We are embarking on an expansion/enhancement project of the Main Street Library campus along with the creation of a west side satellite location within Gallatin High School, and eventually a west side branch. These are all part of BPL Forward, initiatives that will accommodate our future growth and address the evolving role of public libraries in our world.
Main Street Library
The Foundation is partnering with the City of Bozeman and MSR Design to expand the current East Main Street facility. We are in the first phase of public engagement for the project and need your input. Take a short online survey to share your ideas about how you’d like to see your Library grow. The survey is open through February 14th. The second phase of public engagement will happen next month (March). Stay tuned for more details on that.
The building expansion will be financed entirely by the Library Foundation through private donations designated specifically for this effort. Much of the funding has already been pledged.
West Side
The Library is partnering with the Bozeman Public Schools to use space in Gallatin High for a satellite location. This will not be a full-service library, but it will be open to the public a couple of evenings a week and Saturdays. There will be a browsing collection of popular titles, computer access, and children’s programs. Patrons will be able to pick up holds and return materials. The equipment and initial collection will be funded by Library donors. The opening has been delayed due to COVID-19 but we hope to safely open by the fall of 2021.
We are also beginning conversations with the City of Bozeman about building a second permanent branch on the west side. Such an effort will take a number of years. It will involve a detailed community design process, some amount of public financing and a campaign for private donations.
Thanks to your support, we are able to remain committed to meeting the needs of a growing community. Every citizen should have convenient access to the vast riches found in a library!
More information and updates on Library growth planning can be found at www.BPLforward.org.