Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library

Mississippi Blood Services Blood Drive at the Library
2026-06-23 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for a blood drive hosted by Mississippi Blood Services on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM in the library’s west parking lot.
The Mississippi Blood Services bloodmobile will be on site accepting donations, and Fizz & Sips will be set up nearby.
Every donation has the potential to help patients across Mississippi who rely on lifesaving blood products. Eligible donors will receive a $10 Visa gift card from Mississippi Blood Services as a thank-you for donating.
Appointments are encouraged. Use Blood Drive Code: 4540 or scan the QR code on the event flyer to schedule your donation.
Thank you for helping support this lifesaving community effort. We hope to see you there! ❤️🩸

From Mississippi to the Marvel Universe: John Jennings at the Library
2026-06-23 13:00 - 14:00
The Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library is proud to collaborate with Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) to welcome award-winning artist, author, illustrator, and scholar John Jennings on Tuesday, June 23, at 1:00 PM.
Known for his groundbreaking work in comics, graphic novels, Afrofuturism, and speculative fiction, Jennings has collaborated with major publishers including Marvel Comics and is the creator of numerous acclaimed works exploring history, folklore, culture, and imagination.
His visit coincides with The MAX’s new exhibition, John Jennings: Build Your World, which showcases original artwork and stories inspired by Mississippi’s landscapes, traditions, and history. During this special presentation, Jennings will discuss creativity, world-building, storytelling, comics, and the ways artists transform ideas into immersive experiences.
Students in 4th grade through college age are invited to join us for this unique opportunity to meet one of today’s leading graphic storytellers and learn how imagination can help shape the future.
Admission is free. No registration required.

All Ages: Chess Club
2026-06-23 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-06-30 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-07-07 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-07-14 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-07-21 14:30 - 16:30
Think ahead. Make your move. Unearth your strategy this summer at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library!
Join us for Chess Club every Tuesday during June and July from 2:30 PM–4:30 PM as part of our Summer Reading 2026 theme: Unearth a Story.
Whether you’re brand new to chess or already a skilled strategist, players of all experience levels are welcome. Come learn the basics, sharpen your skills, challenge friends, and enjoy an afternoon of prehistoric-themed fun and friendly competition at the library.

Live in Concert: Rupert Wates at the Library
2026-06-23 15:00 - 16:30
Join us at Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library for an afternoon of live acoustic music with award-winning singer-songwriter Rupert Wates.
Known for thoughtful lyrics, engaging storytelling, and talented guitar playing, Rupert blends folk-inspired music with touches of jazz and classical influence to create a warm and memorable concert experience.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
3:00 PM
2517 7th Street, Meridian, MS 39301
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of live music at the library!

6th-12th Grades: Unearthed Engineering with Lockheed Martin
2026-06-25 15:30 - 16:30
Join us for a special STEM program exploring how design and structure are used in engineering. A representative from Lockheed Martin will share information about aerospace careers and discuss how ideas inspired by nature can shape modern technology and innovation.

K-5th Grade: Caveman Games
2026-06-25 15:30 - 16:30
The children will travel back in time and play some “caveman games.” Who will be the last one standing?

Adults: Patriotic Wreath
2026-06-29 11:00 - 12:00
In celebration of America250, join us for a fun, hands-on craft as we create patriotic wreaths using red, white, and blue bandanas. This easy, no-sew project is perfect for adding a festive touch to your home while showing your spirit. All materials will be provided.

Summer Movie Mondays
2026-06-29 14:30 - 16:30
Free showing of the movie, Ice Age: Collision Course, part V of our Summer Movie Marathon. The movie will start at 2:30 pm.

Toddlers/Pre-K: Dinosaur Books
2026-06-30 10:00 - 11:00
The toddlers will make dinosaur books using the materials provided.

Central Mississippi Turtle Rescue
2026-07-02 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for a special educational visit from Central MS Turtle Rescue!
Learn about turtles and tortoises from around the world, discover how rescued turtles are cared for, and find out how you can help protect wildlife. Guests will have the opportunity to see live turtles and tortoises while learning about conservation, rehabilitation, and responsible pet ownership.
This engaging program is perfect for animal lovers of all ages and offers a unique chance to get up close with some amazing reptiles while learning about their habitats, behaviors, and the importance of wildlife conservation.
Free and open to all ages.
For more information, contact the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library at (601) 693-6771.

K-12th Grade: Yabba Dabba Dance Party
2026-07-02 15:00 - 17:00
The children and teens will be traveling back in time and are encouraged to dress like a character from the Flintstones. They will have a groovy time dancing and singing to songs throughout the decades.

Library Closed – Independence Day
2026-07-03 - 2026-07-05
The Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library will be closed on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026, in observance of Independence Day.
We will reopen on Monday, July 6, 2026, during our regular business hours.
We wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

Adults: Tiny Aquariums
2026-07-06 11:00 - 12:00
Dive into Shark Week with a creative crafting adventure! Design a tiny underwater world in a jar using colorful rocks, plants, fish, sharks, dinosaurs, and more. Create a realistic ocean habitat or let your imagination run wild with a prehistoric sea scene!

Toddlers/Pre-K: Dino-Mite Dance Party
2026-07-07 10:00 - 11:00
Bring your dance moves and a friend as we dance the day away to some of our favorite tunes.

All Ages: Canvas Thursday
2026-07-09 10:30 - 23:30, 2026-07-09 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-07-23 10:30 - 23:30
Join us for a freelance painting class.

All Ages: The Dinosaur Experience
2026-07-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-13 14:00 - 15:00
Get ready for an action-packed adventure as we welcome The Dinosaur Experience to the library! Meet Ranger Martin and his life-sized dinosaur friends—including the always popular Rexi—as they stomp, roar, and entertain audiences of all ages.
This high-energy, interactive show is perfect for families and dino-fans young and old. No registration required—just bring your curiosity and your cameras!
Fun, educational, and unforgettable—you won’t want to miss it!

Toddler/Pre-K: Dino-Sort
2026-07-14 10:00 - 11:00
The toddlers will work together to put their baby dinosaurs in the right dinosaur nest.

Friends of the Library Meeting
2026-07-14 15:00 - 16:30
The Friends of the Library will meet on Tuesday, July 14, at 3:00 PM in the Boardroom on the second floor of the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.
The Friends of the Library support the library through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteer efforts that help enhance library programs, services, and collections. Friends members and anyone interested in learning more about the organization are welcome to attend.

K-5th Grade: Dino Eggs
2026-07-16 15:30 - 16:30
The children will use rocks and paint to create the illusion of a dinosaur in an egg.

6th-12th Grades: Extinction Eruption
2026-07-16 15:30 - 16:30
Step back into the age of the dinosaurs and explore the science of volcanoes through fun, hands-on experiments and activities. Participants will meet on the first floor of the library in the Magazine Section.

Adults: Ice Age Ice Cream
2026-07-20 11:00 - 12:00
Travel back to the Ice Age for a cool and tasty adventure! Make your own ice cream in a bag and discover how simple ingredients, ice, and salt work together to create a delicious frozen treat.

Toddlers/Pre-K: Hatching Dinosaur Eggs
2026-07-21 10:00 - 11:00
The toddlers will use various household items to hatch dinosaur eggs.
