Stronger Together – The Friends and the Foundation Become One Organization

For decades, The Friends of the Bozeman Public Library and the Bozeman Public Library Foundation have shared a common goal: to support and champion the Bozeman Public Library. Today, both organizations are thrilled to share with the community that they are coming together as one unified organization: The Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation.

“For many years, the Bozeman Public Library has been fortunate to have the support of two dynamic organizations dedicated to advocating for the Library and raising funds that significantly expand our materials collections, programs, and services,” Susan Gregory, Bozeman Public Library Director says.

“The merger of these two organizations will expand their ability to support the Library and lessen confusion for the public regarding donations. We’re grateful to these two organizations for their constant support of the Library and excited to see them come together as one organization.”
This merger marks the beginning of a new chapter of impact and growth, in service of the Bozeman Public Library and the community.

In 2023, following the completion of a $5.4 million donor-funded Library renovation, the boards of both nonprofits began discussing whether a merger would create efficiencies that would benefit the Library. The decision to merge comes after careful consideration by both boards, with the goal of creating a stronger, more efficient organization.

Janay Johnson, the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation’s Executive Director shared, “A huge amount of credit goes to the members of both boards, who approached merger discussions through the lens of what is ultimately best for the Library. This decision came from thoughtful considerations about the potential for immediate impact and the foresight they have for future success. I’m thrilled to be in the position to help this organization fulfill its unified mission to support the Library.”

Together, the boards determined that having one unified organization would enable them to better support the Library, by:

  • Creating a single organization, where one board of directors, one staff, and one group of
    volunteers can work in unison to advance our Library.
  • Consolidating operating costs into a single organization, which reduces overall expenses and
    leaves more resources available for the Library.
  • Increasing the overall capacity to raise funds for a variety of Library needs ranging from daily
    programming to future transformational projects.
  • Alleviating confusion for donors who simply want to help the Library!

“This merger represents our collective commitment to ensuring the Library is a safe and welcoming place for all people and that it has the resources it needs to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the community,” said Johnson.

Moving forward, the Bozeman Library Friends & Foundation will continue advocating for the Library, working to expand public support, and building stronger partnerships to benefit our Library and community.

History of Friends of the Bozeman Public Library

The Friends of the Bozeman Public Library was formed in 1999 by a group of community members who held public libraries and the services they provide in the highest regard. Throughout their history, their focus has remained clear – to raise funds for the Bozeman Public Library through donations and sales of gently-used books. Through their outreach and community book sales, they also have helped instill a love of literacy and knowledge in people of all ages.

History of the Bozeman Public Library Foundation​

Since 1983, the Bozeman Public Library Foundation has been advocating and fundraising for the Bozeman Public Library. The Foundation has spearheaded large capital projects such as the campaign to build the Library in the early 2000’s, the purchase of the bookmobile, and the 2022 Library interior renovation. The Foundation also funds programming, digital resources, and equipment purchases on an annual basis.

Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation

MISSION

Our mission is to provide financial support and advocate for the Library, ensuring it has the resources to create opportunities that inspire curiosity, exploration, and connection.

VISION

The Friends and Foundation supports the Bozeman Public Library’s vision of being
a vital community cultural center where personal enrichment and civic engagement thrive.

Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation Merger FAQ’s

  • The Friends organization will be dissolved and all its assets and liabilities will be transferred to the Foundation.
  • The Foundation will retain its IRS tax number and the organization will be renamed the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation.
  • We’ve retained legal counsel to ensure our merger complies with state and federal government requirements.

The new board will be composed of members of both the Friends and
Foundation boards.

  • Absolutely! We will continue to host three annual community book sales.
  • Donations can be dropped off at the Bozeman Public Library and are accepted on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  • Donated books are also sold year-round at our used bookstore located on the first floor of the Library.

Janay Johnson will be the Executive Director of the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation.

Beginning January 1, 2025, gifts can be made to The Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation either online at supportbozemanlibrary.org/donate or 626 E. Main St; Bozeman MT 59715.

  • No, the new organization will not be a membership organization.
  • Anyone who contributes at least $25 to the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation during the previous 12 months is eligible for early entry into the book sales.
  • Your previous membership contributions to the Friends will transfer to the new organization and you will be able to enter book sales early, as long as that contribution occurred within 12 months prior to the sale.
  • If you’ve named the Library Foundation as a beneficiary in your estate plans, you don’t need to change anything. We are legally still the same organization, just with a slightly different name. We have the same tax ID number.
  • If you’ve included the Friends of the Bozeman Public Library in your plans, you will need to update that to: Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation, tax ID: 81-0405940.