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Miller Hull’s Central Library at Stevens Ranch on Fast Company
This Oregon library ditched Dewey Decimal and got people excited about books again
Libraries in Bend, Oregon, designed their branches to be more like bookstores. The result? More people are reading.
American libraries have evolved in recent decades as their role as centers for learning and community expand. Many have added maker spaces, turned into climate resilience hubs, and even become partners in projects to add more affordable housing.
But despite all that change, a vast majority of them still organize books with the Dewey Decimal System, a categorizing system developed in 1873, which critics say still has the outdated 19th century social opinions to match.
In Deschutes County, Oregon, the local library system not only said “down with Dewey” but rethought how books should be categorized and displayed. After passing a $195 million bond measure in 2020, the county redesigned all its branches at once, which allowed library staff to conduct an experiment in rethinking how libraries engage readers today.
The new Stevens Ranch Central Library in Bend, Oregon, a 100,000-square-foot branch designed by architects from the Miller Hull Partnership, features a new philosophy of organization and engagement. In addition to a new set of shelving units designed to feel more like a bookstore, books were placed using the libraries’ proprietary Wayfinder system.
“The research that we did told us that the vast majority of library users are actually there to browse,” says Emily O’Neal, a librarian who as technical services manager for Deschutes Public Library helped develop the new system. “We really embraced the idea of making it as fun and exciting and as unexpected a browsing experience as you could.”
What comes after Dewey
In the Dewey method, books are assigned numbers that correspond to their place in broad three-digit categories. For each book, that number is followed by a decimal point and a longer string of digits that correspond to subsections that convey greater specificity.
Wayfinder eliminates the Dewey reliance on mere numbers, and instead organizes into broad categories and subcategories. A book on growing tomatoes, for example, would be in the Arts and Crafts category, in the gardening subcategory. In the Dewey Decimal System, a book on gardening could potentially be in any of the four places in the system that contained gardening content. With Wayfinder, it’s all in the same place.
There have been alterations and expansions to the traditional categories used by libraries in recent decades. O’Neal and her team looked into systems that had done similar projects, such as Markham, in Ontario, and the Maricopa County system in Arizona, outside of Phoenix. But by and large, the widely adopted Dewey Decimal System remains slow to replace, despite complaints against it.
The effort by Melvil Dewey, the developer and library pioneer, to classify and categorize knowledge is filled with blind spots and prejudices, including a number of racial, religious, and sexual biases (LGBTQ+ content was originally filled under “mental derangements”). Dewey himself was called out by librarians of his time for sexual misconduct and lewd advances.
Like a bookstore
Architects at Miller Hull had a better browsing experience in mind when they designed a new shelving and display system for the books at Stevens Ranch. All libraries tend to have a large, open space to expand and contract along with the collection, says Ruth Baleiko, an architect and Miller Hull partner. But since the Wayfinder system allowed more concise categories, books could be placed in more intimate spaces, creating what Baleiko called “little eddies” instead of blocky grids.
Miller Hull designed a system of custom modular shelves on wheels, all lower than standard shelving, to encourage easier access and reconfiguration. The kit of parts came in four shapes, including a standard rectangular shelf as well as bent modules shaped like hockey sticks, that can be combined in various configurations. Taller U-shaped display shelving was custom-designed with integral lighting and adjustable shelves with the ability to do face-out, cover-facing book displays. The design team aimed for flexibility, Baleiko says, so the staff could change layouts and create the sense of discovery that keeps people coming back.
The new shelves weren’t laid out in a regular grid of shelves, making for a less linear browsing experience. Combined with a better system of topical organization, it’s designed to make it easier to linger and find an unexpected, exciting read.
“One of my favorite things to do is walk around and just see the number of display holders we have that are empty because we just filled them 15 minutes ago,” says Todd Dunkelberg, the retiring director of the Deschutes system. “People are just grabbing them off the shelf.”
Other design touches carved out more space for lingering. Seating sections are interspersed amid shelving modules. A special wooden display for oversized arts and crafts books, including photo books and calligraphy books, sits at the top of the landing on the third floor, and a sunken, conversation pit area near the manga collection has become a popular teen hangout spot.
Wayfinder also boasts a better system for patrons to locate books. Signs, or flags, displayed on the outside on the top of shelves provide an easily viewable label of what topic is where. Shelf end caps contain a broader breakdown of what’s inside. And within the shelves themselves, small signs attached to magnets—so they’re moveable as the stacks of books get shifted and changed—contain the subtopics. When patrons consult a library computer to find a book or topic they want, a system called Stack Map provides a visual route to the correct shelf, like Google Maps for books.
The Deschutes library system reordered the stacks using Wayfinder in 2023, a significant undertaking that required retraining the staff, relabeling books and shelves, and updating the computer system. The process took about two weeks per branch.
But they were confident in the results. In 2017, librarians tried reclassifying the children’s picture books, switching from alphabetical organization by author to setting them out by topic, like animals or dinosaurs. The pilot increased circulation by 20%. Then, staff tried a reorganization of the law library, a fairly niche collection, and saw a 10% jump in circulation.
When Deschutes County made the switch system-wise, circulation jumped; instead of averaging about 20% of the collection checked out at any one time, the libraries saw nearly 30% of books checked out thanks to Wayfinder. O’Neal found that the reorganization and new shelving system does mean less room for books on the floor, but the increase in circulation helps make up for the lost display space.
The improvement was more pronounced for adult nonfiction—arguably the part of the catalog most constrained by Dewey’s shortcomings—where circulation leapt from 15% to 27%. In addition, the library has seen fewer requests for help at the front desk and a threefold increase in library card applications since opening.
“We wanted it to feel like a community space where folks wanted to stay a while, and so each of the decisions were going to be intermeshed together to create that sense of community,” O’Neal says. “It doesn’t matter how I’m interacting with this building. I’ve found what I want, and I want to stay, and I want to come back.”
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meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Originally from Seattle, Amy left her home in the Pacific Northwest to attend Fordham University, fulfilling her dream of living in New York City. After graduating with a BS in business administration, specializing in marketing and minoring in economics, Amy began her career in advertising sales at CNN and the Hallmark Channel in New York and LA. However, Amy’s love of writing, design, and connection with people ultimately led her to PR. While finishing her MBA back home at Seattle University, in 2015, Amy cofounded Paxson Fay with her friend and business partner, Tessa, driven by a shared vision to build a PR agency that reflected their values and passions. At Paxson Fay, Amy thrives in media relations and pitch development, enjoying the process of diving deep into each client’s story to craft compelling narratives that resonate with editors and journalists. Amy has a particular passion for architecture-focused projects, and securing SHED’s feature in The New York Times was an especially rewarding moment, as they were her first client. Another major career milestone was helping build out Paxson Fay’s talented team, fostering an environment where young professionals can grow their skills and pursue their passions. Outside of work, Amy loves spending time with her family, chasing after her two little boys, exploring Seattle’s restaurant scene, traveling with friends, and reading.
colby wood
account manager
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
senior account executive + digital lead
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
martina povolo
account executive
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
account executive
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
Jamie Paxton
Communications Assistant
jamie@paxsonfay.com
Growing up in the Bay Area, Jamie made her way to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Psychology. Jamie first joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern during her senior year at the University of Washington and is excited to continue her journey with the team as a Communications Assistant. With a passion for writing and social media, Jamie is excited to bring her creativity and unique perspective to the role. Outside of work, you can find Jamie exploring local restaurants or picking up a good book.
We're looking for a communications intern with a passion for storytelling, social media, public relations, and design. Click here to learn more and apply.
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We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
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