BOZEMAN — On Sept. 30, residents will begin to see trucks, construction workers and building materials at the Bozeman Public Library. The project, which has been designed by MSR Design and SMA, starts to take shape this fall. Martel Construction has laid out two phases of work and the building is expected to be under construction from Sept. 30 through the fall of 2023.

 
“We’re excited to begin the Library’s renovation project,” says Library Director, Susan Gregory. “We appreciate the public’s understanding that construction in the building will bring some changes regarding which materials and spaces are available from time to time. Our primary goal over the next year will be to keep patrons and visitors safe in the construction zone while we work to build new opportunities to gather and learn.”

 
After a year and a half of talking to the public and working with architects, the Bozeman Public Library Foundation and Martel Construction, the Bozeman Public Library has envisioned innovative spaces that will offer new services, programming and places for social gatherings as well as quiet areas. The renovation is focused on better serving patrons in three key ways:

1 Community: a new hub will be an informal gathering spot to meet (and make) friends, work, or read.

2 Creativity: two new learning labs will greatly expand program possibilities. One is designed for interactive demos such as cooking or art classes; the other is a tech lab with computer equipment, 3D printers, a gaming zone, and a small recording studio.

3 Collaboration: a renovated community room and additional small meeting rooms provide much-needed space for events, community meetings, club gatherings, and more. 
 
In order to get to the finish line on this project, the Bozeman Public Library will be limited in its services, collections available and seating. However, some services will continue and may look different while construction is underway.
 
Key dates and closures for the first phase of construction are as follows: The second floor will be completely closed to the public from Sept. 30 through early January 2023. Holds can be placed on adult non-fiction books, biographies and world language books. The first floor will be closed to the public from Oct. 17th through early February 2023, with the exception of the Children’s Room and the lobby. The library will have some browsing collections in the Large Meeting Room and computer access in the Small Conference Room.

 
“Our thanks go to the many community donors whose generosity made this renewal possible,” Gregory stated.
 
More information on the renovation can be found at https://www.bozemanlibrary.org/about/library-news/the-library-during-renovation.