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
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
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
"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
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.