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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I...

access my account?

To access your account, log into the catalog using your 14-digit library card number and PIN number (typically the last 4 digits of your phone number).

From here you can see all of the items currently checked out on your card, renew items, see and place items on hold, as well as update your personal information. 

donate to the library?

See our Support page for more information on donating money or materials to the library.

find something to read?

We love helping connect readers with great books!

Sign up for newsletters to find out about new books at the library. Or, fill out a Reading Recommendations form and we will match you with 3 titles we think you'll enjoy. We're always happy to talk about books in person or on the phone, too.

get a document notarized?

We provide free notary services at Cherry Lane and Silverstone.

Legal documents may require a Notary's services to be an impartial third party. Notaries may not be on staff during open hours.

Please call Cherry Lane at 208.888.4451 or Silverstone at 208.884.2616 to verify Notary availability. Photo identification is required. Documents are only valid if signed in front of the Notary.

get a library card?

Bring in a picture ID (driver's license, school ID, passport) and proof of your current address (updated driver's license, utility bill, tenant lease agreement, etc.) to any library location. 

You may also register for a library card through the catalog. Registrations made through the catalog are temporary; please visit a library within 30 days to complete your registration by presenting photo ID and proof of residence.

Those who live within the boundaries of the Ada Community, Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, Garden City, Meridian, or Nampa libraries may obtain their home library cards at a Meridian Library location.

If you reside outside of the Meridian Library's district you may obtain a non-resident card.

For more informationn, see our Lending Policy. 

get technology help?

Our staff and volunteers are available throughout the week to give you individualized help with questions you may have regarding technology and any of the library's resources. Request a personalized tech help session on our Computer Help page, or call us at 208.888.4451. 

Some of our favorite topics to help with are:

  • Mac and Windows computer help
  • Tablets and smartphones
  • Setting up email and other accounts
  • Research and writing papers
  • Resumes and cover letters
  • Using the library's digital services, such as eBooks and eAudiobooks
pay a fine?

We partner with the Meridian Foodbank, and allow some late fees to be waived with non-perishable food donations. Please contact the library to see if your late fee qualifies. 

See our Service Charges and Fines policy for details about the fee schedule for late items. Cherry Lane and Silverstone accept cash, check, or credit/debit card payments; unBound accepts credit/debit card payments. Visit the library, or call 208.888.4451 to pay over the phone with a card.

The Bookmobile is unable to accept payments, but we can waive fines in exchange for non-perishable food donations at any Bookmobile stop.

print and fax?

PCs

Public computers are free to use at Cherry Lane, Silverstone, and unBound. Software includes internet browsers and Microsoft Office 2013. 

Laptops available for in-house use at Cherry Lane.

Edit images, video, and audio with specialty software at unBound.

Access a free Minecraft server at Silverstone.

Print, Copy, Scan

Cherry Lane, Silverstone, and unBound offer printing and copying in color ($.25 per page) and black and white (3 free prints daily + $.10 per page). We offer free scanning at these locations, too. Print posters and banners on a large format printer at unBound ($1 per square foot). Print an object with our 3D printers ($.05 per gram) at Silverstone and unBound.

Fax

Free faxing services are available at Cherry Lane and Silverstone.

receive library materials at home?

Any Meridian resident who is not able to come to the library can receive homebound services. You can also receive homebound services if you are only temporarily unable to come to the library (for example, if you are on bedrest).

Please fill out an application for homebound services.

request classroom assistance?

Our librarians are here to help provide supplemental resources and instruction to classroom teachers in the West Ada School District.

  • Assignment Assistance: Let us help you gather resources for an upcoming lesson or assignment.
     
  • Request a Science and Technology kit to use in your classroom.
     
  • Not finding materials you need for a future lesson? Fill out a purchase request form and we will try to add the items to our collection.
     
  • Want to take a field trip to the library? Fill out a library tour request.
     
  • Let us bring the library to you. We're happy to come to your classroom and provide storytimes, book talks, share new technologies, help with research, and more!
     
  • We love storytimes. Librarians are available to share stories and activities in your preschool or kindergarten class, and share tips and best practices for developing early literacy.
     
  • Find articles to use in your lessons. Our research tools cover a variety of subjects for you and your students.
request materials?

See the Take It Home page for information on the variety of ways you can request books (and so much more).

request a test proctor?

We offer free proctoring services. Students enrolled in online or distance-learning classes can request a proctor to administer exams at Cherry Lane. 

Please fill out this entire form, and be sure to click Submit before leaving the page. Our staff will contact you to confirm your appointment after your request is received.

We offering test proctoring at the following times:

M, T, Th: 9 am - 7 pm

W, F: 9 am - 5 pm

Sat: 10 am - 4 pm

When you arrive for your proctor appointment you must have photo identification with you.

Outside electronic devices are prohibited as well as any items prohibited by your institution.

We will provide a laptop for online testing.

reserve a room?

There are two ways to reserve a room.
You may either select a date and time, and see which rooms are available. Or you may select a room and see available dates and times.

Note: Rooms can only be reserved up to 90 days in advance.

See our meeting room policy for more details.