Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to host launch of National ‘Check Out Your Library’ initiative

Las Vegas stops feature appearance by award-winning author Julia Whelan, interactive library vehicle, and more

Las Vegas  – This week, the leading brands in digital content for libraries and schools, including Libby, Sora, and Kanopy, announced the launch of “Check Out Your Library,” a multi-year effort that aims to reconnect millions of Americans with the invaluable resources and stories housed within libraries. Las Vegas will be the first stop on Check Out Your Library’s nationwide Fiction and Film tour on July 17, 2024. The Fiction and Film Tour features the interactive and postworthy Library Vehicle (LV), previously known as the OverDrive Digital Bookmobile, which will stop at Sunrise Library, Rainbow Library, and AREA15, an immersive entertainment district.

“At the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, our customers are encouraged to learn, to grow, to change, and to explore new experiences, both in our buildings and on our website,” said Kelvin Watson, executive director. “The OverDrive Film and Fiction Tour is bringing to life the books and movies that this company provides to enhance our digital collection. We invite the Las Vegas community to join us for one of three free events in July.”

On July 17 at Sunrise Library and July 18 at Rainbow Library, visitors will be invited to step inside the 53-foot-long LV and discover how they can check out ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, TV shows, and more for free from their library using OverDrive’s Libby and Kanopy apps, and through school libraries using the Sora app. Throughout the events, attendees can relive the magic of their childhood library visits while learning about exciting upcoming library programs and the incredible free services offered by Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. Guests can also get a FREE library card and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City.

The Las Vegas events will culminate with a unique and engaging Marquee Event at AREA15 on July 20. Guests will enjoy a special story time and two readings by renowned author and audiobook narrator Julia Whelan. Whelan, known for her novel My Oxford Year and narrating bestsellers like Emily Henry’s Funny Story, will engage with fans during a live Q&A session.

“My local public library was a second home to me growing up — I was always front and center at Storytime — and libraries are still so meaningful to me,” says Whelan. “I am so excited to be joining the Check Out Your Library initiative on the Fiction and Film Tour. I love talking with book and audiobook fans. Getting to do that while celebrating and supporting libraries? The cherry on top. I can’t wait to see everyone in Las Vegas!”

Event Details:

• Sunrise Library (5400 Harris Ave.): Wednesday, July 17, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Rainbow Library (3150 N. Buffalo Dr.): Thursday, July 18, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• AREA15 Marquee Event: Saturday, July 20, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

To learn more about Check Out Your Library and join the initiative, visit checkoutyourlibrary.com/vegas to discover local events and find ways to get involved with your library.