October meetings aim to learn ‘what will get people excited about a future branch’
EBS STAFF
On Oct. 3 and 4, the Bozeman Public Library and Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation will host community conversations about the future of library services in Bozeman. Library Director Susan Gregory noted in a Sept. 23 release from the City of Bozeman that sessions are aimed at collecting community input.
“This is just the start of a conversation, and we want the community’s voice in it from day one,” Gregory said. The library and design team wants to learn what residents hope to see moving forward.
“At each stop, the team’s focus is simple: learn what makes Bozeman unique, what needs are distinct to this community, and what will get people excited about a future branch,” the release stated.
Tommi Laitio, an urban strategist who led Helsinki’s library system for almost 10 years, will lead the conversations.
“Laitio led the team behind Helsinki’s Central Library Oodi, now considered one of the most celebrated public libraries in the world, and has since advised library systems from Chicago to Edmonton on how to build public trust into every stage of a project,” the release stated. He is joined by a Gensler design team, which is a global firm that created the strategic planning process for the Chicago and San Francisco libraries, two systems where Laitio previously worked.
According to the release, Gensler prides itself on listening, testing ideas and leading with community priorities.
“It’s that same approach they’re bringing to Bozeman: gathering input, testing ideas, and building toward a shared vision for the future of library services in Bozeman,” the release stated. This is one of several planned opportunities for community input; more sessions will follow in the months ahead.
CEO of the Friends and Foundation, Janay Johnson, encouraged involvement.
“We’re bringing in some of the most respected planners in the library field, and we want to hear directly from residents about what would make this project meaningful for them,” Johnson stated.
The Saturday, Oct. 3 session will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Bozeman Public Library, and the Sunday, Oct. 4 session will take place at 12-4 p.m. at the KidsFEST event at the Gallatin Regional Park.
