On Monday, May 1, Meridian Library District invites the public to celebrate the opening of its fifth location in the Orchard Park Plaza, 1268 W Orchard Park Dr. (W Chinden Blvd and N Linder Rd). The celebration will kick-off with a dedication at 9:45 a.m.; doors will open at 10 a.m.
“It has been thrilling to see this library come to fruition. This truly was a community collaboration; District staff and the architects worked together with the community to develop a library that met their needs,” stated Director Nick Grove. “We hope the community joins us in celebrating the opening of this new location they helped us create.”
This new 16,000 square foot location, known as the Orchard Park branch, is part of the $14 million levy passed in 2019. The building was designed by MSR Design and built by CM Company. The developer (High Desert/Colliers) and MLD worked in concert with the community to build a library that directly met their needs. This project is a great example of a public/private partnership to benefit the community in identified areas of need.
Features of the new Orchard Park branch include:
- Drive-up book return
- 24-hour access point for requested library materials placed on hold
- Sensory room with gentle lighting and tactile installations to support sensory processing needs
- Interactive early learning space designed to support young children
- Adaptable learning lab to support literacy and STEAM education for all ages
- Reservable community room and study room
- Self-checkout kiosks
- Dedicated children areas
- Storytime room
The Meridian Library District has five locations and serves Meridian, one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho. Capital projects still in planning stages are a new library branch in south Meridian, and a major renovation of the Cherry Lane branch, which is over 20 years old. The first capital project, renovation of a building in downtown Meridian for the unBound business and tech library, was completed in 2021.