Upcoming Events
Meridian Knights Chess Club
Want to learn the basics of chess? You can play for fun or learn how to participate in tournament chess as part of Meridian Knights prize-winning chess team. Geared towards all levels K-12.
Read to a therapy dog! Children can sharpen their reading skills in a stress-free zone, boosted by the support of their furry, canine pals. Plan to arrive a few minutes early if you need to choose a book to read.
Disclaimer(s)
We often take photographs during library events. Please let our photographer know if you do not want us to publish photos of your child.
Build something from your imagination! This is a casual free build program. We have the Legos and space; you have the fun!
Disclaimer(s)
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
We often take photographs during library events. Please let our photographer know if you do not want us to publish photos of your child.
Parent/Caregiver FAQs
As a parent or caregiver, you are your child’s first and best teacher. You should feel empowered to set parameters that are right for your family, and there are a number of ways the library can help. Our Guide for Parents and Caregivers outlines tips for navigating our collection, setting up library accounts, and more!
The West Ada School District provides access to Overdrive using the Sora app for schools. To access Meridian Library District’s Overdrive materials, just add our library within the Sora app! Your school credentials will allow you to check out materials from our collection.
School accounts through Sora limit access to materials by grade levels. You will need to download the Libby app separately and log in with your Meridian Library card to access our complete collection.
P is for Pets
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Hermit Crabs
Hermit crabs are favorite pets for young kids! This introductory title shows what it takes to care for these critters, from habitat needs to changing shells. Features include a labeled diagram of a tank and common species of this pet. Simple sentences and clear photos help students who are just starting to read grow along with these fun pets!
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Turtle
Fun-filled facts and tips on proper care of animals can be found within the pages of theMy Pet series. Each volume provides information about breeds, myths, behaviours, as well as how to house, feed, and care for a pet.
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Birds
Tweet, tweet! Birds can be rewarding pets! This lowl-level title introduces beginning readers to the joys and basic care of owning a pet bird through easy-to-read text and colorful photos. Features include a diagram of a pet bird's home and favorite toys. Young students practicing independent reading can find out if a pet bird is right for them!
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Be a Hamster and Guinea Pig Expert
Do you know your Syrian hamsters from your Skinny Pigs? Whether you own a hamster, rat, or guinea pig, this guide to everything rodent is packed with essential information from the usefulness of rodents in history to how to look after different kinds of rodents to other fascinating facts.
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Slithering Snakes and How to Care for Them
The Perfect Introduction To Being A Pet Owner For The Child Ready To Get A Snake.
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Curious about Lizards
Can I take my lizard on a walk? Spark kids' natural curiosity about pets with this inquiry-based nonfiction book about lizards. From the cuddly bearded dragon to large iguanas, lizards make interesting pets. Nine questions that kids would ask and well-researched, easy-to-understand answers teach readers about life with these reptiles, including terrarium needs, handling techniques, and lizard behaviors like head bobbing and arm waving. Simple infographics support visual learning. A Stay Curious! feature encourages kids to keep asking questions and models media literacy skills. Includes table of contents, glossary, and index. Perfect for curious kids in early elementary grades.
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Weird Pets
Dogs and cats are common pets, but what about sharing your home with more bizarre critters? Corn snakes, tarantulas, hermit crabs...learn about some of the world's weirder pets inside!
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Allergic
A coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl with severe allergies who just wants to find the perfect pet!
At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world. Maggie loves animals and thinks a new puppy to call her own is the answer, but when she goes to select one on her birthday, she breaks out in hives and rashes. She's severely allergic to anything with fur!
Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet? With illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, Megan Wagner Lloyd uses inspiration from her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong.
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Surprise Puppy!
The bestselling DK Readers series has a fresh new look featuring redesigned jackets and interiors, and up-to-date vocabulary throughout. In DK Readers, stunning photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging age-appropriate stories, creating a multilevel reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge.
Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these captivating books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade four.
With DK Readers, children learn to read -- then read to learn!
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Kitten Nobody Wanted
When Mia loses her beloved cat, Sandy, she can't ever imagine having a cat again. Mia never wants to forget or replace Sandy! Until her friend's cat has kittens and one of them would be just perfect for Mia! Can Mia allow another cat in her life?
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Brina the Cat #1
Brina, a city cat, moved to the mountains with the owners for a summer holiday. Here she meets some stray cats who call themselves “The Gang of the Feline Sun". The new friends convince her to escape her owners and become a free cat. But while Brina enjoys her newfound freedom and all the new types of delectable bugs the countryside has to offer, her young owners are panicking over losing her, a member of their family. Brina must make a choice to live with her owners, where it’s safe (but confined) or go free in the wilderness. A heartwarming tender cat tale.
