BOZEMAN – Last week, Bozeman City Commission approved a contract to perform renovation work on the Bozeman Public Library’s Children's Room, marking a major milestone forward for the renovation. Martel Construction is anticipated to begin construction on Monday, Nov. 9. Prior to that, the Library will host a “See Ya Later Party” on Friday, Oct. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be cake, a collaborative art project, and former Librarian Cindy Christin will be in attendance to say farewell to the old space.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve gotten throughout this project,” said Library Youth Services Department Head Ellie Newell. “Our community loves their public library and has shown that they’re willing to support making it even better. Now, as we head into construction, we ask for our patrons’ patience, understanding, and assistance as we build this space for our community’s children.”

During the month of October, the Library is hosting the “Big Checkout,” encouraging patrons to borrow as many items as they like from the Children’s Room, as every dollar not spent on storage means more for the renovation. People are welcome to bring wagons, rolling suitcases, laundry baskets, etc. to assist in borrowing and transporting their items. All items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and anyone who participates in the Big Checkout will be given a “Big Checkout Champion” pin. All items checked out during this event will need to be returned in March.

As the renovation is underway, a Mini Children’s Room will operate out of the Community Room, allowing a hand-picked collection of kids’ books, films, and audiobooks. Prior to that, the Library will take a break in Youth Services Programming from Oct. 18 through Nov. 6 to allow staff time to move and pack. Between Oct. 29 and Nov. 3, all books, films, and audiobooks in the Children’s Room will be unavailable as the Mini Children’s Room is set up.

Bozeman Public Library is also closed on Oct. 6 for staff training, and Oct. 12, Nov. 11, and Nov. 26 and 27 for holidays. Construction on the room is anticipated to wrap up in February 2027.

"The Children's Room is often where a lifelong love of reading begins," said Janay Johnson, CEO of the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation. "Our community has shown up in a big way to make sure the next generation of Bozeman children has a space that's welcoming, inspiring, and built for them. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this project.”

The renovation is anticipated to cost $1 million. Approximately 85 percent of the project is being privately funded through donations to the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation.

More information on the Children’s Room renovation, including visuals of what the room will look like, can be found at engage.bozemanmt.gov/children.