New libraries considered on small budget

Friday, Oct. 15, 2004 | 9:47 a.m.

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District may have been denied a $50.6 million bond in June 2003, but they haven't given up on the idea of developing new libraries to keep up with the valley's fast-growing communities.

The district's board met with planning consultants Dubberly/Garcia Inc. Thursday night to brainstorm a plan to create new libraries on a low budget.

Without the bond, the Library District cannot afford to construct new libraries, but could utilize other options such as partnering with another organization or creating joint-use facilities.

Daniel Walters, executive director of the Library Distict, said he would like to see a joint-use facility in areas that are underserved.

Trustee Frances Sponer proposed partnering with the Clark County School District and creating libraries inside local schools that would be open to the public after school hours.

The board also proposed the idea of creating libraries inside abandoned buildings and warehouses around the valley.

"There are some empty buildings out there that are still good and not torn down but no one knows what to do with it," said board Secretary Ken Carter. "Why not make it into a library?"

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