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Pet Jokes That Will Make You Howl!
What state has the most cats? Catifornia What's a dog's favorite festival? Mardi paw. What's a toad's favorite part of the newspaper? The wart ads. From snaky "Hiss-terical Humor" to "Polly Wants a Crack-Up," these wildly funny jokes will have animal-loving kids howling in amusement. They can choose from "Jokes that are Bad to the Bone," "Wild Movies" (Jurassic Bark), and "Tabby's Text Messaging."
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Presidential Pets
This inside look at the White House's animal residents features a rollicking, rhyming verse for each commander-in-chief's pets, accompanied by cool facts, presidential stats, and laugh-out-loud cartoon art. John Quincy Adams kept an alligator in the bathtub, while Thomas Jefferson's pride and joy was his pair of bear cubs. Andrew Jackson had a potty-mouthed parrot, and Martin Van Buren got into a fight with Congress over his two baby tigers. First daughter Caroline Kennedy's pony Macaroni had free reign over the White House. But the pet-owning winner of all the presidents was Theodore Roosevelt, who had a hyena, lion, zebra, badger, snake, rats, a nippy dog that bit the French ambassador, and more!
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Unusual Pet Pals
From where they sleep to what they eat and how you can make them feel safe and at home, this book gives you pet care advice on a variety of different pets. Learn the inside information on how to care for and understand the behavior of pets such as snakes, insects, chinchillas, newts, and salamanders.
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The EXpets
Perfect for fans of Captain Underpants and Dog Man, this first book in a hilarious new middle grade graphic novel series follows a stinky dog reluctantly recruited by a team of super-pets to rescue missing kittens!
Bosco the dog loves being a house pet, loves his comfy dog bed and nice big house and, of course, his favorite toy kitty. So when two burglars break in, Bosco defends his home with all his might, which includes releasing some well-timed—and near supersonic—stink that repels the would-be thieves. With his foes in retreat, Bosco thinks it’s all over…until a robot descends from the sky.
The flying robot delivers Bosco to the city and tells him that, due to his unusual “abilities,” he’s been chosen to become one of the eXpets, a team of superheroes with extraordinary abilities who team up to solve problems of all sizes. Bosco would be joining a turtle mastermind, a laser-eyed kitty, Wonder-Guppy, and Ginormous Gerbil. The mission? Rescuing the world’s kittens, who have all gone mysteriously missing. Bosco isn’t sure he’s all that extraordinary and certainly doesn’t enjoy tasks with a lot of pressure. But…how can he turn his back on kittens?!
Can the ragtag group move past getting off on the wrong paw to track down the catnapped cuties and save the day?
Summer Sunshine Reads for Children
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Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book #7: Amelia Bedelia Sets Sail
In the seventh chapter book in the New York Times bestselling series, Amelia Bedelia comes out of her shell and heads to the beach!
Amelia Bedelia and her mother share a summer vacation home at the shore with her aunt Mary (her mother's sister) and her cousin Jason, who has a wicked sense of adventure and a nose for trouble. With a local girl named Pearl as guide, the cousins build sand castles, swim and body surf, and learn how to sail. As much fun as their nautical adventures are, the lives of this trio get way more exciting when they stumble upon pirates! The Amelia Bedelia chapter books star Amelia Bedelia as a young girl and feature funny family and friendship stories just right for fans of Judy Moody and Ivy + Bean. The Amelia Bedelia books have sold more than 35 million copies since we first met the iconic character in 1963!
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Gangsters at the Grand Atlantic
It's 1925. Thanks to Prohibition, bootleg liquor is big business, and organized crime is thriving.As summer vacation begins, 12-year-old Emily Scott witnesses a gangland attack on her landlord, who runs a grocery downstairs from her family's Philadelphia flat. Emily is badly frightened by the violence and the thugs' warnings to keep quiet about it. So she jumps at the chance to accompany her sister Dorothy to the Jersey shore, where they'll be guests of Dorothy's wealthy college friend, Bitsy. The Grand Atlantic Hotel proves to be fabulously luxurious -- right on the ocean and full of fascinating characters, from Madame Serena the sceance leader to costumed mah jongg players and flappers dancing the Charleston. But Emily isn't entirely happy. Dorothy is much more interested in impressing her rich friends, going yachting, and winning dance marathons than spending time with her gawky little sister. Even worse, Emily spots a sinister man who looks exactly like Mr. M, the mob leader from Philly. Emily has heard of gangsters wiping out witnesses -- what if the man really is Mr. M and recognizes her? With her new friend Gwen, who's a pet-sitter at the hotel and a polio victim who relies on crutches and a wheelchair, Emily sets about finding out whether the mysterious man is really Mr. M. Dorothy just laughs at Emily's fears, but it turns out that Emily is right -- and that Mr. M is in Ocean View to carry out a rum-running scheme that means terrible danger for someone near and dear to Dorothy!
