Las Vegas Public Library

9-to-5 News

“The new centers will help Kentuckians who do not have access to computers and broadband service to use 21st century technology to access training, jobs and economic opportunities,” Gov. Steve Beshear said in a news release. “Our local public libraries have become an important community access point for people to search for jobs, write resumes and learn computer skills. These centers will provide a direct link to help for people in areas with high unemployment levels.” The centers are made possible by a $1.3 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant provided through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The project is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. The top 300 teams will be narrowed to 48 crews this month. Those 48 drive-ins then compete in competitive quiz events called Traveling Knowledge Bowls to determine the final 12 drive-ins. The final 12 teams receive all-expense-paid VIP trips to the National Finals in Las Vegas on Sept. 11-12. Days later, Sonic’s top executives will honor the winners at Sonic’s National Convention in Las Vegas in front of more than 3,000 franchisees, managers and employees. Greenview Regional Hospital’s parent company, HCA, announced this week that for a third consecutive year, the company has earned national recognition as one of the best workplaces in the United States for information technology professionals. The company ranked No. 32 on Computerworld’s 2011 “Best Places to Work in IT” list of 100 companies, moving up from its No. 42 rank in 2010. “We are very pleased for HCA to be named to this distinguished list for three consecutive years,” said Noel Williams, senior vice president and chief information officer for HCA. “Although it is the IT organization that is named among Computerworld’s 100 Best Places to Work, this honor is very much a reflection of HCA’s company culture. We are fortunate to have a truly great place to work, not only for information technology professionals but for all our employees.” In addition to HCA’s Healthy Work Environment initiative, Computerworld cited the company’s diverse development opportunities as offering significant value to IT professionals. More than 1,500 courses are offered across a variety of learning platforms to support their professional development through addressing individual employees’ skills, strengths and aspirations.

Your Guide to Las Vegas Libraries « Gently Hew Stone

Some notes on the local libraries with which I’m most familiar:

Centennial Hills Library

Abstract:  At just a few months old, Las Vegas’s newest library is gorgeous, and conveniently located across from the YMCA by Durango and the 215. 

Highlights: Though it has (understandably, for a new library) a small collection, CHL has a terrific section for short story anthologies.  The children’s section is huge, and the study/meeting areas in the back are built to accommodate large groups. 

Lowlights: Besides the small collection (it’s surprising how much is missing from what I assume is a standard core collection–how can you not have a copy of The Brothers Karamazov on the shelf?), the rooms in the back offer little privacy for studying.  My oldest daughter hated how the floor plan puts every section in a single open area, like a warehouse.  I can’t understand why the videos are set up face-out, on a frame that looks built for magazines; isn’t it intuitive to line up videos spine-out, like books? 

Clark County Library

Abstract: CCL is by far the biggest public library in the valley, and is almost right across the street from UNLV.  Its sprawling collection is a joy to browse: this is where you really get to experience that thrill of looking for a book and seeing a dozen similar titles that you’d never known about right next to it.  This library offers you your best chance of finding really old books, as well. 

Highlights: They have the largest sections for short stories and genre fiction that I’ve seen.  The attached performing arts theater puts on some of the city’s most interesting productions. 

Lowlights: They have a surprisingly small children’s section, as well as small collections of videos and music.  However, their audio book collection is excellent, and they have the best stockpile of foreign films in the city. 

Las Vegas Library

Abstract: This wonderful facility is the city’s central library location, nestled in a lot that includes the Lied Children’s Museum, the Old Mormon Fort, and the Reed Whipple Performing Arts Center, great attractions all, and sits across the street from Cashman Field. 

Highlights: The best children’s section in town, no contest.  I’ve gotten use out of their collection of foreign language materials for young people, too.  Also, the best periodical collection.