When I was a kid, I remember the library being a place to check out books and maybe do the occasional microfiche research. And that was pretty much all we used it for. But these days, your Las Vegas library has way more to offer. And I guarantee a lot of it will surprise you.
What You Might Expect From Your Library Card
The Las Vegas Clark County Library District has 25 physical locations across the valley. All of which are unique in their specific features. But there is one thing available to all Clark County residents regardless of where they are. And that’s a ton of online services.
If you are a writer in the Las Vegas area, the library district has a lot of resources to help you grow. They offer online writing workshops, free digital magazines, and even have a way to help you get your book published.
And readers in Las Vegas don’t have to go to their local library anymore. They still can, of course, if they prefer the old school way of actually holding the book they’re reading. But the library district offers a lot of audiobooks online as well. And since you can browse titles by subject on their website, finding a book is even easier than in the actual library.
Other online resources include magazines and current news updates, career assistance, and mental health support. High school and college kids can get help with SATs, ACTs, and assistance with FAFSA applications. There are even online resources for the younger kids. Including read-along eBooks and language lessons.
What You Probably Didn’t Expect To Get From Your Library Card
The library’s online resources alone are pretty impressive. But it’s the services you’ll find inside a Las Vegas Clark County library that will really have your jaw dropping. Here are a few of things you’ll find behind those doors.
1. Movies & Music Streaming
You can cancel your Netflix and Spotify accounts now. If you get a library card, you’ll have access to a huge catalog of movies, TV shows and music. All available to stream for free.
2. Toy Lending
At the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, your children don’t just have a large collection of books at their disposal, they also have toys. The LVCCLD has toy lending as part of their program. A child can check out a toy just like a book, and return it when they are done playing with it. They even have American Girl Dolls!
3. Theaters With Live Performances
All kinds of performances are happening in the library theaters. Belly Dancing, Chamber Orchestras, Jazz Vocal Ensembles, Drawing Demonstrations, Karaoke nights, and much more. There’s an event calendar you can use to search by topic so you can find exactly what you like. You can look for events that cater to babies, toddlers, adults, even families.
4. Art Galleries With Local Artists
As part of its commitment to our community, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has put a focus on the cultural arts and work of our local, national and international artists. The LVCCLD boasts 14 galleries with 80 shows per year, that offer a diverse range of artwork and programs that visually and conceptually engage the public.
5. Podcasting Studio
Have you wanted to start a podcast or Voice Over venture but don’t know what equipment to start with? Maybe you just have one project to do that doesn’t warrant spending all that money on a home studio. Well, the library is your answer. Select branches have podcasting equipment available for all your recording needs.
6. DJ Classes
Yes! DJ Classes. I know, right? Who would have thought a resource like this was available at the library. And for free! Select branches are set up with DJ booths ready to help you hone your craft. Some have even learned how to be a DJ at the library and gone on to make money doing it. Why not you?
7. Music And Production Facilities
If you’re more interested in the music performance or production side of things, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has you covered there too. Select branches have music and production facilities available for you. Record that song you wrote. Or make a commercial for a client. The sky is the limit with the recording equipment the library has to offer.
8. Computer Labs For All Ages
The library has computers you can use on-site, with a wide range of resources available for you. You can use word-processing software, access the internet, and peruse online resources like newspaper and encyclopedias. All available, free of charge, for anyone who holds a library card.
9. Free Wifi & Hotspots That You Can Take Home
Here’s another thing that might surprise you. Need Wi-Fi? Maybe you’re between houses or service plans? Whatever the reason you need it, the library has it. You can check out a personal hotspot device just like a book, and return it when you’re done. And it’s free when you get a library card. Yes, really.
There you go. All this and more is available with your Las Vegas-Clark County Library District library card. The LVCCLD has 25 branches in Southern Nevada spanning 8,000 square miles, and a collection of 3.2 million items. It’s the largest library district in the valley, so there’s definitely a branch near you. The Las Vegas Clark County Library District has something for everyone, ages 0-100! In-person and online resources are all just a click away.
LVCCLD Executive Director, Kelvin Watson, recently called into our Public Affairs show to talk about the #GetCarded challenge, and other exciting things happening right now at the LVCCLD. Check out the interview:
#GetCarded today at your local branch, or online at lvccld.org.
