Meridian is filled with stories of adventure, intrigue, kindness, and passion. No one knows that better than the Meridian Library District (MLD).
MLD celebrated a century of sharing tales and other services on September 10.
As part of the centennial celebration, MLD got a boost from “City of Stories 2024: A Century of Stories.” The fundraising event, headed by the Meridian Library Foundation (MLF), was split into two parts: an online auction stocked with items from local businesses, and an evening with storytellers.
"The Meridian Library Foundation believes a strong public library is essential in our community to ensure equitable access to information is barrier-free, enabling individuals to pursue learning and growth on their own terms,” MLF Executive Director Eryn Turner said.
Weaving tales for this year’s audience were Senator Rick Just, an Idaho author and District 15 Idaho State Senator; Alex Meregaglia, a Boise State University Associate Professor, Librarian, and Archivist; Meg Sonnen, Director of Operations for Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho) and a community advocate and volunteer; and Sean Evans, CEO/President of the Meridian Chamber of Commerce.
Stories ranged from the vital importance of libraries to our collective heritage, to the creation of the Meridian’s first library (founded 100 years ago by the Meridian Occident Club, a women’s civic organization committed to charity work).
September also marked the opening of MLD’s newest branch: Pinnacle (1375 E. Phenomenal Street). The 12,000-square-foot space welcomes patrons with 24-hour access to pick up library holds, reservable spaces for community gatherings, a children’s area, a teen space, and an adult lounge with a fireplace.
The new branch bills itself as a ‘welcoming home away from home,’ and is dedicated to early literacy. In addition to books, patrons will be able to access outdoor science exploration, gardening, and gaming equipment.
Pinnacle replaces the Silverstone branch. The Pinnacle location was chosen with the aim to serve an underserved population, particularly small, rural, unincorporated communities which do not have library services of their own.
Pinnacle is one of four capital projects supported in part by a 2019 levy. Other projects include the unBound Technology Library (opened April 2021), the Meridian Library at Orchard Park (opened May 2023), and a major renovation of the Cherry Lane Branch, which is being designed. MLF, also founded in 2019, has raised nearly $800,000 to support MLD with books, technology, toys, and even furniture.
“We are so grateful to our community for championing these beautiful new libraries,” Turner said. “With their generosity, the Foundation can help create welcoming spaces that make an impact –spaces that reimagine what a modern library is."
If you’d like to support the MLD, you can donate to MLF’s campaign to purchase new children's books for Pinnacle and the rest of the libraries across the district. Visit supportmld.org for more information. You can also support the library by getting your card and seeing what they have to offer. You can do so at mld.org/cards.
“We know Meridian is deeply committed to literacy and education; together we can build up the children's collection and foster a lifelong love of reading!” Turner said.