The Bozeman Public Library began as the Young Men’s Library Association in 1872. It was housed in a room above the Alward Drug Store at 118 East Main Street. The tax-supported Bozeman City Library opened in 1891 with rooms on the second floor of the new City Hall & Opera House. Head Librarian Belle Chrisman appealed to Andrew Carnegie in September 1901 for funds to build a permanent library at 35 North Bozeman (photo above). Built in 1902-1903, the Carnegie Library served the community for over 75 years until the second library was opened at 220 East Lamme in 1981 (photo below).

In 2001, taxpayers approved a $4 million bond referendum for a new facility. After five years of fundraising and planning, a new 53,000 square foot Library opened at 626 East Main Street (photo below) in November 2006. In 2024, a $5.6 million renovation project was completed with funding entirely through private donations to the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation. Further history can be found in The Bozeman Public Library: a History by Phyllis Smith.

Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins grew up in Bozeman and served in Kuwait and Iraq following 9/11. In 2007, he was killed while shielding fellow soldiers from a suicide bomber in Iraq. A recipient of the Purple Heart and numerous other awards and decorations, Staff Sergeant Atkins was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2019. The Travis Atkins Memorial Park was dedicated in 2007 and is located on the east side of the Library. Learn more about the life and legacy of Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins.

The Bozeman Public Library Labyrinth is located approximately 300 yards south of the Library, on the west side of the Gallagator trail before reaching Peets Hill. The Labyrinth was spearheaded by Library supporter David Kingman in honor of his late wife Rocel who took comfort in walking a labyrinth when she was ill. Labyrinths are used worldwide to quiet the mind, meditate, self-reflect, reduce stress, and to discover innovation and celebration. Designed by Shara Kees from Field Studio Landscape Architects in collaboration with David Kingman and Bill Halpin of Greenspace Landscaping, the Labyrinth opened to the public on June 27, 2019.