Meridian public library to move in 2024

• The Meridian Public Library wil be moving into the former Lighthouse Baptist Church building in 2024. Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune
• Volunteers removed the baptismal font from the former Lighthouse Baptist Church to make room for the Meridian Public Library's new location in historic downtown Meridian in summer 2024. Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune

The Meridian Public Library is in the process of moving its location in historic downtown Meridian.

For the last decade, the library has been located at 118 North Main Street; but in several weeks, its new home will be a few doors down on the same side of the block at 204 North Main Street.

Back in November 2023, the library’s board of directors approved the purchase of the building from the Lighthouse Baptist Church’s congregation.

Since that time, the library’s volunteers have found new homes for the church’s equipment, including a large baptismal font, while renovating the building’s interior.

The library’s executive director Marianne Woerner said she and the board members are pleased that the library will continue to be easily accessible to the community, especially for children and families who visit on a regular basis.

Woerner said the board had been looking for a new space since they felt the current library had outgrown its long-time site.

The new building’s overall size is a third larger than the library’s former location, she said.

The library’s floor plan design will be like the previous location with the front desk and the children’s area by the front door.

To capitalize on the additional space, there will be a private study room and an office for library staff in the front area.

In the middle section, a spacious living room area will be created on one side, and on the other, shelves where the library’s books and media collection will be situated.

In the back, the library will house a new community hospitality room that can seat 30 people along with a kitchenette.

“It’s still under discussion as to whether we’ll be renting [the community room] out, but we can offer a whole lot more programming to teach people Excel or do quilting classes,” Woerner said.

In addition, the back area will feature a special place for teenagers, complete with a big-screen television for gaming and a private study pod connected for laptop use.

More seating in a café-style nook is also in the works, Woerner said.

Two brand-new restrooms with dropdown changing tables will be built in the building – all of which will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Woerner said she and the board hoped that the new facility will be ready and open to public in June 2024.

“We could certainly use a few extra helping hands, to move the books, shelves, and furniture,” she said.

Woerner said that the board is working with the Tocker Foundation on a grant for new furniture and bookshelves, which is expected to be installed in the library in November 2024.

The renovations for the building include updating the plumbing, electricity, ceiling, flooring, and wall painting.

To complete the renovations, the library’s board is offering an opportunity for individuals and families to memorialize sections of the new library building for a special donation.

“Your chosen space will be identified by a permanent plaque, recognizing and honoring your significant contribution,” Woerner said.

Thankfully, the church’s congregation had a new roof installed prior to the sale of the building to the library, she added.

The Meridian Economic Development Corporation recently approved a grant that will pay for a new facade for the library’s exterior entrance way.

The library will be holding more fundraisers this spring including a banquet at the Meridian Civic Center on Saturday, April 20, and a cornhole tournament at Meridian Lions Park on Friday, May 3.

Diane Mobley, Meridian Public Library board member, told guests at the Meridian Chamber of Commerce’s recent monthly luncheon that she was excited for the new move.

“I think it's going to be really, really good,” she said. “People from all over the county come in to use the computers or our Wi-Fi. They use our Wi-Fi because they don't have Wi-Fi. Now we'll be able to service more people.”

Meridian Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Teresa McMahon added, “Our library is a hidden gem. If you have not been there in the last few years, you should really go. Marianne has done a wonderful job.”

About the library

In 2000, the Meridian Public Library was re-established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

The library serves as a resource for Meridian and its surrounding communities as a place to enjoy reading, accessing technology, visiting in fellowship with neighbors, and coming together for community events.

The collection of the library contains over 16,600 volumes. This library circulates over 6,000 items per year.

To view the library’s catalog online, visit meridian.biblionix.com/catalog.

During the year, the library offers several free literacy programs for children – a summer reading program and weekly story times – at its location in historic downtown Meridian.

Open Tuesday - Thursday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., the library is currently located at 118 North Main Street in downtown Meridian.

For more information contact the library by phone at (254) 435-9100 or via email at MeridianPublicLibrary @hotmail.com.