Real People, Real Change
Your libraries change lives every day by opening the door to lifelong learning, economic advancement and personal enrichment. Here's how . . .
Avree Walker is one of several winners of the Tom and Bonnie Lawyer Scholarship for 2011, awarded to graduating seniors who are pursing higher education, and who have used the West Las Vegas Library to further their goals. Avree has used the library's collection and electronic resources to complete his schoolwork and to find research for projects and papers. Avree graduated from the Las Vegas Academy and has a passion for dance. He is currently a dance student at UNLV. The programs offered by the West Las Vegas Library have inspired Avree to keep up with his dancing and to strive for an education past high school.
Seven years ago, Cyndi Jung enrolled in the CALL (Computer Assisted Literacy in Libraries) program to learn English as a Second Language. Cyndi knows that literacy is important for a successful life, so she attends the Library's weekly storytimes twice a week with her two young girls so they can also learn language and literacy skills. Cyndi says, "The library is a good place for my kids to listen to stories and sing songs. It's a safe and fun place to learn."
Within one month of moving to Las Vegas in 2006, Raicine Green got a library card. Having a card was a top priority for her. Raicine believes, "Libraries are a big part of the community. Libraries are a place where anybody can go and everybody is welcome." Once a week she visits the Spring Valley Library to check out her books and then finds a quiet corner in the branch to read.
As a young girl, Leslee Scott has fond memories of her father taking her to storytime at the Clark County Library. Leslee was an undiagnosed dyslexic student who never learned to read while in school and dropped out. Years later when Leslee became pregnant, she was determined to learn how to read.
"I taught myself how to read by checking out LeapPad and books by author Max Lucado at the library." Leslee is now a regular at the Las Vegas Library, along with her six-year-old daughter, Tylee. "We both love the library," says Leslee. "It s our family time together."
Jorge Gomez spends at least two hours a day, Monday through Friday, using the computers at the Las Vegas Library. Having lost his job two months ago, Jorge needs to conserve on gasoline, so enjoys his 10-minute walk to the library from his home. Jorge uses the computers in the lab to send out employment applications, search for jobs and check his emails from family. "The free classes on job searching held in the computer lab every Friday are very helpful. I m excited to have this type of opportunity within walking distance to my home."
Eight children and two grandchildren keep Renee Brown busy, but she still finds time to go to the Rainbow Library. Antiques, gemstones and forensics are Renee s favorite topics to research at the library. "I have a very inquisitive mind, and the library is a great resource for me and my family." Supporting her children with their school work assignments is a priority for Renee. "When my 12-year-old son, Jonathan, has a book report due, the first thing we do is go to the library and use the online homework help resources." "Our library plays an important role in our lives."
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