Summerlin library offers more than just books

The Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center, built in 1993, encompasses nearly 40,000 square feet and has become a part of the community's cultural cornerstone, along with the Donald W. Reynolds Cultural Center that houses Nevada Ballet Theatre.

In addition to housing 130,000-plus items, the library, which is operated by the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, is home to a 900-square-foot art gallery and a 284-seat theater.

"Communities rich with culture and learning environments attract residents," said Dan Van Epp, president of The Howard Hughes Corp. "For that reason, the master plan of Summerlin has allotted significant land parcels for educational and cultural facilities like the library. From the beginning, we were committed to offering our residents access to cultural offerings."

The library's art gallery features a variety of contemporary and classic art and photography from local artists. "Pastels of America the Beautiful," a collection of landscapes of scenic southwestern national parks by Jay Gubitz, is currently on display, and the second annual Utah Shakespearean Festival Costume Exhibit will be featured in August.

Its theater is used for a variety of musical, theatrical and dance productions, as well as for lectures and special events. "Camelot" will be presented in September.

In addition to special sections for business, finance and music, the library features a section dedicated to young readers. Models of airplanes designed, built or flown by Howard Hughes hang from the ceiling in the children's area. Hughes' namesake company, The Howard Hughes Corp., is developer of Summerlin.

"The Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center offers the opportunity for life-long learning and a rich cultural experience for a diverse audience," said Pat Marvel, director of marketing and community relations for the library district. "The facilities are accommodating and thousands of guests enjoy its amenities every day."

Houses, townhomes and condominiums priced from the mid-$100,000s to more than $700,000 are featured within the community. Custom lots measuring from one-half acre to three-quarters of an acre are priced from the high $300,000s to more than $1 million, and predesigned custom homes are priced from $500,000 to more than $1 million. Apartments offer monthly rents from the high $700s.

To visit the community's home finding center, travel west on Sahara Avenue, past Hualapai Way, to Town Center Drive. Or, take Interstate 215 to Sahara. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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