Joe Dini Library and Student Center opens at community college

David Roderiques, 20, isn't always working between classes at Western Nevada Community College.

"They have an arcade room and I'll go down there and play sometimes," he said. "It all depends on how much homework I have."

And college president, Dr. Carol Lucey, encourages more students to follow his lead.

"Not all learning occurs within the walls of the classroom," she said. "Students learn from one another in informal interactions. Part of an education is learning how to be part of a community."

That's the purpose behind the 35,000-square-foot Joe Dini Library and Student Center, celebrated in a grand opening ceremony Friday afternoon.

"It's something that the college really needed," said Dini, who served 36 years in the Nevada Assembly. "Because of my commitment to education, this dedication is truly an honor and the highest point in my life."

The building was appropriated by the 1999 Legislature and is the college's first freestanding library and student center.

The library has 20 computers for students to use, private study rooms and reading areas.

"I think it's wonderful to see this," Roderiques said. "The old library was really small and it didn't have many computers so you had to wait it line. You don't have that problem now."

The student center has a lounge, game room, television lounge, gym and offices for the United Students Association.

Brent Moore, student senator, said the new offices have helped student government run more efficiently.

"It's really beneficial," he said. "We actually have a space that was built for us, rather than an extra space they just found for us. We host a lot of our activities right outside our office."

The grand opening ceremony began around noon Friday with a live broadcast from KRZQ105.9 FM radio. Library tours were also given.

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, State of Nevada will conducted a cornerstone ceremony.

During the ceremony, a time capsule containing various items, including newspaper clippings, a course catalog and a photo of Joe Dini, was entombed in the cornerstone.

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.