Nonprofits that support the Bozeman Public Library merge

Two foundations — the Friends of the Bozeman Public Library and the Bozeman Public Library Foundation — merged in January 2025 to create one nonprofit organization, the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation. The new foundation now focuses on both fundraising and book sales.

Janay Johnson, the executive director of the Friends and Foundation, said the transition allows the two organizations to operate more efficiently and better serve the community. “It just made sense for us to be one organization because our ultimate goal was the same — to provide financial support for the library,” Johnson said.

The new foundation supports the Bozeman Public Library by raising funds and organizing events. “We basically exist to amplify the impact of the library, and we do that by raising funds that go above and beyond the things we could have with our tax dollars,” she said.

Johnson said all of these efforts work to strengthen the sense of community within the library.

“That's at the very core of what happens here at the library,” she said. “It's a place to build community and to be together with your neighbors.”

The foundation hosts a triannual book sale, which is one of the largest fundraising initiatives for the library, according to Johnson. The nonprofit accepts donations of used books Monday through Thursday at the library year-round.

“It’s a way for people who maybe can't afford to contribute a lot financially,” she said. “[Community members can] donate their used books and then they can come and shop for more. All of that goes to support the library.”

Sarah Widger, the head of public services in the library division, said the library would not be what it is without the foundation's efforts.

“They’re our biggest supporter and they make a lot of things happen for us that wouldn't otherwise be possible,” Widger said. “They’re always ready to jump in and say ‘What do you need?’”

Widger said the major objective of the Friends and Foundation is to continue to make the library a thriving environment for people of all ages. “Libraries are for everyone, and everyone is welcome here,” Widger said. “It is very much a community hub.”

Becky Kasten, the assistant library director, said that the library is the best cure for loneliness. “One of the great places to not be lonely is to come into the library and find your people or find your topic,” Kasten said.

Members of the Bozeman community are invited to become involved with the public library in a variety of ways. The library provides services such as cooking classes, recording studios and maker spaces.

“We really are not trying to drive home at any point,” Kasten said. “We want people to come in and explore all of that, and also to feel connected.”

To learn more about the services the public library has to offer, visit its website at https://www.bozemanlibrary.org/.

To learn more about the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation, visit its website at https://supportbozemanlibrary.org/.