This Oregon library ditched Dewey Decimal and got people excited about books again

The Deschutes County library system in Oregon has ditched the traditional Dewey Decimal System in favor of a new way of organizing and displaying books that has reignited excitement among readers. Completed with a $195 million bond measure in 2020, the overhaul allowed library staff to experiment with a fresh approach to engaging patrons.

The new Stevens Ranch Central Library in Bend, Oregon, designed by architects from the Miller Hull Partnership, features a bookstore-like atmosphere and a proprietary Wayfinder system. Rather than assigning books numbers based on Dewey's broad three-digit categories, Wayfinder organizes them into broader, more intuitive categories and subcategories.

For instance, a book about growing tomatoes would be grouped in the Arts and Crafts category under the gardening subcategory, unlike Dewey's system which could place the same book in any of the four gardening-related sections. The result is a more cohesive and logical system that encourages browsing rather than searching for specific numbers.

Architects at Miller Hull designed custom modular shelving with wheels, lower than standard levels for easier access, and in unexpected configurations to promote a less linear browsing experience. The shelves come in various shapes, including hockey stick modules, and can be combined in numerous ways to create intimate "eddy" spaces rather than blocky grids.

Librarian Emily O'Neal, who helped develop the system, noted that the majority of library users are there to browse rather than look for specific titles. By making the browsing experience more fun and unexpected, the library hopes to keep patrons coming back for more.