Banks Public Library

Banks Public Library welcomes you.

Mission Statement
The Banks Public Library connects, entertains and informs the community by providing trained staff and access to a variety of materials to encourage life-long learning.

Vision Statement
Heart of the Community - Doorway to the World.

The library is here to serve and provide:

Connection:

The Banks Public Library brings people together to gain knowledge, information and connections within the community.

Access:

The library makes materials and experiences available for all ages and interests.

Support:

The Library fosters and encourages reading, curiosity, and imagination.

Services:

Banks Public Library offers materials for checkout, computers with internet connection, Wi-Fi for connecting personal devices, printing and photocopying. Items from other Washington County libraries can be requested and sent to the Banks Public Library for holds.

The Banks Public Library provides a variety programming for all ages. Check the calendar for more Library events, or send an email to BanksPL@wccls.org or call the Library at 503-324-1382.

Video: Banks Public Library - Services & Programming Provided

Permits, Licenses and Forms

City permit applications, license applications, and miscellaneous applications

and forms.

Library Policies

View Banks Public Library policies and guidelines, and Washington County Cooperative Library Services county-wide policies and guidelines.

Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS)

Click here to place holds or access library materials and e-resources.

Youth and Adult Programming

The Banks Public Library offers a vast variety of fun, entertaining and informative programs for all ages. Check out the programs currently being offered at the library.

Banks Seed Library

The Banks Seed Library is a free program committed to supporting community gardeners of all levels. Through the seed library resources are provided to assist community members learn how to grow their own food and save seed.

Friends of the Banks Public Library

The Friends of the Banks Public Library support the library by purchasing books and other materials for the library’s collection, helping to support Summer Reading Programs and other library events.

Denise Holmes Director Emeritus

Denise Holmes retired on August 31, 2025, after an incredible 32-year career serving the City of Banks as the Library Director of the Banks Public Library. Her dedication and leadership left a lasting legacy in the community.

To honor her contributions, the City Council declared her Director Emeritus at their August 12, 2025 meeting—a touching tribute to her years of service. City Councilor and Friends of the Banks Library President Stephanie Jones was given the honor of reading and presenting the Proclamation to Denise.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Denise Holmes devoted 32 years of exceptional service to the Banks Public Library and the people of the greater Banks area, enriching the lives of countless residents through her dedication to literacy, education and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, through her vision, leadership, and tireless efforts, Denise helped build and sustain library services that are accessible, dynamic, and deeply valued by generations of Banks citizens; and

WHEREAS, librarians play a critical role in preserving and disseminating knowledge in our modern culture, and as Library Director, Denise has championed the transformative power of reading and lifelong learning; and

WHEREAS, her legacy extends far beyond bookshelves, touching the minds and hearts of this community, inspiring curiosity, and strengthening our shared commitment to wisdom, inclusion, and enrichment.

NOW, THEREFORE be it resolved the I, Mayor Marsha Kirk, on behalf of the City Council, City Staff, Banks Library Patrons, and the residents of the greater Banks Community, do hereby honor and thank Denise Holmes for her outstanding contributions and service, and proudly declare her as Director Emeritus of Banks Public Library.

We extend to her our deepest gratitude for her years of service and warmest wishes for happiness and health in retirement, and continued inspiration in the years to come.

Dated this 12th day of August 2025.

Mayor Marsha Kirk