BOOK IT

The Historic Westside turns a page with the new West Las Vegas Library opening its doors to the public

A long-anticipated dream has now become a reality, as hundreds gathered Dec. 9 to celebrate the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art West Las Vegas Library. Located at 1861 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., the two-story facility now stands as a modern landmark in the heart of Las Vegas’ Historic Westside. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked more than the opening of a building. For residents, it symbolized renewed investment, expanded opportunity, and a future rooted in learning, creativity, and connection. Designed as a vibrant community hub, the new West Las Vegas Library replaces its predecessor with a space that is more than double the size and exponentially broader in scope. 

Spanning more than 41,000 square feet, the architectural gem brings robust children’s programming, literacy services, job-skills development, cultural celebration, and hands-on technology experiences under one roof. The modern facility reflects a commitment to empowering residents and bridging opportunity gaps through access to information and innovation. 

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Executive Director Kelvin Watson joined state and local leaders to commemorate the momentous occasion. Among the speakers were Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley; Dr. Keith Rogers, chair of the Library District Board of Trustees; Las Vegas City Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong; Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy; former State Assemblyman Gene Collins; and Mel Green, principal of KME Architects. U.S. Congressman Steven Horsford addressed the crowd via video message, while community voices such as Dr. Claytee D. White and Cedric Crear underscored the library’s significance to the Historic Westside. 

“This new West Las Vegas Library is a gem and truly a community hub,” Watson said during an exclusive interview with Las Vegas Black Image Magazine. “We broke ground in February 2024 on this $40 million, two-story facility, and opening it to the public represents a proud moment for the entire Library District.” 

Watson credited architect Mel Green and KME Architects for bringing the vision of a 21st-century library to life. “They did a magnificent job,” he said. 

Inside, the library offers far more than shelves of books — though the collection itself has grown significantly, with more than $1 million invested in new materials. Visitors will find DJ and podcast studios, multipurpose media rooms, a green room, and a new “Tween Space” designed for youth navigating the years between childhood and adolescence. 

The facility also features an outdoor event plaza and terrace, multiple computer stations throughout both floors, and a first-of-its-kind business incubator for the Library District. Dedicated office spaces and a conference room are available for new and existing business owners, reinforcing the library’s role as an engine for economic opportunity. 

Technology is woven deeply into every aspect of the library. Library cardholders can access GoPro cameras, the latest smartphones and tablets, 3D-printing equipment, and upcoming artificial intelligence projects that Watson says will be unveiled soon. 

“The new library is wrapped around digital literacy education,” Watson explained. “We want the public to learn and not be fearful of new technology advancements.” 

As for the former West Las Vegas Library site on Lake Mead Boulevard, Watson confirmed it will transition to the City of Las Vegas, continuing its role as a cultural and performance space tied to the Las Vegas Arts Center. The Library District will still utilize the Lake Mead facility several times a year, while the new MLK location will host flexible event programming suited to a multipurpose space. 

Notably, the project faced few obstacles during development. “We were on budget, and the facility is great,” Watson said. The primary challenge — communicating the change to the community — became an opportunity to reintroduce residents to a library designed with their future in mind. 

With Legacy Park located next door and discussions underway to improve pedestrian access, including a possible bridge along MLK Boulevard, the new West Las Vegas Library is positioned as a cornerstone of community life. 

“There are only opportunities here,” Watson said. 

And for the Historic Westside, the opening of this library signals a powerful new chapter — one built on access, innovation, and community pride.