The City of Bozeman and the Bozeman Public Library have partnered with the Bozeman Public Library Foundation and Minneapolis-based library specialists MSR Design to plan an expansion and enhancement to the current Main Street Library campus. The MSR project team includes four Bozeman firms as partners, some of which worked on the current Library before it opened in 2006. The expansion will accommodate future growth and address the evolving role of public libraries in the world. As a part of the project the Library is conducting a community engagement process to collect input on how the new space can best benefit the whole community.

Susan Gregory, Bozeman Public Library Director says, “This is an exciting new chapter for our beloved Library! We’re thrilled to have so many ways our community members can us give us ideas to guide us in this endeavor. Our goals are to help our community members remain curious, have the chance to explore ideas and then have the opportunity to create connections that will impact their lives.”

 
Director Gregory adds, “Public libraries everywhere are adapting as the world changes around us.  Our goal as the Bozeman Public Library is to ensure that we provide spaces that encourage public dialogue, teach new skills, connect patrons to the world and enable our community members to enrich their lives.”

 
Community engagement opportunities will happen during the first two weeks of February. Members of the Bozeman community are encouraged to take an online survey or sign up to participate in a 30-minute interactive discussion with the Library’s architects:
• Tuesday, February 9th, 10am
• Wednesday, February 10th, Noon
• Thursday, February 11th, 10am
• Thursday, February 11th 5pm
 
The Bozeman Public Library Foundation will fund the entire Library expansion project. In addition to the first phase of community engagement, there will be additional opportunities for community members to provide input as the process continues. For more information visit www.bplforward.org