Director of Library Services Gary Sharp has worked for with the North Bend Public Library since 1984, when he was hired as the Assistant Library Director.  In 2000 he became the library director.  He was born on the south coast, raised in Reedsport, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, followed by a Master's Degree in Library Science at the University of Oregon.

The North Bend Public Library circulates over 234,000 items each year and answers 16,000 reference questions. The library presents over 150 programs specially for children each year.  The library is rich in resources for information, entertainment, and personal enrichment. There are over 115,000 books, magazines, rolls of microfilm, newspapers, videos, and books in audio format.  Library staff coordinate 50 well-attended programs for adults each year, including lectures by presenters from around the state, plus annual readings by authors nominated for Oregon Book Awards and Video Voyages.  Library staff teach workshops, including Researching Grants (for nonprofit groups), and Internet Searching techniques.  The library offers 24 art exhibits and special displays annually.


Many of the special programs for adults and children are sponsored (and funded by) the Friends of the North Bend Library.  The library is also grateful for the help of its 16 volunteers. The library is guided by the North Bend Public Library Board, an advisory board to the staff and the City Council.

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. You can search the online catalog, use research databases, and renew books or place holds online at COASTLINE - Coos County Library Service District

Director Sharp's goals for the library are reflected in the mission statement adopted by the library board:  "The mission of the North Bend Public Library is to promote the enjoyment of reading and cultural materials, and to respond to the community’s need for information; to provide reading materials to meet the interests of all ages and to provide materials that support lifelong learning, encourage literacy, and enrich the quality of life of the people of our community. The North Bend Public Library Board also places a high priority on stewardship of the library building; improving the library facilities for the benefit of future generations.

Sharp says serving in the North Bend community is a great experience because of the consistent support and high use of the library by people of all ages.   His philosophy of public service is guided by these words from former Librarian of Congress Daniel Boorstin:

"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."

You can reach library director Gary Sharp at 541-756-0400, or at gsharp@cclsd.org