Library Children's Room Renovation

The plans for the renovated Children's Room are beginning to take shape. Key details in the works include:

• Maintaining approximately the same number of books, audiobooks, and films in the renovated space. Patrons value the library's extensive youth collections.
• Shifting the room's orientation so that the play spaces are on the north end of the room and the bookshelves run east-west. Patrons emphasize the importance of the library as a free place to come play in all of our engagement work, but noted some logistical and safety concerns with the current layout.
• Placing the service desk roughly under where the giant moth kite hangs now for better sightlines to the collection, the play spaces, and the rest of the library.
• Utilizing a colorful natural aesthetic inspired by the Valley of the Flowers' many beautiful native plants.

The Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation is focusing their Give Big campaign (April 30-May 1) on the Children's Room renovation, with a goal of raising $100,000 or one-tenth of the total project costs.

Library staff will take a "sit test" trip to the Twin Cities in mid-May to vigorously test furniture and materials to ensure that we invest in durable, easily-cleanable, and safe furnishings. Library kids enthusiastically use their Children's Room, and we want this renovation to be attractive and sturdy for years to come.

As the design team finalizes renderings and designs in the coming months, we will be sure to share those plans here. Thank you for following along on this exciting project for Bozeman's children!

Based on the public feedback we received in November, MSR Design sketched out three different options for the Children's Room. These three options included details like custom-built play spaces, opening up the ceiling to the mostly empty space below the second floor, and expanding the entryway to create a welcoming pathway between the all-ages area and the Children's Room. These plans were passed to a construction firm for pricing so that we could have a better idea of what pieces are within the renovation budget. All three options were over budget, so we returned to the drawing board and developed a plan that fulfills most of the public and library staff's goals for this project while remaining within the budget.

This "Plan D" is, frankly, going to be a fabulous set of upgrades for children and their families using their public library. At a glance, these upgrades will include:

• Improved sightlines for safety and good customer service
• Durable, repairable, cleanable flooring and furniture
• More accessible restrooms that will appeal to young children, breastfeeding parents, and families needing a calm "cool down" spot
• Play spaces that flow naturally from areas for babies and tots to preschoolers to elementary schoolers allowing families to keep an eye on kids playing in multiple areas
• Acoustic panels to soften joyful hubbub that many patrons find overwhelming
• Reusing much of the existing 20-year-old shelving which is in very good condition
• Key upgrades to staff spaces (dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer) that will help keep play materials clean
• An art installation, as this project qualifies for the City's 1% for Art initiative

We anticipate beginning to move into the design phase in the next few weeks as we design the actual architectural changes, pick out specific furniture pieces, and develop a formal set of blueprints. The earliest we could "break carpet" on this project would be Fall 2026, although there are no set dates at this time. Simultaneously, we are planning for how patrons will continue to access the collections, programs, and spaces they need while the Children's Room is under construction. We expect roughly three months of disruption while the much-loved Children's Room gets a serious makeover.

The above image is from the Fayetteville Public Library in Fayetteville, Arkansas. MSR Designs served as the lead architect and interior designer for this library's renovation and expansion.

After a whirlwind week of fabulous conversations in November, one thing is clear: people come to the BPL Children's Room both for the collection - the books, films, and audiobooks - and for the Library playspaces.

We received 135 formal responses to our design activities, surveys, and structured conversations. Families want:

Play! Zone Defined, Age Separated Playspaces

Both quiet and active play zones as well as better definition of age separated play included soft padded and protected areas for toddlers and crawlers, open-ended play for preschoolers, and a place where older kids who often feel "too big" for the the current room can learn.

Books & Early Literacy

Access to physical books while ensuring browsing is intuitive and accessible for all ages. Prioritizing literacy-focused spaces and play over digital screens.

Creative Learning & Hands-On Activities

A robust creative learning zone including STEAM and maker-style activities, craft areas, sensory play, dramatic play, and art exploration.

A Calmer, Less Crowded, Less Noisy Environment

Caregivers consistently described the Children's Room as overcrowded- especially during peak times and winter months - with an open layout that amplifies noise and create a chaotic environment for supervising kids and focused play.

Warm, Welcoming, Whimsical Aesthetic

A magical, child-friendly environment that feels warm and imaginative. Repeated themes include avoiding cold, overly modern design and using natural materials, softness, and color.

Our conversations confirmed what we know anecdotally: that families love learning through play, through hands-on scientific or artistic exploration, through social connections and community, and through the extensive library collection. It will be a tall order to balance all of these needs within the spatial and financial parameters of this renovation. Please stay tuned for more updates as we move into the scoping and pricing phases of this project.

It's been a week full of fascinating conversations as Bozeman folks share their dreams for the future of their Children's Room with architects from MSR Design and SMA Architecture + Design. Patrons of every age have contributed big dreams - like a giant indoor treehouse full of cozy reading nooks - and practical considerations alike. There is still time to make your voice heard! Attend one of the public engagement sessions or fill out the survey, all linked and listed on this site.