March 29, 2023
After two days of public hearings and 1000s of pieces of written testimony, the Ada County Board of Commissioners announced this morning that there will not be a vote on the petition to dissolve the Meridian Library District.
Some of the comments by the commissioners were, “Results were overwhelmingly against putting this on the ballot. The public is not supporting dissolution in any large number. To move this forward to a vote, there would need to be a higher threshold of public support.”
“This is the outcome we were hoping for,” stated MLD Board of Trustees Chair Megan Larsen. The overwhelming support demonstrated by the residents of Meridian validated the need for the District. The board members, library leadership, and library staff are so thankful for everyone who testified - in person or written, posted encouraging words on social media, and made public statements of support. This decision demonstrated the impact of the public testimony, and if people want a change, they can make it when they vote for the Trustees in the May election. That is the opportunity to make a change.”
“With this decision behind us, we can continue the work of serving the community - just as we have been doing for the past 99 years. We can move forward with the excellent programs and services staff provide and focus on the opening of the new Orchard Park Branch and the planning of the South Branch,” MLD director Nick Grove remarked.
The Meridian Library District continues to be a place for connection, community and innovation. There are currently four locations serving Meridian, one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho. This spring, we are opening our fifth location, Orchard Park, at the southeast corner of Chinden Blvd (Hwy 20/26) and Linder Rd. We look forward to welcoming the community to this new and inclusive space.