Maile Chapman, a Las Vegas-based author and professor of English at UNLV, recently published “The Spoil,” her first novel in 15 years, following “Your Presence Is Requested at Suvanto,” released in 2011.

Black Mountain Institute recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The literary institute has been a staple in the Las Vegas community, and a vital resource for writers and creative scholars at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Widening one’s worldview begins with conversation and exposure to varying walks of life. Black Mountain Institute, an international literary center, understands this well and has steadily stoked a fire of intellectual and cultural growth for 20 years.

It’s spring and loads of new books are out or are on the way. Books of local interest but also from local authors are on tap today. But we also want to hear from you: What are you reading and why?

Above the store sits several apartments that house writers from UNLV’s Black Mountain Institute literary program. Cohen said the name of the store references the “block” of writers living in the building, instead of the affliction that prevents people from writing.

Las Vegas likes to read. The city has a fantastic library system, great independent bookstores like Writer's Block and Las Vegas Books, and an acclaimed writers program at Black Mountain Institute at UNLV.