Library Children's Room Renovation

In the last year (June 2024-5), the Children's Room welcomed 135,435 visitors. 42% of the total visitors to the library visited the Children's Room. More than 50% of the library's total circulation (book, film, audiobook checkouts) is from the juvenile collection. An entire generation of Bozeman kids grew up in this space, and it is deeply beloved. All this use shows - things are breaking, showing their age, and we have outgrown the ways we currently use the space.

Bozeman Public Library is seeking public input in preparation for renovating this beloved Children’s Room, and is working with Minnesota architecture firm MSR Design, which designed the recent renovation, and Bozeman architecture design firm SMA to design the next phase for this communal space.

Goals of the project include:

• Increase sightlines and safety
• Increase accessibility, including changing tables to support diapering tall children and spaces to appeal to neurodivergent patrons
• Create intentional dramatic play and makerspace areas for children of all ages.
  
• Expand storage and staff workspaces and bring tools like a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and utility sink to the backstage areas

One of our guiding values for this project is to utilize user-centered design principles. We want children (and their caregivers) to have a hand in deciding what their public library should look and feel like.