Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library

Chess Club
2024-06-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-02 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-16 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-30 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Checkmate! Get ready for an exciting and fun-filled chess experience at our weekly Chess Club! Whether you’re a grand-master or just starting out, all ages and skill levels are welcome. Sharpen your strategy, challenge new friends, and dive into the captivating world of chess. We provide the boards and pieces—you bring the enthusiasm! No registration needed. See you on Tuesday for a great game!

Story Hike
2024-06-28 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-07-26 10:00 - 11:00
Join your favorite librarians for a story hike on the second level walking trail at Bonita Lakes Park. Be sure to wear your sunscreen, bring some water and some good hiking boots.

Summer Movie Monday Marathon Part I
2024-07-01 14:30 - 16:30
Come to the library for a free movie showing of “Despicable Me.” The movie will start at 2:30 pm.

Hattiesburg Zoo Visits the Library
2024-07-02 11:00 - 12:30
Join us for an exciting and educational experience as the Hattiesburg Zoo brings a taste of the wild to our library! Get ready to meet fascinating creatures up close and personal in this special presentation. The zoo team typically brings along three animals on outreaches, offering a delightful surprise every time. Common appearances often include snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, hedgehogs, and bugs/spiders. Our presenters will showcase these creatures and share intriguing insights into their lives, habitats, and behaviors. The zoo team will gladly answer any questions you may have about the presented creatures or other residents of the Hattiesburg Zoo. Don’t miss this chance to embark on a wild adventure without leaving the comfort of your library!

Adventures in Sewing - Ages 13 to Adult.
2024-07-08 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a basic sewing class at the library! Learn essential sewing techniques and gain hands-on experience with our experienced instructor. Perfect for beginners, this class covers basic stitches, fabric handling, and sewing machine operation. Registration is required as space is limited. Bring your creativity and let’s sew together! If you can’t make it this time, don’t worry — we plan to offer more classes in the future, so keep an eye out!

Summer Movie Monday Marathon Part II
2024-07-08 14:30 - 16:30
Come to the library for a free movie showing of “Despicable Me 2.” The movie will start at 2:30 pm.

Canvas Thursday
2024-07-11 15:30 - 16:30
A canvas, a paintbrush, and a rainbow of colors creates a beautiful picture. Join us for a freelance painting class. This activity is for all ages.

Reading at the Lake
2024-07-12 10:00 - 11:00
Join your favorite librarians for story time by the playground at Bonita Lakes Park by the first pavilion. Be sure to bring a blanket or beach towel and wear your sunscreen.

Summer Movie Monday Marathon Part III
2024-07-15 14:30 - 16:30
Come to the library for a free movie showing of “Despicable Me 3.” The movie will start at 2:30 pm.

Sign Language-A New Way to Communicate
2024-07-18 10:30 - 11:30
This sign-language class is for all ages and will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Summer Movie Monday Marathon Part IV
2024-07-22 14:30 - 16:30
Come to the library for a free movie showing of “Minions: Rise of Gru” The movie will start at 2:30 pm

Freedom Ranch Wildlife Center: Owls and Friends
2024-07-23 11:00 - 12:30
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at your library! Join us on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM for an enchanting exploration into the world of wildlife with Freedom Ranch Wildlife Center: Owls and Friends. Delight in a captivating presentation suitable for all ages as we uncover the mysteries of these majestic creatures and their woodland companions. Get up close and personal with live owls and other fascinating wildlife residents, and discover the importance of conservation efforts in preserving their habitats. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature and expand your understanding of the creatures that share our world. Adventure begins at your library!

BINGO
2024-07-29 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a morning of bingo fun at the library! All are welcome, from beginners to seasoned pros. Mark your calendars, bring your lucky charms, and get ready to yell ‘BINGO!’ See you there! (limit: two prizes per person)

Summer Reading Program Bingo Party
2024-08-01 15:30 - 16:30
All ages are welcome to attend the last day of our Summer Reading Program.

All-Day Event- Snapshot Day
2024-09-12
Join us for Snapshot Day at Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library as we celebrate the vibrant life of our library community! This special day invites you to participate in capturing and documenting the everyday moments that make our library a hub of activity and creativity.
What to Expect:
· Snapshot Challenge: Help us highlight the dynamic atmosphere of the library by taking photos of library staff or fellow patrons (with their permission). Your snapshots will contribute to a special showcase celebrating the library’s role in our community.
How to Participate:
1. Snap a Photo: With permission, take photos of library moments and interactions.
2. Share Your Photos: Contribute to our library’s visual story by sharing your images with. Tag us on Facebook or email your photos to library@meridian.lib.ms.us with the subject line “Snapshot Day 2024.”
3. Complete Our Survey: Share your experience and feedback by filling out our survey. Your input helps us enhance our library services and community engagement.
Come and be a part of our Snapshot Day as we create a vibrant collage of library life!

