For Immediate Release
Mon, 04/08/2024
CHICAGO — The Las Vegas–Clark County Library District (LVCCLD) has been selected to receive the 2024 ALA/Information Today, Inc., Library of the Future Award. The award, sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and Information Today Inc., annually recognizes innovative planning, application, or development of focused patron support relating to information technology in libraries, and is given to an individual library or library consortium, group, or support organization.
LVCCLD has been selected to receive the 2024 ALA/Information Today, Inc., Library of the Future Award based on the initiative ‘Free to Be Connected’ – which centered on incorporating three pioneering programs to directly support and impact underserved communities.
The three programs include: Free CoxWiFi Hotspot Access, an innovative American Rescue Plan investment for the LVCCLD and Cox Communications partnership – which grants free high-speed Wi-Fi to southern Nevada households on up to three internet capable devices. The initiative successfully bridged a digital divide and met the need for internet connectivity amongst low-income households. The Book Vending Machines, a DEI-forward initiative which serves bilingual speakers of the Las Vegas Hispanic communities by providing 235 English and Spanish-based books for all ages and reading levels. The book vending machines fosters an eclectic social engagement to connect with communities and inspire reading. And Hope for Prisoners Family Libraries, an enriched program created within the Hope for Prisoners HQ and The Casa Grande Transitional Housing Center to service the formerly incarcerated, and facilitate educational support for reentry into society. The educational resources include donated LVCCLD laptops, donated books from The Library of Congress, and a unique wall-sized vinyl wrap with QR codes to creatively guide participants towards free library resources, social services, and personalized advantageous opportunities.
Information Today Inc., a publishing company, is a leader in providing libraries with resources to meet knowledge management needs.
The 2024 ALA/Information Today, Inc., Library of the Future Award jury members include: U. Chinedu Amaefula, Special Collections Division Manager, Nashville Public Library, Chair; Amanda Jones, Past President of Louisiana Association of School Librarians; Victoria Blackmer, Library Director, Robert R. Jones Public Library; Susan A. Eckhardt, Public Service Manager, Midlothian Public Library; Elizabeth Philippi, Retired School Library Coordinator, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
The ALA/Information Today, Inc., Library of the Future Award will be presented to The Las Vegas–Clark County Library District during the American Library Association Annual Conference in San Diego, CA.
More information on the ALA/Information Today, Inc. Library of the Future Award and how to submit a nomination is available on the ALA website www.ala.org
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
