Bozeman Public Library is here to feed your child's curiosity and delight their imagination. We offer robust collections for school-aged kids, ranging from stories and information for brand-new readers through books to delight confident independent readers. In addition to books, audiobooks, and films, our play spaces are open for business every day.

Note: Library programs and play spaces may contain allergens. Please call us at (406)582-2404 with questions about specific programs.

Weekly Big Kid Programs (5 - 11 years)

Family Maker Lab

Sundays at 2 PM in the Kitchen Table 

Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through playful projects. Due to space constraints, these programs are capped at 18 participants, first come, first served. 

September 1: Zillions of Zucchini - Got zucchini?  We’ve got recipes!

September 8: Penny Spinners -  Be mesmerized by angular momentum

September 15: Dal - Learn to cook a classic and easy-to-love vegan Indian dish

September 22: Balloon Rockets - Explore physics and flight. Offered in conjunction with the Moon Exploration program in the Community and Children's Rooms from 2-4 PM

No Family Maker Lab September 29. Check out the Reptile Meet & Greet program in the Community Room from 2-4 PM

October 6: Amazing Apples - Get to know the sweet and savory sides of a fall favorite

October 13: Origami Bats - Fold a flying friend

October 20: Wizard's Workshop - Concoct a deliciously magical potion 

October 27: Spiders & Webs - Weird but true spider facts and symmetrical art

November 3: Nature Lab - Dissect owl pellets and examine natural specimens (program will be held in the Children's Room)

November 10: Perler Beads - Create colorful pixel art

November 17: Perfect Parsnips - Rooting for you to love this root vegetable!

November 24: Turkey Sounds - Avian acoustics and amplification

LEGO Club

Every Thursday, 3:30 - 5 PM, Community Room

Take inspiration from the weekly challenge or free build, work solo or collaborate - it's in your hands, LEGO Architect!

Read With a Dog

Every Wednesday, 4-5 PM, Children's Room

Kids read with an Intermountain Therapy Dog for 10 minutes. All abilities welcome. First come, first served.

Special Big Kid Programs (5 - 11 years)

Big Kid STEAM Play

During all library open hours in the Children's Room 

Designed to intrigue and challenge kids ages 5 - 11, these special rotating programs offer elementary schoolers the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through play. These programs may include tools and materials not suited for younger children.

September 3–29: Spheres & Ramps - Harness the powers of physics to create a vertical obstacle course

September 30–October 27: Colossal Collage - Collaborate with other artists to construct found art

October 28–November 24: Luminaria - Perforate metal to create glowing lanterns  

Moon Exploration

Sunday, September 22, 2–4 PM in the Community Room with playful activities in the Children's Room and the Kitchen Table 

For all ages

UPDATED 9/16/24: Learn about the upcoming Artemis missions to the moon, launch rockets, taste astronaut ice cream, and more! Note: unfortunately we will not be joined by NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Solar System Ambassador Lynn Power and real moon rocks, as previously advertised.

Children's Storytelling Festival

Dive into songwriting with local musician and educator Brian Kassay. The Children’s Storytelling Festival, now in its inaugural year, connects youth with storytelling professionals and invites the community to celebrate the stories youth create.

September 25, 26, OR  27, 4:30–6 PM: Songwriting Workshops

For youth ages 5-18 in the Community Room

Explore the art of songwriting with local musicians. Reserve your spot for Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday’s workshop now. Space is limited.

Saturday, September 28, 1 PM: Performance & Collaborative Songwriting

All ages welcome in the Community Room

The entire community is invited to listen to youth perform the original compositions they wrote during the songwriting workshops. Then participate in a live songwriting collaboration as a song takes shape before your eyes. No reservations necessary.

Reptile Meet & Greet

Sunday, September 29, 2–3 PM in the Community Room

For all ages 

Join The Viv Bioactive for an afternoon of scales, fangs,  and claws. This program features live animals.

NEW! Literacy Trail at Bozeman Pond Park

Read a picture book a few pages at a time and move your body as you travel between kiosks positioned along the trail. New books, geared towards children ages 2-7 years old, will be added every other month! Offered in partnership with Bozeman Parks & Recreation and MSU College of Education, Health, and Human Development. Located near the Bozeman Pond Park north parking lot (next to Lewis & Bark Park off Fowler Ave)

Friday September 20 & November 15, 1 PM: Walking Storytime- Celebrate the installation of a new story at the Literacy Trail with walking storytimes, crafts, movement, and fun!