Wednesday, May 21, 2003 | 11:23 a.m.
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District received the 2003 Library of the Year award from the Library Journal today, a national honor given to the best library district in North America in recognizing the need to serve a growing community.
"It is quite an achievement," said Daniel Walters, executive library director. "It is a big deal."
The award comes as Southern Nevada residents prepare to vote on a proposed $50.6 million library bond.
Voters in Las Vegas and unincorporated parts of Clark County will decide the issue June 3. Early voting began May 17 and continues through May 30.
The award was presented to the local library district based on its five-year plan to meet the needs of Southern Nevada after a comprehensive public survey.
Not only do Las Vegas Valley library patrons want more books, the survey said, they crave current copies of popular magazines, more ethnic writing, easy access to the Internet and more lifelong learning programs. They also see libraries as a community gathering spot, according to the survey.
Unlike older cities, Las Vegas has the flexibility to introduce more buildings, such as four new libraries proposed under the bond issue, Walters said.
Southern Nevada's library branches allow room for large collections, computers and children's sections, Walters said.
"It's an important statement about Las Vegas," Walters said of the award. "This is no longer just a place to vacation, it's a good place to call home."
Compared to the Kalamazoo, Mich., public library, which won the 2002 award and spends $82 per person for services, the local district spends under $30 per person, Walters said.
Still, services such as computer classes for seniors, English as a second language and outreach services have increased in Clark County, Walters said.
The number of items checked out of local libraries is expected to top 8 million by the end of fiscal year 2003, a 63 percent increase in three years, Walters said.
Opponents of the bond say this is no time to raise property taxes, even for libraries.
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