Billings Public Library Foundation Inc
About Billings Public Library Foundation Inc
At the Billings Public Library Foundation, private giving does something very practical, it gives the Billings Public Library a margin of excellence. That can mean early literacy through 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, more access to technology and makerspace tools, or services that reach beyond the building itself. If you care about a library that meets people where they are, this is the kind of support that keeps the doors open in more ways than one.
This foundation is all about one library and the ways a community can lift it up. Its support reaches past books into literacy, technology access, makerspace programming, mobile service, and after-hours material access, which is what makes the giving feel immediate and local.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
The foundation sponsors the Billings Public Library's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program to encourage early reading and learning habits.
CO+Lab
A makerspace offering cutting-edge tools, specialized equipment, and programs for creativity, learning, and collaboration.
Pedal Powered Library
A mobile library service that brings library materials and free Wi-Fi across town.
Story Trails
Story Trails at Josephine Crossing and Castlerock Park.
Library Express Lockers
Self-service locker locations that make library materials available after hours.
Royal Johnson Forum
An annual forum that brings nationally known leaders together to discuss timely issues and invite public discussion.
Spring Book Swap
An annual fundraising event supporting the public library.
Food For Thought
An annual fundraising event centered on conversation and community support.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To raise vital funds to provide a margin of excellence for the Billings Public Library.
Who they serve
Billings and Yellowstone County residents who use the Billings Public Library, including children, families, students, and community members.
Their impact
- Library Express Lockers are operating in 4 locations.
How your donation helps
- Mobile hotspots that help students access Wi-Fi
- Early childhood literacy
- Laptops
- Teen labs
- Charging stations
- The CO+Lab makerspace and its programming
- Pedal Powered Library materials and free Wi-Fi
- Story Trails
- Library Express Lockers
- Library facilities and labs
Our story
Founded in 1988, the Billings Public Library Foundation was created to bring in private giving and endowments for the Billings Public Library. Royal Johnson is identified as the founder, and the foundation has kept building public-private support for the library’s long-term growth and financial health.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life. —Henry Ward Beecher
We believe that reading to a child will set them up for a lifetime of successes. —Nick and Linda Cladis, Donors
A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert. —Andrew Carnegie
Events
Spring Book Swap
annualAn annual fundraising event.
Food For Thought
annualAn annual fundraising event focused on conversation and community support.
Royal Johnson Forum
annualAn annual forum featuring nationally known leaders and public discussion on timely issues.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Billings Public Library Foundation Inc has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer for one of the annual fundraising events
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What kinds of library initiatives does the foundation support?
It supports early literacy, technology access, makerspace programming, mobile library service, story trails, and after-hours material access. That includes programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, the CO+Lab, Pedal Powered Library, and Library Express Lockers.
How does the foundation help expand access beyond the library building?
It supports mobile hotspots, Pedal Powered Library service, Story Trails, and Library Express Lockers, which help bring materials and Wi-Fi to more people across the community.