3rd Annual Fall Festival
2024-10-09 10:00 - 15:00
Get ready for an unforgettable day of fall magic at the library’s Fall Festival on Wednesday, October 9, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM! Experience the joy of Angie Hale’s Pony Tales petting zoo and delightful pony rides, plus a lineup of thrilling games to enjoy.
Unleash your creativity and come dressed in your best costume for our all-ages costume contest at 2:30 PM—prizes await the most fabulous outfits, so bring your A-game! Prepare to be wowed by Magician Dorian LaChance, the “Magic Man,” and his whimsical “Kind of Kooky, Not Too Spooky Halloween Show,” with two spellbinding performances at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
While you’re here, don’t forget to sign up for a library card or check out some fang-tastic books! This thrilling event is completely free, so gather your family and friends for a day filled with laughter, creativity, and seasonal cheer!

Book Feast: An Author Signing Event
2024-11-26 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a literary celebration at our “Book Feast,” where the focus is on books and the authors who bring them to life! This unique event invites book lovers to meet and engage with talented writers across various genres. Enjoy a morning of inspiring conversations, book signings, and the chance to discover new favorites. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just starting your literary journey, come feast on stories and connect with the voices behind them. Bring your love of reading and get ready to be inspired!

Chess and Cocoa
2024-12-27 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a delightful afternoon of Chess and Cocoa! Perfect for all ages, this cheerful gathering invites you to challenge friends and family to exciting chess matches while sipping on warm, delicious cocoa. Whether you’re a grandmaster or a curious beginner, come share strategies and smiles in a joyful atmosphere. Bring your holiday spirit and let’s make this a morning to remember!

Chess and Cocoa
2024-12-30 11:00 - 13:00
Start your day with some festive fun at our Chess and Cocoa event! Perfect for all ages, this cheerful gathering invites you to challenge friends and family to exciting chess matches while sipping on warm, delicious cocoa. Whether you’re a grandmaster or a curious beginner, come share strategies and smiles in a joyful atmosphere. Bring your holiday spirit and let’s make this a morning to remember!

Movie Madness - Paddington 2
2025-03-10 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a heartwarming and fun-filled adventure with everyone’s favorite bear, Paddington, in Paddington 2 ((Rated PG, Runtime: 1h 43m)! During Spring Break, bring the whole family to enjoy this charming story of kindness, friendship, and adventure as Paddington embarks on a quest to find the perfect gift. With its colorful animation and delightful humor, this movie is perfect for all ages.
Popcorn and good times await—don’t miss out on this feel-good movie experience!

Pi(e) & Sew: Craft Your Own Pie Carrier
2025-03-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-14 10:00 - 12:00
Get ready for Pi Day by sewing your very own pie carrier! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn basic sewing techniques while creating a practical and cute carrier to transport your delicious pies. Whether you’re baking for Pi Day or any occasion, this project will help you bring your homemade treats safely to the table. All materials and instructions will be provided—no prior sewing experience required! Registration Required please click link to register. Sewing Pie Carrier Sign Up

Spring Shindig
2025-03-13 10:00 - 15:00
Hop into spring with us at the Library’s 4th Annual Spring Shindig! Join us on Thursday, March 13 from 10 AM – 3 PM for a day of fun-filled activities. Meet the Easter Bunny for photos and enjoy multiple Storytimes (10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM) throughout the day. Embark on an indoor scavenger hunt, get creative with spring crafts, and enjoy the adorable Angie Hales Ponytails petting zoo and pony rides. Plus, discover local resources from a variety of community organizations. Bring your whole family for a day of smiles, springtime cheer, and unforgettable memories!

Bigfoot Investigations with Mike Familant
2025-04-21 11:00 - 12:30
Join Mike Familant, lead investigator and producer of In the Shadow of Big Red Eye, as he shares his 13+ years of experience tracking down North America’s most famous cryptid—Bigfoot! From the swamps of Florida to the forests of Maine, Mike has uncovered incredible evidence and thrilling stories from his expeditions.
As part of his Bigfoot Experience: Do You Believe Tour, Mike will showcase astonishing findings, share behind-the-scenes experiences, and answer your Bigfoot questions in a live Q&A. Stick around after the talk for photos and autographs!
Don’t miss this chance to meet one of the leading figures in Bigfoot research and learn more about the mystery of Bigfoot!
Where to Find More:
· YouTube: Sussex County Bigfoot
· Facebook: In the Shadow of Big Red Eye
