East Las Vegas is a predominately Hispanic, low-income neighborhood, that is also home to the Library District’s newest and most progressive library. Frequently, customers are unaware that they can access library resources for free and receive assistance from staff that are fluent in Spanish. La Academia Hispana works directly with the Spanish-speaking community and provides access to resources and technology that are on the forefront of library service.

The East Las Vegas Library features a multimedia studio capable of professional quality sound and video production that includes a sound recording whisper room, green screen, DJ mixers, and editing software. The Library District is uniquely positioned to offer free access to these technologies as an avenue for career advancement to the local Spanish-speaking community. La Academia Hispana further extends this program by enlisting media professionals to share their experiences in the industry and offer advice.

After graduating from the program, students are invited to practice what they have learned by utilizing the “Built From Scratch,” multimedia studio. Students have created videos to promote their businesses, others produced their own podcasts, and several more will be participating in an East Las Vegas variety show to be shot and produced in the multimedia studio. Students at every level have been inspired to learn, create and realize their dreams using media technology available for free at the library.