Bozeman Public Library Main Spaces Reopen March 17

Thursday Mar. 2nd, 2023

BOZEMAN, Montana (March 2, 2023) – After being partially closed for renovation since November 2022, the Bozeman Public Library will reopen the main library spaces on Friday, March 17 at 10 a.m. All materials will again be browsable and available for checkout. The Library will be completely closed to the public from March 13 through 16 to ensure spaces are organized, clean, and ready to welcome back patrons on March 17. 

“The Library renovation project is the result of several years of listening carefully to community feedback and then trying to incorporate as many of those ideas as possible into the design. We’re excited to be able to offer new meeting room spaces, comfortable reading spaces and a lighter, brighter interior for everyone to enjoy,” said Bozeman Public Library Director Susan Gregory. “The Bozeman community is extraordinary in the way that it supports the Library. We’re grateful for this support and for the patience people have shown as we work through the different phases of renewing our much-loved Library.”

The elements included in the renovation were thoughtfully designed to reflect the needs of the growing Bozeman community and are centered on creativity, connection, and community. At the center of the Library, a newly created Hub will be a place to meet (and make) friends, read, play a game, or work. New overhead lighting will provide better illumination and 76 percent energy reduction. The central business center will provide quick access for copying, printing, and scanning needs. And there are several new and improved spaces like the Teen Corner, a laptop bar overlooking Lindley Park, and the First Security Bank Reading Lounge on the second floor.

Beginning March 20, phase 2 of the renovation will continue in the main lobby area, community rooms, and staff spaces on the second floor, and be far less disruptive for our patrons. A creative lab with a full demonstration kitchen will provide a space for cooking, nutrition, and art classes. The technology lab will house a 3D printer, laser cutter, gaming station, and a recording studio for podcast production, music, and more.

Phase 2 also involves the completion of several new community meeting rooms and collaboration spaces which will provide 65 percent increased capacity for events, community meetings, book clubs, and more. All meeting areas will have state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Once fully completed, the renovated Bozeman Public Library will be the go-to place that connects all Bozeman residents to their neighbors and the world. Phase 2 construction will be complete this fall. The $5.6 million renovation was funded by generous donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses made to the Bozeman Public Library Foundation.

“Donor support is the sole reason we are able to make these impactful updates and ensure this space has all the amenities of a modern library and meets the needs of everyone in the community,” said Janay Johnson, Executive Director of the Bozeman Public Library Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed.”

BOZEMAN, Montana (March 2, 2023) – After being partially closed for renovation since November 2022, the Bozeman Public Library will reopen the main library spaces on Friday, March 17 at 10 a.m. All materials will again be browsable and available for checkout. The Library will be completely closed to the public from March 13 through 16 to ensure spaces are organized, clean, and ready to welcome back patrons on March 17.

 
“The Library renovation project is the result of several years of listening carefully to community feedback and then trying to incorporate as many of those ideas as possible into the design. We’re excited to be able to offer new meeting room spaces, comfortable reading spaces and a lighter, brighter interior for everyone to enjoy,” said Bozeman Public Library Director Susan Gregory. “The Bozeman community is extraordinary in the way that it supports the Library. We’re grateful for this support and for the patience people have shown as we work through the different phases of renewing our much-loved Library.”

 
The elements included in the renovation were thoughtfully designed to reflect the needs of the growing Bozeman community and are centered on creativity, connection, and community. At the center of the Library, a newly created Hub will be a place to meet (and make) friends, read, play a game, or work. New overhead lighting will provide better illumination and 76 percent energy reduction. The central business center will provide quick access for copying, printing, and scanning needs. And there are several new and improved spaces like the Teen Corner, a laptop bar overlooking Lindley Park, and the First Security Bank Reading Lounge on the second floor.

 
Beginning March 20, phase 2 of the renovation will continue in the main lobby area, community rooms, and staff spaces on the second floor, and be far less disruptive for our patrons. A creative lab with a full demonstration kitchen will provide a space for cooking, nutrition, and art classes. The technology lab will house a 3D printer, laser cutter, gaming station, and a recording studio for podcast production, music, and more.

 
Phase 2 also involves the completion of several new community meeting rooms and collaboration spaces which will provide 65 percent increased capacity for events, community meetings, book clubs, and more. All meeting areas will have state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Once fully completed, the renovated Bozeman Public Library will be the go-to place that connects all Bozeman residents to their neighbors and the world. Phase 2 construction will be complete this fall.

 
The $5.6 million renovation was funded by generous donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses made to the Bozeman Public Library Foundation.
 
“Donor support is the sole reason we are able to make these impactful updates and ensure this space has all the amenities of a modern library and meets the needs of everyone in the community,” said Janay Johnson, Executive Director of the Bozeman Public Library Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed.”