Collection Timeline

1926 to 2024

1926
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1977-1990. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1969
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1969-1975. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1971
Inside view of the Meridian Free Library building in 1971. The old library building was located at the intersection of Meridian & Idaho. At this time the library was run by the Occident Club, but in 1974 the Occident Club turned over control of the library to form a library district. For several years following their relinquishing of library control, the Occident Club still held their club meetings in the library.

1974
Old photo of the library building in 1974 (corner of Meridian and Idaho Streets), the year the Occident Club decided to relinquish control of the library and form a library district. The decision by the club to relinquish control was caused by the rapid population growth. The women of the Occident Club believed the town became too large to continue to serve it on their own.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1974-1982. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1975
Librarian helps welcome a Meridian school class to the library on a field trip.
Librarian Grove Koger talks with a visiting school teacher as his class visits the library on a field trip.
Meridian school class takes a field trip to the Meridian Library.
Meridian Library's New Books, Newspapers, and Magazines bookshelf, circa 1975.
Nancy Sage (Meridian Librarian) and Nancy Spear (Clerk-Typist) at work, circa 1975
Bookhelves in the old library at the intersection of Meridian & Idaho.
The Library had two gerbils named Dot and Dash. Only one of the gerbils can be seen in the picture.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1969-1975. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1975--1987. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1976
Figaro, the Meridian Library Cat, helps out at a book sale. Figaro lived at the library for four years (circa 1976-1980).
Figaro, the Meridian Library Cat, watches television.
Fern Wilson hard at work in the library, November 5, 1976.
The Children's Section of the old library located at Meridian & Idaho streets.

1977
Figaro, the Meridian Library Cat, lays down under the library Christmas Tree.
Figaro, the Meridian Library Cat, stands outside the main entrance of the Meridian library building located at Meridian & Idaho streets.
Letter from Figaro The Library Cat to Idaho Governor John Evans, signed with Figaro's paw print.
Poem by Librarian Nancy Sage
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1977-1990. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1978
Poster, created by Madeline Rathjen, used to advertise the Meridian Library Summer Reading Program, circa 1980. While the Meridian Library District continues to hold many public programs, the yearly Summer Reading Program continues to be among its largest events.
Meridian's 75th Birthday Parade, July 27, 1978. Judy Olson seen carrying the "Meridian Free Library" sign.
Meridian's 75th Birthday Parade, July 27, 1978. Laura Rabehl can be seen on the three-wheel bike with her twin daughters in the wagon; Eleanor Arndt is walking in the jeans and cowboy hat; Nancy Spear is in the light blue pantsuit; Pat Rabehl is in the straw hat; Shelly Olsen is in the baseball uniform; and Fern Wilson is in the dark blue pantsuit. A child can be seen holding up a sign with a picture of Figaro, the Meridian Library Cat.
Meridian's 75th Birthday Parade, July 27, 1978. Everett Arndt drives the "Wagon Works" truck, while Chris Kennedy sits at the table reading. Sarah (last name unknown) is one of the other children in the back of the truck.

