Las Vegas, often seen as a bustling hub of entertainment, is embracing the literary world with its annual event that promises something for everyone.
This year’s lineup includes a variety of panels designed to engage a broad audience. Among the highlights are discussions featuring former Sen. Richard Bryan and former Gov. Bob Miller. Additionally, Nevada Humanities will host a poetry panel alongside a Spark Youth poetry competition, showcasing local talent.
The event will also feature Ashley ‘Ms. AyeVee’ Vargas, the Clark County poet laureate, and authors of Disney’s ‘Meant to Be’ series, a contemporary retelling of classic fairytales. Another intriguing panel will focus on writing historical Westerns in today’s digital landscape.
As organizers plan for this year’s celebration, they reflect on the often surprising literary culture within a city known for its entertainment options. Despite being overshadowed by glitz and glamour, Las Vegas is witnessing a resurgence in the love of reading.
One coordinator of the event shared insights regarding the appeal of books in the city. ‘Books might not be the first thing you think of when someone mentions Vegas, but that’s the point,’ she indicated. The pandemic shifted perspectives, reminding many about the joys of reading and its ability to offer quiet entertainment, even amid the vibrant chaos of Las Vegas.
Moreover, the desert scenery inspires local writers. The coordinator emphasized how much context can be drawn from the city’s landscapes, noting that the mountains and surrounding areas offer rich inspiration for storytelling. ‘It’s easy to see how this beautiful landscape can inspire so many interesting things to write about,’ she shared, connecting her experiences as a visual artist to the literary endeavors flourishing in the region.
Her own journey in the arts spans several years in Nevada. A graduate of Silverado High School, she furthered her passion for visual arts and art history at UNLV before stepping into a career in the local art scene.
Her experience includes opening an art gallery in the Emergency Arts building, where she operated a micro gallery for three years. She then played a significant role in the Neon Museum’s establishment, contributing to its success for 13 years before transitioning to city government.
When discussing her own reading habits, she expressed a deep love for books. Recently, she found herself captivated by ‘The Emperor of Gladness’ by Ocean Vuong, noting how the book had captured her attention enough to keep her up late reading. ‘My book group needed something new, and this was a really good choice,’ she excitedly remarked, illustrating the continuing relevance of literature in her life.
With a focus on cultivating a love for reading and celebrating various literary voices, this annual event highlights the unexpected literary richness of Las Vegas, cementing its place as not just a city of entertainment, but also of profound artistic expression.
image source from：neon