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Nicole the Beach Fairy
The fairies are going green!
The fairy king and queen have just put together a new team of seven fairies for a very special mission. They are the Earth Fairies! Together, they're going to work their magic to clean up the environment. But they can't do it alone. Luckily, Rachel and Kirsty are ready to help!
The beach on Rainspell Island is covered with garbage, and it's putting the sea creatures in danger. But Nicole the Beach Fairy can't do much without her missing magic wand. Can the girls help her track it down?
Find the missing magic wand in each book and help save the environment! -
Liberty
Welcome to the Puppy Place - where every puppy finds a home!
Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. Their family fosters these young dogs, giving them love and proper care, until they can find the perfect forever home.
Lizzie and her family go to the beach for a July 4th weekend trip. Liberty, a golden retriever puppy, gets spooked by the fireworks display and loses her owners. Can the Petersons find her home, even while they are on vacation?
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Hello Kitty
The Hello Kitty brand touches every part of a girl's life with on-trend product, and touches every part of popular culture--from fashion to celebrity to art. It is a true lifestyle brand. VIZ Media's wordless comic series is the first of its kind.
Hello Kitty and her friends are off on adventures near and far!
Surprise! Hello Kitty and her friends are in for lots of unexpected treats!
Reads L to R (Western Style) for all ages. -
High and Dry
★ "Walters has woven a touching story about the connection humans have with other living beings on Earth. Recommended for wide purchase."--School Library Journal, starred review
Dylan lives on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest with his parents, but when they have to go to the mainland, his grandfather weathers a storm to come spend time with him. Grandpa's brought Dylan a number of gifts, and one comes in handy the next day while they are exploring the coast. In fact, this gift leads the duo to a dangerous discovery: a young orca got stuck on the rocks during the storm. Racing against the sun and the heat, Dylan and Grandpa need to work together to figure out how to save the calf while his pod circles nearby.
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Stella Díaz Never Gives Up
From award-winning author Angela Dominguez comes the novel Stella Diaz Never Gives Up, a story about a shy Mexican-American girl who becomes an environmental activist and makes a difference in her community.
Stella gets a big surprise when her mom plans a trip to visit their family in Mexico! Stella loves marine animals, and she can't wait to see the ocean for the first time . . . until she arrives and learns that the sea and its life forms are in danger due to pollution.
Stella wants to save the ocean, but she knows she can't do it alone. It's going to take a lot of work and help from old and new friends to make a difference, but Stella Díaz never gives up!
This is the second middle-grade novel from award-winning picture book author and illustrator Angela Dominguez. Based on the author's experiences growing up Mexican-American, this infectiously charming character comes to life through relatable story-telling including simple Spanish vocabulary and adorable black-and-white art throughout.
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2020 for Younger Readers -
Whale Done
In the eighth novel in New York Times bestselling Stuart Gibbs’s FunJungle series, Teddy Fitzroy returns as FunJungle’s resident sleuth to find the culprits behind a blown-up whale and a string of beach sand thefts.
After an escaped kangaroo starts a fire that burns down his house, Teddy Fitzroy accepts an invitation to go to Malibu with his girlfriend, Summer, and her mother, Kandace. He’s hoping to spend some time relaxing on the beach, but wherever Teddy goes, trouble isn’t far behind.
First, a massive dead whale has washed up on the beach—and before anyone can determine what killed it, it explodes. Doc, the head vet from FunJungle, suspects something fishy is going on and ropes Teddy and Summer into helping him investigate.
Then, Teddy stumbles upon yet another mystery involving tons of stolen sand. And the paparazzi start spreading rumors about Summer dating a celebrity, leading Teddy to question their relationship.
Without Summer as his trusted partner, can Teddy navigate the rough waters of this glitzy world and uncover what’s going on? -
Saltwater Secrets
From the acclaimed author of Just Add Magic—now a hit streaming original series—comes a story of two sisters, one summer vacation, and one big mystery for them to solve.
Stella and Josie live for their summers at the boardwalk—each one a carbon copy of the last. Josie lives in Australia most of the year; her half-sister, Stella, lives in New Jersey. But every year, they come together for a beach vacation with their dad, and to make more memories. The real excitement for them is their secret special place under the boardwalk, where they hide their sister scrapbook, adding memories from each summer.
