Trustees and local community members responsible with making the new Mesquite Library happen gathered to break ground on May 24. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

Approaching triple digit weather, many community members and former city officials came together with Mesquite’s current administration to welcome Mesquite’s newest library as it begins its building process.

Officials and Trustees with the Las Vegas Clark County Library District broke ground with a ceremonial shovel and dirt pitch after hearing from Executive Director Dr. Ronald Heezen.

Trustees and local community members responsible with making the new Mesquite Library happen gathered to break ground on May 24. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

“We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be breaking ground today,” said Heezen. “Two years ago seemed so long ago, but here we are.”

The new construction is part of the new ‘2020 Plan’ that the district is following to renovate existing libraries. “The new campus will serve as a positive source pride, aspiration and most importantly, inspiration,” he said. “Our new Mesquite Library Campus will be a shining example of what all of our libraries in the district need to become.”

Current LVCCLD Trustee Chair Randy Ence, who served as a councilman in Mesquite during the original purchase of the $1.7 million in 2009 and was quickly nicknamed “Library Randy,” as many thought it was an inside/back door deal. He finally accepted that title during his speech, stating that “I am pleased today to be known to some as Library Randy,” followed by an applause and laughter from more than 75 attendees.

Dr. Ronald Heezen speaks to a crowd of nearly 100 people on May 24, praising all involved for making this dream a reality. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

“We are finally financially able to get this going,” said Ence. “Because of the support of our trustees, officers and staff, it has nearly happened after finally 10 years, and what a blessing.”

The fence for the property was erected by end of day on May 25 and crews are expected to start moving dirt by the end of this week, with a grand opening still slated for Spring 2018. The main library is planned out at over 13,000 square feet with several of additional amenities that what is available at the current 5,000 square foot building, which will be renovated to provide the community with a ‘learning center’ and serve as headquarters for Workforce Connections, the district’s newest partnership.

Former Mesquite City Councilman Randy Ence was long chastised for his role in the city’s overpaid purchase of dirt at the corner of Desert Drive and Mesquite Boulevard nearly 10 years ago. On May 24, Ence was able to own the name “Library Randy” as Mesquite finally breaks ground on the new library he envisioned years ago. Photo by Stephanie Clark.