Bozeman Public Library is seeking public input in preparation for renovating its beloved Children’s Room, which is showing its age after 19 years of enthusiastic use by children and their families. Bozeman Public Library, Minnesota architecture firm MSR Design, and Bozeman architecture design firm SMA are partnering on the project. The architects and Library Youth Services department will be hosting a series of public input sessions from Nov. 4 through 8 at the Library to shape the Children’s Room renovation project. People of all ages are encouraged to contribute their dreams for the space.

A full listing of public events can be found below and at engage.bozeman.net/children. For those who cannot attend events, the Library will also be collecting input via an online survey, which will become available in the coming weeks on the Engage website.

“The Children’s Room is a beloved space within our community,” Bozeman Public Library’s Youth Services Department Head Ellie Newell stated. “Over 130,000 people visited this room in the past year, and that heavy use shows. We hope all can join us in envisioning what this new space should look like. It’s your library, and we want everyone to feel welcome in the space.”

The Children's Room has not been renovated since the Library was built in 2006. The recent Library renovation didn't include the Children's Room due to financial constraints. The initial concept design work is being funded through the Library’s City-County interlocal agreement with Gallatin County. The Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation is seeking donations to fund the final design and construction work, which is estimated to cost around $1 million.

“Every child who walks through the Library’s doors deserves a space that sparks curiosity and creativity,” said Janay Johnson, Executive Director of the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, we can invest in our children and reimagine a Children’s Room that will inspire and welcome them for years to come.”

Goals of the project include increasing sightlines and safety, making the space more accessible (including spaces for neurodivergent patrons), expanding storage and staff workspaces, creating intentional play and makerspace areas, and bringing tools like a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and utility sink to staff areas. The Children’s Room will not expand beyond its existing footprint.

Staff currently anticipate the project design being completed by mid-2026, with renovation potentially occurring later in 2026 or early 2027. Families will still be able to access children’s books and spaces throughout the project, with the Community Room serving as a children’s space when the Children’s Room finally undergoes construction.

Those interested in learning more and providing input can visit engage.bozeman.net/children.