From the Executive Director
Greetings:
This is an exciting time of transformation and change for libraries and the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is leading the way. As the recipient of three consecutive ALA Library of the Future Awards in 2022, 2023 & 2024 (the first library system to ever accomplish this), we are rethinking the use of our buildings, forging innovative community partnerships, and educating the public about the wonderful world of discovery that they will find every day within our buildings and on our website.
For children and young people who currently use our ever-evolving spaces and digital services, the word “library” already means something fundamentally different than it did just a decade ago. We continue to be fierce advocates for literacy and free access to information, but the digital revolution has allowed us to reimagine how we deliver these services.
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Beyond books, our libraries have become centers for technology and hands-on learning; arts, culture, and live performances; job training and economic empowerment; as well as community gathering spaces for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
But our work is just getting started. There is so much more that we must do to tackle literacy deficits among our children, and to educate, entertain, inspire, and uplift Clark County residents of all ages. We must find new and innovative funding streams to build new libraries and support our local educational system as Las Vegas grows exponentially. We must continue to forge public and private partnerships that will bring innovative programs to build a strong workforce for the future of our city. We must advocate every day for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and intellectual freedom for the communities that we serve.
We must also enlighten local residents who may not think the library is for them or who may have never experienced a library before. Our Free To Be public education campaign illustrates the range of free programs, services and materials that we offer, along with the sense of community that one can find through our doors and on our website. Learn more at TheLibraryDistrict.org/Free-to-be.
This is what I believe: that libraries should provide leadership and invest in new approaches to solving our literacy crisis; that we must use the miracle of technology to expand our free library services beyond our walls and into the communities where the need is greatest; that we must serve and welcome all, especially the voiceless and underserved. I also believe that the library can help anyone achieve their dreams, regardless of their starting point.
Through this work, in just three years, I have seen that the Library District can be the solution to many of our city’s challenges. But to do this, we must grow. We would be honored if you would join us.
Sincerely,
Kelvin Watson
Executive Director
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
“There is so much more
we must do to tackle literacy
deficits among our children ...”
2024 LIBRARY DISTRICT LITERACY IMPACT
2024 LIBRARY DISTRICT LITERACY IMPACT
Programs that Make a Difference
Programs that Make a Difference
Motivates kids and teens to participate in fun, free reading and activity programs that prevent the loss of school skills, known as "summer slide."
- 15,415 Summer Challenge registrations
- up 57% over 2023
- 130,582 Completed activities
- up 31% over 2023
- 3M minutes read
- up 26% over 2023
Recruits and trains barbers on how to mentor boys of color in at-risk neighborhoods; targets ages 4 through 12, a group that skews toward low reading levels.
Meets federal training standards for anyone 16 years or older to increase their skills and expand employment opportunities.
- 1,500 Students are served annually
- 53% Advancement rate to next level classes
- 72% Completion of class series
- 80: Average hours of instruction hours per student
THE LIBRARY IS ...
THE LIBRARY IS ...
A place of refuge, for children who endure a challenging home life, or adults who seek job skills, community connections, and friendship.
A place of acceptance, for those of any age who may be viewed as “different” by mainstream society.
A place of inspiration, arts & culture, where local residents can enjoy original works from local artists and performers, all for free.
A place of free access to information and a gateway to the world, for those striving to learn and understand the complex times in which we live.
A place of hands-on access to technology, where anyone can learn 3D printing, robotics, coding, DJing, music and sound production, video editing, and so much more.
OUR MISSION
The talented and dedicated staff of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is committed to nurturing and elevating the lives of diverse individuals and groups, supporting their aspirations.
OUR VISION
Every day, through excellent customer service, we dedicate ourselves to providing connectivity, creativity, empowerment, personal discovery, and a sense of fun for the diverse communities that we serve.
OUR VALUES
Education We learn and teach every day.
Excellence We exceed expectations.
Freedom We defend the right to read and to know. We are free and open to all. Our customers are free to pursue their homes and dreams, and it is our job to help them.
Diversity We respect and serve all. We find strength in celebrating our differences.
Innovation We dream big. Anything is possible.
Community We work with our community partners to improve lives.
Passion We love what we do. We look for opportunities to make a difference every day
UNLOCKING A WORLD OF DISCOVERY
UNLOCKING A WORLD OF DISCOVERY
Imagine finding all of these educational possibilities under one roof, and all FREE to the public? These are just a few of the experiences and services that you will find though our library doors and on our website. At the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, we think differently about what we can achieve by combining the library’s resources with other public entities and community organizations.
