Bozeman Library Kicks Off Free Summer Programming For Kids And Adults

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Free summer programs at the Bozeman Public Library are officially underway, aiming to give children learning opportunities outside the classroom while also offering activities for adults.  

Ellie Newell, the youth services department head at the Bozeman Public Library, says these programs are a way for the library to keep their doors open for everyone during a busy summer season. 

“We really want this to be a place where there’s no barrier to access, where everyone can come in and just exist and be and be a kid and learn and play and just be seen for who they are,” said Newell.  

The library has launched several summer programs for kids and adults of all ages, including its Library Scout program.  

Newell says the program invites people of all ages to read, learn, and explore during the summer.  

“The library scout program is an all-ages invitation to read, learn and explore this summer. Folks can construct their own summer adventure log and then complete challenges of their own choosing to earn library scout patches. It’s for all ages; it’s for infants through elders to encourage reading and learning all summer long,” said Ellie Newell.  

The Bozeman Public Library also hosts a free summer lunch, Monday-Friday, beginning on June 15th and going until August 28th. This free lunch program is the library's largest summer program, and is open to kids and teens, ages 0-18. The free lunch program takes place every day from 12-1pm on the front plaza of the Bozeman library. 

Newell explained that the educational programs also help address what is known as the summer slide. “Kids from typically lower socio-economic statuses don’t get to practice those reading and math and science skills over the course and so they have what’s called the summer slide. So, they are losing weeks if not months of school attainment that must then be re-learned in the fall,” said Ellie Newell.  

Similar efforts for free educational programming for kids and adults aren’t only happening in Bozeman, but all across Montana.  

The Montana Learning Center near Helena offers immersion-style experiences focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. 

If you would like to learn more about summer programming in Bozeman, you can visit bozemanlibrary.org