-(10).png)
city of stories 2025: rooted in stories
City of Stories is a fundraiser supporting the Meridian Library District and celebrating the powerful role libraries play in our lives. This year’s theme, Rooted in Stories, honors how stories take root in our communities—nurturing connection, growth, and a sense of belonging. Like plants, stories need care, space to grow, and strong roots—and for many, the Meridian Library is that nurturing place.
Join us for an evening of storytelling, food, and creative bouquet making in book-shaped vases as we celebrate how libraries keep us rooted in community.
City of Stories is a hybrid celebration featuring a ticketed storytelling event on Thursday, September 25 at the historic Tolleth House & Garden in Downtown Meridian, and an online auction running September 22–27. Proceeds will support the launch of MOBI (Mobile Outreach Bus of Ideas)—a Sprinter van transformed into a mobile library that will bring a variety of programs directly to the community at parks, schools, senior centers, and more.
Additionally, the Meridian Library District will offer Rooted in Stories–themed programming throughout the week to celebrate how libraries help us grow, connect, and thrive.
Celebrate stories. Grow community. Support library access for all.
🎟️ Your ticket includes food, drinks, storytelling, and all materials for the bouquet-making activity.
🌸 Customize your experience! Preselect your book vase when you purchase—limited quantities available.
🌼 Early Bird Special: Reserve your ticket by August 15th and be entered to win a garden-themed gift basket valued at $100!
-(5).png)
Date & Location
City of Stories: Rooted in Stories
Thursday, September 25th from 6:00-8:30pm
Historic Tolleth Home & Garden
134 E. State Avenue, Meridian, 83642
Online Auction
Monday, Sept 22nd (8am) - Saturday, Sept 27th (8pm)
YourCharityAuction.com/SupportMLD*
*link coming soon - online auction site is optimized for desktop viewing
Sponsorships & Advertisements
We’re looking for local businesses and community members who believe in the power of stories and the importance of library access to help sponsor this year’s City of Stories event. Your support will not only help bring this meaningful celebration to life—it will directly fund outreach efforts that keep our community connected, curious, and growing. Sponsorships include recognition in event materials and the opportunity to show your commitment to education, equity, and community impact. Join us in making a difference!
Storytellers
Meet our Featured Storytellers
BOB KUSTRA
Host of Reader’s Corner (Boise State Public Radio), Idaho Statesman columnist, former BSU president, and former Illinois lieutenant governor
LAURA KNUTSON
Meridian Library District Trustee & Library Coordinator, West Ada School District
VICKY BROWN
Retired Simplot employee with a 30+ year career, beginning in the company’s staff library
HANS BRUIJN
President of the Meridian Dairy Board, and Premium Office Coordinator for the Western Idaho Fair
Plus, guests can look for more library stories in our event book from the Idaho Botanical Garden, Idaho Hispanic Foundation, Edwards Greenhouse, Ballet Idaho, Meridian City Council members, Idaho Nonprofit Center, Hidden Gem Events at the Historic Tolleth Home, Women & Children’s Alliance, and more!
"City of Stories" Celebration
Date: Thursday, September 25th from 6 - 8:30pm
Location: Historic Tolleth Home & Garden located at 134 E. State Avenue in Downtown Meridian
6:00-7:00pm - Happy Hour
Enjoy garden-themed food and drinks, explore the new MOBI bus up close, try mini creative activities from our MOBI class kits, browse the Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop, and more as you tour the historic Tolleth Home & Garden.
7:00-8:30pm - "City of Stories" Main Stage
Enjoy stories from our featured storytellers, then create a bouquet to take home in a unique book-shaped vase.
8:30pm - Afterparty
Continue to enjoy our treats and mingle with our featured storytellers & Foundation Board
Online Auction
Help our story grow—donate to our online auction!
We’re looking for unique items, gift cards, experiences, and garden-themed goodies to feature in the City of Stories auction. Your tax-deductible donation supports library programs and outreach across Meridian! If you have an item you'd like to donate, please email us at foundation@supportmld.org.
We're hoping to receive all donations by September 5.
Thank you to the following businesses for donating items for our auction: Boise Philharmonic, Elements Massage, Ballet Idaho, Bitner Vineyards, Clayfully Me, Coiled Wines, ERJ Design, Gourmet Gift Baskets, Mom the Potter, Out of Print, Salon Apothecary, Snake River Quail Forever, Sourdough Bob, Symms Fruit Orchard, Two Hoots Lavender, Warhawk Air Museum, Wildflower Boutique, Amano, Wild Root, and more!
Sign up for your bidder account today to receive an email notification when the auction goes live!
Meridian Library "Rooted" Programming
The Meridian Library District will feature complementary Rooted in Stories–themed programming all week long as part of City of Stories. Check back soon for a full schedule of events, including locations and times!
Are you interested in sponsoring this event? Please contact foundation@mld.org for information on sponsorship opportunities!
MERIDIAN LIBRARY FOUNDATION
© Copyright 2025 Meridian Library District Foundation, Inc.