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.
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….
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