1979
Figaro the Meridian Library Cat laying on a bookshelf, circa 1979.

1982
Kay Newell reads during a library storytime, 1982.
Carl Rathjen, who helped create the Meridian Library's Idaho Collection, 1982.
Meridian Library clerk-typist Roben Joy with "Baby" the rabbit.
Meridian Library's First Annual Pet Parade, May 6, 1982. Featured in the photo are: Robin Rice, Amy Brown, Tammy Heinzel, Kendall Matuszek, Kerri Matuszek, Gina Marie Brown, Vernell Smith, Holli Boyd, and the pets (the stars of the show), Cocoa, Chrissy, Mr. Three, and Regis.
Nancy Sage and Carl Rathjen helped create The Idaho Collection within the Meridian Library, featuring books about Idaho (circa 1982).
Carl Rathjen, Jack Riddlemoser, and Nancy Sage at an event opening up the Idaho Collection at the Meridian Library (circa 1982).
Leone Lund, the Occident Club President, displays her doll collection in the Meridian Library.
Individuals gather to help create a mural for the Meridian Library wall
Individuals gather to help create a mural for the Meridian Library wall
Individuals gathered to help create a mural for the Library Wall. The artists were: Laura Hall, Jon Anderson, Shauna Jorgensen, Teresa Jorgensen, Ron Harrison, Lois Collinsworth, and Teresa Gasaway
In May of 1982, Pam Blount's first grad class visits the Meridian Library.
Meridian Library employees stand outside the library during a Castle Day Event. From left to right: Roben, Nancy, Evelyn, and Kay
Meridian Library employees stand outside the library during a Castle Day Event. From left to right: Roben, Nancy, Gaye, and Evelyn
Patrons gather around for a Summer Reading Program event in 1982.
At a Summer Reading Program, George Early discusses the culture of Great Britian. Amy Harkarietch is helping to hold the map.
Ruth Harkarietch attends a Summer Reading Program where George Early discusses the culture of Great Britian. Ruth can be seen here wearing a British bearskin hat.
At a Summer Reading Program, George Early discusses the culture of Great Britian. George Early appears to be holding a set of bagpipes.
Patrons gather around for a Summer Reading Program event in 1982.
Librarian reading to children on "Good Bear Day" October 27, 1982. On Good Bear Day the children bring their teddy bears with them to the storytime.
Children listen to storytime on Good Bear Day while holding onto their teddy bears, October 27, 1982.
Little girl listens to storytime holding her teddy bear, October 27, 1982.
Several kids interact with Good Bear Day storytime, October 27, 1982.
Several kids participate in Good Bear Day storytime, October 27, 1982.
Kay Newell leads storytime.
Carl and Madeline Rathjen lead a Brown Bag program with numerous children in attendance, circa November 1982.
Glen Balch with a group of children at the Brown Bag with the Write People event, November 17, 1982.
Meridian Library parade walkers prepare for Holiday Parade, holding sign that says "Season's Readings."
Library parade walkers prepare the giant bookworm for the Holiday Parade.
Library parade walkers proceed through the Holiday Parade route.
Library parade walkers proceed through the Holiday Parade route.
Retired librarian Nancy Sage stands next to the Children's Tree.
Boy stands near books at the Friends of the Meridian Library Book Sale.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1974-1982. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1982-1983. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1983
Photo of library open house cake ("Meridian Library Founded 1924") next to floral arrangement. The cake was made by Chris Mace and the back of the photo says the floral arangement created by "Nan's."
Easter display case featuring Gaye Walter's faberge eggs
Librarian Gaye Walter hangs up decorations for the library's Wetsern reading theme.
Pat works at the desk celebrating the library's Western theme by wearing a cowgirl hat.
Librarian Gaye Walter helps hang decorations for the library's Western theme.
Librarian Evelyn Works During the Library's Western Theme
Librarian Denise works the front desk, helping a young patron.
Children sit on library floor holding books, perhaps waiting for a storytime.
Pat, a librarian, sits outside the library with a clipboard as children gather around for an event.
Ron and Ryan Ayde sit on hay bales outside the Meridian Library.
Myla Meiers addresses children at a Western themed library event.
Myla Meiers, Caldwell Night Rodeo champion demonstrates lassoing on a boy from the audience.
T.H. Bird, a retired rodeo announcer, talks with children at a library event.
Retired rodeo announcer T.H. Bird shows a cowboy boot to children during a library event.
The Great Moodini performs his magic act with the help of audience member Angie.
Magician The Great Moodini captivates children at the Meridian Library during an event.
The Great Moodini performs his magic with the help of audience member Jim.
Audience member Clark assists The Great Moodini during a Meridian Library event.
The Great Moodini recruits the assistance of audience members Jamie and Clark in his magic act at Meridian Library.
The Great Moodini performs at a children's event at the Meridian Library.
The Great Moodini entertains children with magic at the Meridian Library.
E. Webb Fan Collection given to library for temporary display.
Nancy Spear, Meridian Library clerk-typist, sits at her desk working.
Librarian Denise greets patrons for the last scheduled event of the 1983 summer reading program. The program was Western themed, and for the closing event attendees watched a movie and ate cotton candy.
Della and Charline Smith make Cotton Candy as part of the last event for the Summer Reading Program.
Children gather for Cotton Candy at the last event of the 1983 summer reading program.
The Staff and Library Board got together to honor Librarian Evelyn. Evelyn is cutting the cake while Nancy and Denise talk in the background.
Randy Evans, guest smokejumper, appears for children after school on Tuesday, October 4, 1983.
Librarian reads to children as part of the smokejumper event.
Smokejumper Randy Evans prepares a film projector as part of a children's event at the Meridian Library.
Rick Gilchrist, the Regional Conservation Educator for the daho Department of Fish and Game, showed "Way of the Trout" film and talked to kids about wildlife on Tuesday, October 18, 1983.
Children gather, with their teddy bears, for the Library's Good Bear Day.
Librarian reads a bear story on Good Bear Day's Tea Party for Toddlers and Preschoolers. Some bears can be seen within the audience.
Workers gather in the library kitchen to prepare the food for the Library's Meal With a Peel fundraiser.
