Motorists get chance to help libraries

Wednesday, April 20, 2005 | 9:38 a.m.

Nevada drivers can help support summer reading programs and librarian education statewide by buying a new Nevada license plate that was unveiled for sale Tuesday.

The special edition license plate, which declares a love for reading, is now available to registered drivers through the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Funds raised by plate sales will support summer reading programs and educational opportunities for librarians throughout the state,

"These plates are an exciting new way for Nevada drivers to show their love for libraries," Nevada State Librarian Sara Jones said. "They will generate important revenues while serving as a consistent beacon for literacy."

The plates are available for $61 at initial registration and $25 to renew. Thirty dollars from the initial registration fee and $20 from each renewal will go to the libraries.

The plate's design features the phrase, "I (heart) 2 Read," in red text over a stack of books.

Henderson Libraries executive director Tom Fay led the effort to design the sample plate.

After choosing a design, librarians took their signatures and concept to the state Commission on Special License Plates. They also worked closely with the Department of Motor Vehicles to finalize the plate's design.

Libraries and friends of Libraries throughout the state worked to gather the signatures needed to establish this special edition plate, Jones said. Nevada law requires a minimum of 1,000 interested users before a special license plate is issued.

Library officials and volunteers stopped collecting signatures after the first 1,000 had been gathered, Jones said. However, due to word-of-mouth, supporters added another 500 signatures within days.

"We knew there would be support," Jones said.

For more information on purchased the special license plate, visit www.dmvnv.com.