Join the Library District’s Kelvin Watson & 100 Black Men Las Vegas for Summer Reading Series

BY KELVIN WATSON | Executive Director, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

Featuring the award-winning novel “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, the series will include discussions and free screenings of the film adaptation.

Kelvin Watson

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has teamed up with 100 Black Men Las Vegas (100 BMLV) for a summer reading series featuring the award-winning, New York Times Best-Selling novel The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Library District Executive Director Kelvin Watson will kick off the series with an introductory discussion on June 15 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Sahara West Library, which will include light refreshments. The reading series is part of a new partnership between the Library District and 100 BMLV.

Published in 2017, The Hate U Give is author Angie Thomas’ debut novel, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The story revolves around the experience of 16-year-old Starr Carter, who moves between the two worlds of the poor neighborhood where she lives, and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. The book has won numerous awards including: William C. Morris Award, Coretta Scott King Honor, the Michael L. Printz Honor Book, National Book Award Longlist, Boston Globe Horn Book Award, and the Edgar Allan Poe Award Best Young Adult Nominee.

After the June 15 kickoff, the first book discussion of The Hate U Give will take place on June 29 at three Library District branches – West Las Vegas Library, Sahara West Library, and Centennial Hills Library (details below). The discussions will be led by members of 100 Black Men Las Vegas.

To complement the reading series, the public is also invited to FREE screenings of the 2018 major motion picture starring Amandla Stenberg, Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Anthony Mackie, Issa Rae, and Common, which will take place in July. The series will conclude on Aug. 3 with a reading and discussion with Watson, and you can ask your favorite library branch how to get your book club involved.

“Libraries educate, entertain, and uplift their communities, serving as gathering places, where people feel comfortable sharing issues of concern,” Watson said. “The Library District is pleased to kick off this new partnership with 100 Black Men Las Vegas with a special summer reading series featuring Angie Thomas’ powerful and gripping story. You will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by Ms. Thomas’ fascinating characters and share your own experiences.”

“For teen and adults who are participating in our annual Summer Challenge program, this is also a great way to achieve your reading and activity time,” Watson said. “Just go to LVCCLD.org/SummerChallenge to learn how you can qualify to win great prizes.”

The Hate U Give is available from the Library District in multiple formats, including books, eBooks, and Audiobooks to check out or download. Need a library card? Visit your local library branch or sign up online and #GetCarded today.

The Hate U Give Summer Reading Series Discussion Schedule:

June 15 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Series Kickoff & Community Conversation with Kelvin Watson

The Library District Executive Director introduces the Summer Reading Series at Sahara West Library (9600 W. Sahara Ave)

June 29 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Reading & Conversation with members of the 100 Black Men Las Vegas Centennial Hills Library (6711 N. Buffalo Dr.) Sahara West Library (9600 W. Sahara Ave) West Las Vegas Library (951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.)

July 13 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Reading & Conversation with members of the 100 Black Men Las Vegas Centennial Hills Library (6711 N. Buffalo Dr.) Sahara West Library (9600 W. Sahara Ave) 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. West Las Vegas Library (951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.)

July 27 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Reading & Conversation with members of the 100 Black Men Las Vegas Centennial Hills Library (6711 N. Buffalo Dr.) Sahara West Library (9600 W. Sahara Ave) West Las Vegas Library (951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.)

Aug. 3 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Series Finale with Kelvin Watson West Las Vegas Library (951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.)

FREE Movie Screenings of the Major Motion Picture. This movie is rated PG-13.

July 6 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Centennial Hills Library (6711 N. Buffalo Dr.) Windmill Library (7060 W. Windmill Ln.)

July 20 Noon – 2:30 p.m. Sahara West Library (9600 W. Sahara Ave)

July 27 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. West Las Vegas Library (951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.)

About Las Vegas-Clark County Library District:

The award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is an independent taxing entity that serves a diverse community across 8,000 square miles. Through its 25 branches and website, the Library District offers a collection of 3.2 million items consisting of books, movies, music (including streaming and downloadable), online resources, as well as free programs for all ages. The Library District is a vibrant and vital member of the community offering limitless learning; business and career advancement; government and social services support; and best of all, a place where customers find a sense of culture and community. For more information, and to support Library District programs, please visit LVCCLD.org.

About 100 Black Men Las Vegas The 100 Black Men of Las Vegas will provide the community with mentoring efforts designed to provide added opportunities to elementary, junior high, high school and college students in need. We will achieve this by developing programs focused on improving the education, health and character of our student participants with the collaboration and support of parents, teachers, affiliates, and corporate partners. Our vision is to develop a best in class, measurable mentoring program and strategy that will result in significant increase in academic success, graduation rate, and self-esteem of our student participants along with improved community involvement and corporate fellowship.