Children gather in front of a "Read" poster smiling as they show off their new bookmarks.
Former Meridian Public Librarian Nancy Sage enjoys the library's "Children's Tree" in her home. The tree is decorated with handmade paper ornaments made by children.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1982-1983. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1983-1984. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1984
On Tuesday January 3, 1984, children gather in the library for "The Shoemaker & the Elves" event.
Ona Siporin gets ready to tell children gathered at the library Fairy Tales.
Children watch on as a girl takes her tunr during an activity of Pin-The-Tail on the Donkey.
Susan performs "Julius, the Gorilla" for kids after school at 4pm, Tuesday March 6, 1984.
Susan D'Errico tells the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar with a felt board on Thursday March 8, at 10:30.
Brothers Mark and Matthew Johnston sit down together as Mark reads "several books to Matthew with lots of storytelling spark."
Children watch "The Safety Kids" Program and learn about saftey.
Representative Gary Montgomery reads to children during 1984's National Library Week events.
Mary Alice White reads to Children as part of National Library Week events.
Kindergarten classes listen closely to "Little Brown Bear is Afriad of the Dark."
Kindergarten classes learn a "Good Morning" song.
Meridian Library Board Chairman Jack Riddlemoser conducting the opening of bids for a new library expansion project.
Meridian Library Board Chairman Jack Riddlemoser greets crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Meridian Library's new expansion.
Meridian Library Board Chairman Jack Riddlemoser offically breaks ground with his shovel where the library building expansion will occur.
Digging commences in the grassy area next to the library for the expansion project.
The appearance of the front of the Meridian Library prior to the expansion work.
The first third of a wall mural in the juvenile section of the Meridian Library.
The second third of a wall mural in the juvenile section of the Meridian Library
The last third of a wall mural in the juvenile section of the Meridian Library.
The Young Adult section of the Meridian Library
The portion of the lobrary dedicated to the Idaho Collection. The collection was created by Nancy Sage and Carl Rathjen and holds books and objects pertaining to the history of Idaho or stories written about or taking place in Idaho.
Pat Rabehl and Denise Evans at work in the Meridian Library.
A library employee works at her deak.
A library employee works at her deak.
Picture of a man laying down near the library construction site.
Children gathered around animal carriers on the library lawn with Bob Gregory from the Boise animal shelter. The program was part of Be Kind to Animals Week by the Boise animal shelter.
Children gathered around animal carriers on the library lawn with Bob Gregory from the Boise animal shelter. The program was part of Be Kind to Animals Week by the Boise animal shelter. At the side of the lawn you can see the state of the library expansion.
Children gathered around animal carriers on the library lawn with Bob Gregory from the Boise animal shelter. The program was part of Be Kind to Animals Week by the Boise animal shelter.
Bob Gregory of the Boise animal shelter brought along some friends to the Meridian Library for Be Kind to Animals Week. Here, the children look at and hold a puppy.
Bob Gregory of the Boise animal shelter brought along some friends to the Meridian Library for Be Kind to Animals Week. Here, the children look at and hold a kitten.
The Meridian Library had staff and patrons walk in the Meridian Dairy Days Parade. During the parade they promoted the library's Go For the Gold olypmic games themed summer reading program.
The Meridian Library had staff and patrons walk in the Meridian Dairy Days Parade. During the parade they promoted the library's Go For the Gold olypmic games themed summer reading program.
Lighting the "Reading Flame" for the Opening Ceremonies of the library's Go For the Gold Summer Reading Program.
Bob Bodine talks to children about running as part of the Opening Ceremonies of the Go For the Gold Summer Reading Program.
Bob Bodine talks to children about running as part of the Opening Ceremonies of the Go For the Gold Summer Reading Program.
Bob Bodine teaches the children about sprinting, jogging, and running.
Lisa and Karen from the Boise YMCA present the kids with a fitness test.
Lisa and Karen from the Boise YMCA engaged the children in a fitness test. This photo is the sit-ups portion of the test.
Lisa and Karen from the Boise YMCA engaged the children in a fitness test. This portion is the push-ups portion of the test.
Josh D'Errico created presents an Olympic Poster he made for the library.
Girls from the Gem State Gymnastics Academy in Boise perform various gymnastics excercises as part of the library's Go For the Gold Summer Reading Program events.
Amy and Carma Skoro visit Albert the Running Bear. Albert the Running Bear was on loan from the Nampa Library, and is in reference to the book The Adventures of Albert the Running Bear.
Peter Rabbit visits the Meridian Library for a few weeks from from the Idaho State Library. On a July 5th storytime celebrating Peter's birthday the library had stories, film strips, records, and carrot muffins and lemonade.
The Patriots Twirling team performs for an event at the Meridian Library.
The Frontier Preschool visits the Meridian Library.
People browse the Meridian Library's book sale.
Children watch Hermie the Snake as Ralph leads a library event.
Children sit on the floor watching a Sesame Street puppet show.
Children sit on floor with their teddy bears to listen to Good Bear Day storytime.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1983-1984. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1985
Pat Rabehl hard at work at her desk, with a "Seek Your Own Adventure--Read" parade sign in the background.
Pat, Donna, and Laura getting ready for the Dairy Days Parade by working with paper streamers.
Donna Ugarriza shows off her extra limbs during a crowded story hour.
Denice Evans leads story hour at the Meridian Library.
Laura Oberbillig reads a book to children during story hour.
Laura Oberbillig pantomiming sleep during story hour.
Billy Bob from Show Biz Pizza visits the library to talk with kids at story hour.
Suzanne D'Errico shows Andrea a small gift at a going away part for Suzanne as she heads to a new job in Washington.