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
– Albert Einstein
Free Access to
Art Gallery Exhibits
Live Performances of Music, Dance & Theater
Adult Learning Program
ESL Classes
EmployNV Career Hubs
DJ Lessons
Take & Make Activity Kits
Facility Rentals
3D Printers
Teen Tech Labs
Music & Video Production Studio & Equipment
Robotics Lab
Teen Sewing Classes
Makerspaces
STEAM Workshops
Homework Help
Storytimes
Book Clubs
Stream & Download
eBooks, Audiobooks & Comics
Magazines & Newspapers
TV & Movies
Music
Learning Resources such as LinkedIn Learning, Creativebug, IXL.com & Rosetta Stone
Access & Borrow
Books & Graphic Novels
Magazines
CDs & DVDs
Online Resources
Ancestry (in-branch only)
Museum & Park Passes
Toy Lending
iPads & Laptops
WiFi Hotspots
“The tech center and library are lifelines for teens, bridging the tech divide and unlocking a world of possibilities. These vibrant spaces nurture positive mentorship, guiding teens towards diverse career paths and dreams they might never have imagined. By evolving with the ever-changing world and community, The Library District continues to inspire hope and growth for everyone, and I get to see it every day with our teens.”
– Megan Nykodym, Library District Staff Member
THE NEED CONTINUES TO GROW
THE NEED CONTINUES TO GROW
There is no cost effective equivalent role to the modern public library in our communities.
With your support, we can expand our critically needed services, such as early childhood learning, teen tech training and job skills, adult literacy and career support, and tutoring for all ages.
WEST LAS VEGAS LIBRARY GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
WEST LAS VEGAS LIBRARY GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s investment in the Historic Westside dates back to 1973, when the neighborhood’s first public library opened on “D” Street. We expanded to the West Lake Mead branch in 1989, and are proud to present the new West Las Vegas Library on North MLK Drive. This 21st Century library offers an impressive range of recognition opportunities, from building exteriors to donor walls to specific programs, services and featured spaces that can be named for individual donors or companies.
Naming a space within the Library District creates a lasting legacy, allowing you to weave your personal story or expressions of gratitude into the very fabric of our institution. There is no better way to honor a person who loved and believed in the power of libraries in our society.
For more information, please contact:
Kelvin Watson
Executive Director
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
702.507.6184
Kelvin.Watson@TheLibraryDistrict.org
Programming & Services
Naming opportunities also include program sponsorships:
Children's programs include arts and crafts, STEAM learning, storytimes, musical presentations, and more. Innovative events, classes, and workshops are always in development, designed to instill a love of reading and a desire to learn.
Teens gather after school, and all summer long, in our fun, educational Teen Zones, featuring podcasting, video games, theatrical presentations, writing and other creative workshops.
Adults benefit from lifelong learning, resume writing and job skills, English language classes, cultural events, book discussion groups, and a sense of community.
Examples
- Adult Learning Program
- Book Stacks
- Business Centers
- Charging Stations
- Digital Memory Preservation Labs
- District Annual Promotions and Events (Summer Challenge, Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival, Summerlin Library Outdoor Fall Festival, etc.)
- Homework Help/Tutoring
- Library of Things
- Quiet/Sound Proof Pods
- Storytimes
By donating directly to the West Las Vegas Library, your contributions will be dedicated solely to programs like these.
"The library has impacted my life by giving me a peaceful place and environment to make music, listen to music, and write music. Also, you can learn new skills and techniques in the studio. The mentors here are so supportive."
– Lamiyah, Library Customer
West Las Vegas Library - Floor 1
West Las Vegas Library - Floor 1
Spaces
Building Name
Multipurpose Room
Courtyard
Classroom
Storytime Room
Innovation Lab
Teen Zone
Digital Memory Preservation Lab (DMPL)
Computer Lab – Youth
Book Store
Meeting Room
Study Room #1
Study Room #2
Study Room #3
Study Booth #1
Study Booth #2
West Las Vegas Library - Floor 2
West Las Vegas Library - Floor 2
Spaces
Outdoor Terrace
Conference Room
Computer Lab – Adult
Tech Area
Quiet Room
Business Center
Study Room #4
Study Booth #3
Program Types
Early Literacy Kits
Annual Signature Program
Take & Make Kits
Adult Learning Program