coastline and within the Bandon City Park is the surprisingly busy Bandon Public Library. The fact that this little library is busy is actually no surprise when you discover the wide selection of books, magazines and movies, the availability of computers and special rooms, and the variety of fun and informative events going on.

The library is fully stocked with fiction books of all genres, non-fiction books covering just about every topic under the sun, books on CDs and tapes, a huge selection of DVD and VHS movies, magazines for everyone’s interests, music CDs to satisfy anyone musical tastes, and more. The helpful staff behind the desk are there to direct patrons to what they’re looking for and make excellent recommendations while keeping the library running smoothly.

Children are obviously welcomed and accommodated at the library. In its own section, the children’s area is full of books and magazines for all ages from picture books to chapter books for youth as well as comfortable places for reading, study, and computer usage.

The Young Adult section features plenty of new books, old favorites, and enough anime books to keep teens reading busily. A couple of bean bag chairs and some tables makes it a great spot to hang out and read a while.

The Bandon Public Library is more than just a place to find reading, listening and watching materials, however. There are a variety of free activities to participate in which include, but are not limited to:

• Computer literacy classes
• Monthly classic film nights
• Monthly travel nights
• Monthly author nights
• Children’s reading programs and storytimes (both during the school year and inthe summer)
• Never-ending book sale

The high-speed wireless connection, public access internet computers, and quiet rooms for reading, study, and meetings make the library a home away from home or an office away from the office where you can get personal and work business done. For those needing a different kind of brain stimulation, a jigsaw puzzle is always in progress near the Westerns section.

The Bandon Public Library is also a AMP Assessment Center for computer-based testing. Before making plans to drive to Roseburg, Eugene or Portland to take a test, its worthwhile to check with the library to see if a test can be taken much closer to home.

In the lobby outside the library’s doors is one of Bandon’s many art galleries featuring local artists. The show changes monthly and includes art of many mediums and styles.

For book lovers looking for a volunteer opportunity, the library is always looking for volunteers to help check in and shelve books.

Also looking for volunteers is the Bandon Library Friends and Foundation (BLFF). The BLFFs mission is to furnish and continue to improve the Bandon Library with a view towards the inevitable growth and needs of the community. They sponsor activities to advance literature and learning as well as special programs that enrich the lives of Bandon’s children, families, seniors, and new readers of all ages. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate, prepare for, and run their quality events. If interested, email the BLFF at BLFF@bandonlff.

The Bandon Public Library is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The entrance is at sidewalk level, and the building is all on one level.

For more information, take a look at the Bandon Public Library’s website or the Bandon Library Friends and Foundation’s website or give them a call at 541-347-3221.