1986
Bunny from Swiss Village Cheese visits the library to spend time with the kids.
Bunny from Swiss Village Cheese with Alycia
Meridian Library employees Donna Ugarriza, Marion Baker, and Nancy Spear.

1990
A white and dark gray cat laying on a bookshelf at the old Meridian Library, circa 1990.
Display at the old Meridian Library of Chinese items, circa 1990.
Boy Pets Gray and White Cat at the Meridian Library, circa 1990.
Meridian Library's gray and white cat sits in a patron's lap in April 1990.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1977-1990. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1995
In June of 1995, The Meridian Library District purchased this land for the new Cherry Lane Library Branch. Located at 1326 W Cherry Lane.
Drilling on newly purchased land for "Future Home of Meridian Library" sign.
"The Future Home of the Meridian Library" sign posted encouraging residents to vote "Yes" for the library on November 7th.
Picture depciting both the popularity and the crowdedness of events at the old Meridian Library building. The newly planned Cherry Lane Library building was to bring a needed relief to the community.
Computer use at the old Meridian Public Library.
Patrons browse shelves at the old Meridian Library building on Idaho Street. This very year, plans were underway for a new and larger library to be built on Cherry Lane.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1995-1997. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

1996
People gather for the May 20, 1996 ground breaking for the new Cherry Lane library building.
Future patrons of the new Cherry Lane Library building wait in anticipation of the groundbreaking ceremony.
A little girl sits down prior to the Cherry Lane Library building ground breaking ceremony.
Meridian Mayor Bob Corrie speaks at the Cherry Lane library ground breaking ceremony. From Left to Right: Mayor Bob Corrie, Meridian Chamber of Commerce president John Berg, and Meridian Library Director Patty Younger.
Meridian Chamber of Commerce President John Berg speaks at the Cherry Lane library ground breaking ceremony. On Berg's right is Mayor Bob Corrie, and on his left is Meridian Library Director Patty Younger.
Meridian Library Director Patty Younger speaks at the Cherry Lane library ground breaking ceremony.
A speech is given at the Cherry Lane library ground breaking ceremony.
Meridian Library Director Patty Younger uses golden shovel to officially break ground for the construction of the new Cherry Lane Library Branch.
The foundation concrete and rebar for the Cherry Lane Library construction.
Construction on the Cherry Lane Library
Photo shows work progressing on the Cherry Lane Library construction. Plywood walls and metal framing are visible in September 1996.
Construction worker welds on a ladder during the building of the Cherry Lane Library.
Cherry Lane Library construction with roof joists and metal columns.
The facade of the Cherry Lane Library building under construction. Plywood walls and roof joists are visible.
View of the ceiling construction of the Cherry Lane Library.
Construction progress on the Cherry Lane Library, September 24, 1996.
Photo of Cherry Lane Library construction progress as of November 1996. Eventually the large pine tree in the picture will be cut down before the library is completed.

