North Las Vegas council briefs for August 18, 2005

Thursday, Aug. 18, 2005 | 9:57 a.m.

Aliante Library gets donation

With construction continuing on the Aliante Library, KB Home has donated more than $14,000 for the North Las Vegas Library District to buy books and other materials for the facility.

Construction started in April for the $5.25 million library in the Aliante master-planned community on Deer Springs Road, east of Aliante Parkway. The 16,000 square-foot library is expected to open in early 2006.

The selection of the library in the Aliante development drew some criticism because it was picked ahead of more established neighborhoods for the city's second full-service library. Library district officials said the site was chosen in part because they were counting on donations from developers, who donated 3 acres for the library as part of a development agreement.

The library will house a reference, circulation, young adult and children's section with an outside patio where story times can be held. The library is located next to the Nature Discovery Park.

City to hold balloon festival

The North Las Vegas City Council gave its blessing Tuesday for the city to hold a balloon festival, starting in September 2006.

The city plans to hold the festival at Craig Ranch Golf Club on Sept. 22-24. North Las Vegas has outlined a budget of $236,182, but city officials said the expense can be offset by grants and sponsorships of businesses.

The event would be free to the public.

City officials said the event may ultimately include a rodeo, carnival, fireworks and car show.