Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library

3rd Annual Fall Festival
2024-10-09 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
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

“Outlining Your Novel” with Ben Guterson (virtual program)
2025-04-21 14:30 - 15:30
Join Ben Guterson, author of the Winterhouse trilogy and the New York Times bestseller The World-Famous Nine, for a virtual session on ‘Outlining Your Novel.’ Ben will share strategies for planning and outlining your novel, offering perspectives on the art of crafting effective stories. He’ll walk through several approaches to creating a manuscript roadmap. This program is open to all ages and will be held in-person and online – link in event calendar coming soon. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just curious, don’t miss out on these valuable tips and techniques!

Chess Club: Color Your World with Chess
2025-05-27 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-06-03 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-06-10 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-06-17 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-06-24 14:30 - 16:30
Join us this summer for a multi-generational chess experience where strategy and imagination come to life! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, all skill levels are welcome to explore the colorful world of chess. Bring your family and friends and discover the fun of friendly competition as we checkmate our way through the summer!

SRP Kickoff Event
2025-05-28 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-05-28 14:00 - 15:30
Join us as Magician Dorian helps us “Color Our World,” as we begin our journey of reading through this year’s Summer Reading Program.

A Modern Pop Art Experience with Michael Albert
2025-06-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-02 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a vibrant and hands-on art experience with acclaimed modern pop artist Michael Albert! Known for his colorful collages made from recycled materials, Michael brings his creative energy to the library for a two-hour program that’s perfect for families and art lovers of all ages.
Each session begins with a short, engaging talk by Michael about his work, inspiration, and the world of modern pop art. Then, roll up your sleeves and dive into creating your own one-of-a-kind artwork using cereal boxes, scissors, glue, and imagination!
Create your own pop art collage Hear directly from the artist A fun, family-friendly experience

Storytime at Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian
2025-06-04 10:00 - 11:00
Join us as we help celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the historic Key Brother’s flight which departed Key Field in Meridian on June 4, 1935 and landed July 1, 1935.

Movie Monday - Happy Feet
2025-06-09 14:30 - 16:30
Join us for a free movie showing of “Happy Feet.”

Crafts with Dad
2025-06-11 08:30 - 17:30
The children are encouraged to come make a craft for the father-figure in their life.

Reading at the Lake - Rustic Renewal Riding
2025-06-13 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Children’s Librarians at Bonita Lakes Park as we partner with Rustic Renewal Riding, who will show a new twist to learning using the help of a pony. Please remember to wear sunscreen and a hat. We will be located by the first playground to the left when you enter Bonita Lakes Park.

Movie Monday - Kung Fu Panda
2025-06-16 14:30 - 16:30
Join us for a free movie showing of “Kung Fu Panda”.

Bulldog Book Bash
2025-06-18 14:30 - 16:00
An Afternoon with MSU Athletes: Rally your reading spirit and join us for a fun afternoon with a few Mississippi State University athletes! We’re celebrating Summer Reading with a colorful event full of books, Bulldog spirit, and community fun. Meet the athletes, take pictures, enjoy a story time, ask questions, create DIY spirit gear, and check out our other activity stations. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Reading by Children’s Author Brenda Cole-Averett
2025-06-20 11:00 - 12:30
Come and join us for a special reading of Children’s Author Brenda Cole-Averett’s book, “Bright Eyes, Big Dreams”.

Movie Monday - Sing
2025-06-23 14:30 - 16:30
Join us for a free movie showing of “Sing.”

Coloring Our World with Safety: A DUI Prevention Workshop
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:30
Join us for Coloring Our World with Safety: A DUI Prevention Workshop, hosted by the Mississippi DUI Prevention Initiative at the library! This engaging session will feature an informative PowerPoint presentation along with a hands-on DUI simulation mat—giving participants a realistic perspective on impairment and its dangers. Don’t miss this eye-opening opportunity to learn and raise awareness about safe driving!

Reading at the Lake
2025-06-27 11:00 - 12:30
Join the Children’s Librarians at Bonita Lakes Park as we read stories, make new friends, and enjoy some sunshine. We will be located by the first playground to the left when you enter Bonita Lakes Park.

Movie Monday - Rio
2025-06-30 14:30 - 16:30
Join us for a free movie showing of “Rio.