1997
The Cherry Lane Library building at the tail end of construction, almost ready to move in, circa early 1997.
Meridian Library District workers loading packed boxes onto a hand trolley in the old Meridian libraryn building as they get ready to move to the newly built Cherry Lane Library.
Meridian Library workers take a break from packing up boxes at the old Meridian library building prior to their move into the new Cherry Lane Library building.
Meridian Library workers take a break from packing up boxes at the old Meridian library building prior to their move into the new Cherry Lane Library building.
Library workers view the boxes as they pack for the move into the newly built Cherry Lane Library Building.
Wooden crates filled with books sitting in the Children's section awaiting the move to the new Cherry Lane Library building.
Library worker waves behind wooden crates filled with books in the adult section of the old Meridian Library. Crates prepared for move to new Cherry Lane Library building.
Empty shelves are starting to be loaded at the new Cherry Lane Library Building.
Library workers roll in a wooden crate of books to shleve at the new Cherry Lane Library building.
Photo of books shelved at the new Cherry Lane Library.
A crowd begins to gather for the Cherry Lane Library open house ceremony.
Patrons gather outside the Cherry Lane Library building in anticipation for the open house ceremony.
Photo of Brownies from Troop number 547 (under leadership of Tracy Curran) and 479 (under the leadership of Leslie Pugmire) gather together to prepare for the flag ceremony.
Crowd at the Cherry Lane Open House watch as Brownies plant the flags in the flag ceremony.
Idaho Governor Phil Batt prepares to do the honor of cutting the ribbon at the Meridian Cherry Lane Library Opening Ceremony
Meridian Library District Director Patty Young with two Meridian library workers at the Cherry Lane Library Opening Ceremony.
Meridian Library patrons enjoy refreshments at the new Cherry Lane Library's open house.
Patrons use the computers at the new Cherry Lane Library's open house.
Patrons use the computers at the new Cherry Lane Library's open house.
Librarian talks with patrons at the Cherry Lane Library front desk during the library's open house.
Cherry Lane Library front desk during the library's open house.
Portion of Cherry Lane Library's Children's Section during the open house. On the wall hangs American Girl posters, and in the corner sits a puppet stage.
Study carrels, shelves, and tables in the Cherry Lane Library Children's section.
A woman and child browsing children's books at the Cherry Lane Library open house.
A woman and children interact with the children's section of the new Cherry Lane Library during the open house.
Librarian poses next to the Cherry Lane Library patio fountain at the library's open house.
The Meridian High School Jazz Choir performs in the lobby during the Cherry Lane Library's open house.
The Meridian High School String Quartet performs in the lobby during the Cherry Lane Library's open house.
The Meridian High School Jazz Band performs in the meeting room of the Cherry Lane Library during its open house.
The first library patron to walk into the Cherry Lane Library on its official opening day, May 19, 1997.
A collection of documents from old MLD scrapbooks ranging between the years 1995-1997. Note: There are multiple scrapbooks in the MLD collection, and they often have overlapping dates between each series. Each series was a scrapbook made as a stand alone scrapbook at a given time in the past.

2015
unBound Branch dedication and ribbon cutting event, October 2015. In the next three years, prior to the relocation of unBound, this building will have 35,000 visitors. The branch offered 3-D printing and technology classes, as well as helped small business owners in the area. unBound moved into a different location in April of 2021.

2016
Patrons look for books inside the MLD Bookmobile, circa 2016.
Children hold up their crafted mini-bookmobiles, circa 2016.
"Wizards" gather at a special children's library event, circa 2016.
Meridian Library Bookmobile staff, circa 2016.
Rascal, Meridian Library District's mascot, stands outside the bookmobile, circa 2016.
The MLD "sprinter" vehicle, circa 2016. This vehicle can be seen delivering items to senior centers and sometimes as a substitute for the bookmobile when the bookmobile is getting a tune-up.

2017
A collection of documents from a scrapbook celebrarting the 20th anniversary of the Cherry Lane Library Branch.
Edgar Dragon Poe, the Silverstone Branch's resident reptile, reads a book about lizards

2018
Meridian Library District's Tiny Library Branch, circa 2018. MLD repurposed a 320 square-foot shipping container and turned it into an early literacy focused library.

2019
The Idaho Birds of Prey visits the Silverstone Branch to educate children on owls and other birds.
Edgar Dragon Poe celebrates his 5th Birthday at Silverstone, April 2019.

2021
The unBound Branch building. This is the second building to house MLD's unBound Branch, as it relocated to 722 E 2nd Street and opened to the public in April 2021.

2022
Meridian Library Digitization Technicians work on preserving Meridian's History through scanning and digital collection website creation, October 2022.

2023
The Orchard Park Branch, dedicated and opened in May 2023. This 15,000 square foot library has a drive up book return, a 24 hour access point for requested library materials, and a sensory room to support those with sensory processing needs.

2024
Meridian Library District's History Center exhibit room located at Meridian City Hall, 2024.