But this summer feels different. Josie isn’t the same—she’s turned into one of the popular girls that Stella can’t stand. Despite the rocky start to their vacation, they still go to their secret, special place under the boardwalk, adding memories to their sister scrapbook once again.
That is, until their place is discovered by the owners of the newest store—the Smoothie Factory, which replaced Josie’s favorite sweet spot. Not only have the owners of the Smoothie Factory discovered the cove, they are exploiting the natural habitat, and endangering marine life and everyone at the beach! It’s up to Josie and Stella to figure out how to stop their beloved boardwalk from disappearing for good. -
Black Sand Beach 1: Are You Afraid of the Light?
This summer vacation is anything but a dream trip. The first book in a spooky, witty new graphic novel series from bestselling Blastosaurus creator Richard Fairgray, perfect for fans of Gravity Falls, Rickety Stitch, and Fake Blood.
Twelve-year-old Dash and his best friend Lily are spending the summer at Black Sand Beach, where Dash's family has a house. Lily can't understand why Dash isn't more excited. Three months of surf, sand, and sun. It should be a dream!
But Black Sand Beach is not that kind of vacation spot.
The house is a shack, and all of Dash's weird relatives are there. More alarming is the zombie ram that crashes through the front yard and the eerie voices calling out to Dash from the lighthouse--a lighthouse that hasn't been operational in a hundred years. . . .
So Dash has a new plan for his summer vacation. . . . Survive.
Full of unexpected twists, Are You Afraid of the Light? begins a delightfully creepy graphic novel series that readers will devour. (But keep a flashlight handy.) -
Mystery in the Sand
The Aldens are spending sunny days at the shore and summer nights in a mobile home right on the beach! One morning, Benny finds a gold necklace in the sand. Soon a search for its owner begins, and a trail of clues leads the children to Tower House. What will the Boxcar Children find in the strange old mansion?
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Eva at the Beach: a Branches Book (Owl Diaries #14)
It's summertime and Eva Wingdale is going to the beach, in this New York Times bestselling early chapter book series just-right for emerging readers!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
Eva is visiting the beach with her best friend Lucy! They can't wait to build sandcastles and make seashell necklaces. But Eva is secretly afraid to go swimming because of the big fish -- like sharks! -- that live in the sea. After Eva hears the "Legend of the Mermowls" and spots her classmate Sue in the water, the sea doesn't seem so scary. Will Eva face her fears and maybe find some magic at the beach, too?
Rebecca Elliott's sweet text and full-color artwork on every page bring this story to life for young readers!
Continue this book series with "Eva the Owlet," an Apple TV+ original series!
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Sea Turtle
Dive into this colorful title featuring one of the biggest animals on earth! This title gives kids a chance to learn all about Sea Turtles, like where they live, how big they are next to a human, their body characteristics, family life and more. Kids will love the engaging color photographs, simple text, and fun facts about these larger than life beings. A quick quiz is provided for additional reading and learning fun! Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Sandcastle is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
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Babymouse #3: Beach Babe
Meet Babymouse--the spunky mouse beloved by young readers for more than a decade! It’s summer time and Babymouse is going to the beach to surf and relax. But will sharks ruin her vacation? This groundbreaking young graphic novel series, full of humor and fun, is a bestseller that’s sold more than three million copies!
"Move over, Superman, here comes Babymouse!"—The Chicago Sun-Times
Grab your sunglasses! School’s out and Babymouse is headed to the beach for a week of sun, sand, surfing, snorkeling, and sharks! That’s right, folks . . . sharks! Looks like Babymouse’s summer fun isn’t shaping up quite the way she expected! Will Babymouse survive her summer vacation? Will she be the surfing star she dreams of being . . . or is she sharkbait?! Find out in Beach Babe—the 3rd hilarious, action-packed installment of the beloved Babymouse graphic novel series!
DON'T MISS The BIG Adventures of Babymouse: Once Upon a Messy Whisker, the newest, brightest, and BIGGER THAN EVER graphic novel from BABYMOUSE! -
Go Girl! #8: Surf's Up!
Kowabunga! Lucy can't wait to go on vacation with her BFF, Bonnie, and her family. They're going to stay by the beach, take surf lessons, and eat tons of junk food! But the trip takes a nosedive as soon as they hit the waves. Bonnie is a natural, while Lucy keeps wiping out. Lucy doesn't want to feel jealous, but she can't help wondering...will they still be friends when this vacation is over?
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