Renovation – Bozeman Public Library Foundation

Update: Renovations have begun!

The Bozeman Public Library is renovating in two stages. Through February 2023, construction crews will building the central Hub on the Library’s first floor, replacing lighting throughout the public areas, and working on a new upstairs reading lounge. From spring into fall 2023, construction will focus on the new learning labs in the Library atrium as well as meeting rooms on the second floor.

Some Library collections and seating are temporarily unavailable as areas are being worked on. For details, visit the Library’s renovation information page.

A Capital Campaign to Bring New Spaces to the Library

Since our current library building opened in 2006, Bozeman has added more than 20,000 new residents. This has put an incredible strain on our ability to meet the demand for meeting space, access to technology, and new ways of learning.

We can’t continue to fulfill our vital community role without facilities that meet these needs.

The BPL Forward capital campaign will begin with a renovation of the current Library and conclude with the construction of a west side Library. The first phase will cost $5.6 million and is funded entirely by private donations. Your support is critical to enabling the Library to continue to serve our community at the level it deserves.

The Vision

As Gallatin County grows, Bozeman Public Library will be the go-to community center that connects all Bozeman citizens to their neighbors and the world.

The Hub | A Community Gathering Place

At the center of the Library, a newly created Hub will be a place to meet (and make) friends, read, play a game, or browse the Friends of the Bozeman Public Library used bookstore.

Central business center for copying, printing and scanning
cozy reading and laptop work area with views to Lindley Park
new overhead lighting for better illumination and 76% energy reduction

Learning Labs | Tools for Creativity

New learning labs will provide opportunities for hands-on creativity with a variety of supplies and technology (think cooking demos, podcast recordings, 3-D printing, and art classes). For individual discovery, a renovated reading room and new reading lounge will provided dedicated quiet space.

Interactive area for all-ages art and demo kitchen for cooking classes
Tech lab with computers, 3-D printer, laser cutter, and gaming zone
Recording studio for podcast production, music, and telehealth privacy
Renovated 2nd floor quiet reading room with views of the Bridger Mountains

Meeting Rooms | Flexible Collaboration Space

Two additional meeting rooms will provide more space to come together with your neighbors for informative events, community meetings, book clubs, and more.

Step Forward with a Gift to Your Library

Your gift will give Bozeman the center for creativity, collaboration, and connection it deserves—making a difference in the lives of children, adults, and elders across Gallatin County.

MAKE AN ONLINE GIFT NOW

Additional Ways to Give

Personal Donations

We welcome your gift of cash or securities. You can make a one-time gift or a multi-year pledge. We’re happy to discuss how to best structure a gift to meet your needs.

Please contact Foundation Executive Director Janay Johnson via email or phone at 406-582-2426.

Business Contributions

Show your business commitment to community values with a gift and receive permanent recognition.

Please contact Development and Communications manager Jen Shoemaker via email or phone at 406-582-2437.

Giving Levels

Phase 1 is funded almost completely by generous investments from individual donors, business partners, and foundations.

COMMUNITY FOUNDERS: $25,000+.
BENEFACTORS: $10,000-$24,999.
LEADERS: $5,000-$9,999
SUPPORTERS: $1,000-$4,999

All $1,000+ donors will be recognized on permanent signage in the Library.

Naming opportunities are also available.

"As a mother and early childhood educator, the Library is one of the few places that has not only held onto that special magic of my youth, but has grown with the times to give children access to great literature and much, much more . Thank goodness for libraries!"

—Shannell Bailey, Bozeman resident and educator

"Since moving to Bozeman almost 30 years ago, the Library has been my go-to place to meet friends, sit and read quietly, or take a sewing or art class. It's the center of our community, offering so many resources for everyone here."

—Shirley Davidson, Bozeman resident and Library volunteer

""My boys love the Library because they get to choose books about topics they love. I also appreciate the selection of books in Spanish and other languages because it's important to see other cultures represented at our local library." >

—Evelyn Paz-Solís, Bozeman resident and state multilingual/English learning specialist

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Phase 2: West Side Library

The City of Bozeman has begun planning a permanent branch on the west side. Such an effort will take a number of years and involve a detailed community design process, some public financing, and a campaign for private donations.

Together, these efforts will make your Library the epicenter of community culture while providing equitable access to Library resources for all our neighbors.

Architectural Partners

Want to learn more about BPL Forward?

Find out more about expansion efforts at your Bozeman Public Library by reading our frequently asked questions.

You are also invited to contact Bozeman Public Library Foundation Executive Director Janay Johnson by emailing janay@bozemanlibraryfoundation.org or calling 406-582-2426.