Meridian Library - Orchard Park - Meridian, Idaho

Ellie

We came in today. My toddlers like this library because of the play / sensory area. Four stars just because I feel like the staff is a little cold sometimes but I also understand that it kind of echoes in there and some kids even mine aren’t exactly quiet always. So willing to look past that I really do like this library a lot!

Tiffany O.

We love this new library! The library is very kid friendly. They have a normal kids section with books and interactive learning toys. There is a sensory room to help kids chill out and feel comfortable, a science lab that is not fully open yet, and an activity room with more interactive toys for kids. We really like how accessible this library is too! We can ride here on our bikes in just a few minutes.

Carcinogated

I love coming here. The architecture for this building is beautiful, modern and unique to the other libraries in the Treasure Valley. I often come here to work on my homework and grab a few movies to go. The only thing I wish was different is to have more private study rooms versus one and then one big conference room. However, the staff is great, it is always clean and organized and it’s wonderful that they offer so many events to strengthen the community.

Lauren

Very nice and helpful staff!

Kids’ book selection: I was on the hunt for some classic board books. They seem to stock more modern children’s books.

Rebecca B.

Took my grandson to the library . He enjoys the sensory room, with water bubbler , marble wall and a little caves with removable lights. He also liked the kids play area with little boxes of toys , trucks , magnet gears , alphabet transformers. .

Bryan A.

I suppose that "times change" and I guess that also includes libraries. However, all changes are not progress -- some changes are just weird. Sigh.

My idea of a library has always been a place with lots of books, magazines, newspapers, computers, etc., where the patron can peacefully read to his or her heart's content. That's really not what I found at this new branch... I was disappointed (dare I say, startled) at the paucity of books and periodicals. Most shelves seem rather empty. 😟 Perhaps many more books will be added during the upcoming months; I can only hope so. 📚 After all, this branch is still a work in process--there will be 'growing pains'.
And that thought begs the question: when will more landscaping be done? The temporary fences and the weeds are eyesores.

Another problem seems to be the way that sounds carry in this building -- not a good result for the library atmosphere. 🤫

Meanwhile, there is plenty to celebrate with the new branch! The staff are attentive, friendly, and ready to help with any questions. The after hours pick-up access is a super idea. Most of all, it is great to have a branch close by!

Miriam W.

Pros and cons to this one. Such a fun place for the kids! Lots of educational toys, and a fun sensory room that is enjoyable for all. Ideally patrons would be considerate citizens and not leave every single bucket of toys dumped in the middle of the room like today. Although, it was a wonderful lesson in leaving places better than you found them. Unless a family comes along and cleans it up, that is just leaving it for the staff to clean, and we can do better as a society. The nursing "comfort" room is a nice touch. That all being said, it is a very loud open building. It definitely seems challenging to be quiet in, even if you aren't a child who is partially there to play in the play area. There was also extreme sparsity on the shelves. It was an absolute challenge to find any more traditional children's books, as the vast majority appear to be of the woke variety.

Haley G.

I don't know who thought concrete floors would be a good idea for a library. Sound bounces around easily and its pretty difficult to keep noise levels down. I was shocked to see so little shelving and so few books here. For such a large building I would think you could dedicate a little more space to the main draw of a library. I've been so excited to finally have a library closer to home but this one is a little disappointing.

I don't have kids so I just can't appreciate the kid directed amenities as much as the families that will use this library, there is certainly a lot that families will probably love.