Urban Libraries Council Grant Support Civic Makers Lab Series at West Las Vegas Library
LAS VEGAS (August 10, 2026) – The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has partnered with NAACP Las Vegas to launch a civic engagement series for young adults at West Las Vegas Library. The program is funded thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC).
The series will kick off Sept. 10 with "The System: Intro to the Movement “ This interactive workshop will introduce young adults to the fundamentals of civic engagement and government through the lens of the Civil Rights Movement and encourage their participation. Participants will explore how local, state, and federal systems shape communities and examine how civil rights leaders strategically used those systems to drive change.
The ULC’s Civic Makers Lab program equips librarians to serve as civic learning facilitators and empowers young adults ages 18-24 to be active contributors to their communities. The Library District was one of 10 libraries nationwide to receive the ULC grant.
“Through hands-on activities, group discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises focused on landmark moments such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Little Rock Nine, attendees will learn practical civic leadership skills and identify ways to create positive change in their own communities,” said NAACP Las Vegas President Quentin Savwoir, who is facilitating the series.
The session also encourages participants to connect historical lessons to current issues, develop civic action plans, and build confidence in engaging with public institutions. Attendance is FREE but seating may be limited. To learn more and RSVP, visit the event listing for The System: Intro to the Movement. Additional courses in the series at West Las Vegas Library will be announced in the coming months and listed in the Library District events calendar.
“Through this generous grant and our partnership with the NAACP, we are creating opportunities for young adults to develop the skills needed to strengthen their communities,” said Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Executive Director Kelvin Watson. “Libraries have always been places where people come to learn, explore ideas, and better understand the world around them. This program reflects the Library District's commitment to empowering informed, engaged residents and helping build the next generation of community leaders.”
It’s more important than ever for young leaders to see libraries as safe, inclusive spaces where they can dream, explore, and ask questions, said Brooks Rainwater, President & CEO of the Urban Libraries Council. “At a moment when civic education is often politicized, or nonexistent, libraries can play a defining role in strengthening civic health through hands-on, real-world learning.”
About Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
The award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is an independent taxing entity that serves a diverse community across 8,000 square miles. Through its 25 branches and website, the Library District offers a collection of 2.8 million items, including books, movies, music (including streaming and downloadable), online resources, and free programs for all ages. The Library District is a vibrant and vital member of the community offering limitless learning; business and career advancement; government and social services support; and best of all, a place where customers find a sense of culture and community. For more information, and to support Library District programs, visit TheLibraryDistrict.org.
About NAACP Las Vegas Branch
Founded in 1928, the NAACP Las Vegas Branch is a civil rights organization rooted in legacy, service, advocacy, and community power. We organize members, committees, partners, and volunteers to advance justice and opportunity across Las Vegas.
About Urban Libraries Council
The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and action tank of North America's leading public library systems. We drive cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships to elevate the power of libraries as essential, transformative institutions for the 21st century. We identify significant challenges facing today's communities and develop new tools and techniques to help libraries achieve stronger outcomes in education, workforce and economic development, digital equity and race and social equity.
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