Meridian and Lauderdale County families and children are invited to a day of fun as the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library hosts its annual Spring Shindig on March 13.

 

The yearly event, which is set to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature a variety of activities and events as well as opportunities to learn more about resources at both the library and in the community. On the schedule are scavenger hunts, story time, a petting zoo and pony rides, crafts and more.

 

“It’s just a day packed with family fun and community connections,” Program Coordinator Elizabeth Jolly said.

 

This year the Library has also included local organization in the Spring Shindig, Jolly said, and residents will have an opportunity to learn about community resources from The Mississippi State University Extension Service, Wesley House, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, AccentCare, Child Protective Services and Canopy Children’s Solutions, among others.

 

Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library offers more than books, and those attending the Spring Shindig will have an opportunity to learn more, Jolly said. A newer addition, she said, is the library’s pair of 3D printers, which will hopefully be available for residents later on.

 

“We’re excited to offer that as a service in the future,” she said.

 

The Spring Shindig is also a good opportunity for residents to apply for a library card if they don’t already have one. Jolly said library cards are available to those 6-years and older, with parents or guardians also needing library cards for them to be issued to children.

 

To get a card, residents will need to show identification showing they are Meridian or Lauderdale County residents or, if their identification shows a different address, proof of residency such as a utility bill.

 

Livewell 414

 

With Women’s History Month being observed in March, Meridian-Lauderdale County Pubic Library has also partnered with Livewell 414, a local nonprofit organization, to collect donations of feminine hygiene products, Jolly said.

 

A donation box is available in the library for residents to drop off pads, tampons, wipes, underwear and other hygiene products. Donations will be accepted throughout the month and used to make hygiene kits for local shelters, charities and other community services where they can be distributed to those in need.

 

Donations can also be dropped off at First Mississippi Federal Credit Union.

 

Upcoming events

 

While the Spring Shindig is the library’s largest spring event, there are plenty of other activities scheduled for both adults and children to enjoy, Jolly said.

 

Adults are invited on March 3 to learn about planning for the future from Webb Stevens Funeral Home, Jolly said. While it’s not an encouraging topic, it is important information for residents to help them make clear decisions.

 

On March 10, everyone is invited to the library for a movie day beginning at 2 p.m. On the big screen will be “Paddington 2,” Jolly said, which will help residents refresh their memories of the film as the next installment “Paddington in Peru” is currently in theaters.

 

On March 11 and 14, the library will hold basic sewing classes for people in the community to come learn how to sew.

 

With eight newly purchased sewing machines, the library has eight slots for each class open for those 13-years and older to sign up, Jolly said. An inaugural sewing class held last year with borrowed sewing machines had a good turnout, she said, and both classes are expected to fill up quickly.

 

March 14 is Pi Day, a play on the numbers in the mathematical constant, 3.14, and sewing classes will celebrate that by learning to sew pie carriers, Jolly said.

 

Lastly, on April 21, the library will play host to Bigfoot researcher Mike Familant, who will discuss his research and experience hunting for the legendary creature. The program, which is free and open to the public, is set to begin at 11 a.m.