Kelvin Watson is the recipient of the ALA Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship

CHICAGO —Kelvin Watson, Executive Director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (Nev.), is the recipient of the American Library Association (ALA) Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship. The award is given to a person who is known for "contributing significantly to the public recognition and appreciation of librarianship."

Watson's deep history of industry and community engagement throughout his career has spotlighted the library profession, attracted broad attention beyond the library realm, and inspired others in their career choices. Before moving to public libraries, Watson used his business degree to work in marketing, sales, product development, and business development at various levels at Ingram Library Services, the Borders Group, and The Library Corporation, as well as a stint at the USDA National Agricultural Library. All these positions allowed Watson to fully grasp the needs of library users and develop innovations to help libraries meet them. Watson went on to leverage those experiences at the Queens Borough Public Library (New York), the Broward County Government Libraries Division (Fla.), and now the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District (Nev.), consistently demonstrating his commitment to ensuring community access, strengthening civic connections, and serving the underserved.

Thus far in his tenure at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Watson's impact on the community has enhanced public recognition and appreciation of public libraries. In addition to the many awards and accolades the library has garnered, his civic work and community activism resulted in Watson receiving the City of Las Vegas African American Trailblazer Award; the International Career and Business Alliance Global 100 Leading Black Professionals; and the NAACP Las Vegas Chapter James Anderson Visionary Award. These accomplishments shine a light on public libraries' importance to society and are the direct result of Watson's focus on serving the community beyond his library role.

Watson is a sought-after speaker at library conferences and civic organizations, such as Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Action Network Las Vegas Chapter. As noted in one of his letters of support, Watson has demonstrated "his ability to bridge the gap between libraries and broader community stakeholders, inspiring new audiences to view libraries as vital institutions in the 21st century" said, Dr. Sandra Hirsh, Associate Dean of Academics, College of Information, Data and Society, San Jose State University.

The Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship Jury members are: Eva Davis, Canton Public Library (Mich.), Tristan Draper, Beloit College, Rebecca Gerald, Dutchess BOCES School Library System, J. Drusilla Carter, Douglas Library of Hebron and Jos N. Holman, Tippecanoe County Public Library.

The award will be presented at the American Library Association Annual Meeting being held in Philadelphia, PA June 27-30.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.