Dora Mitchell has been drawn to books her entire life. While still a teenager she began working as a library aide in the Quincy branch of the Plumas County Library. Now she is the county librarian.
“Libraries are such a rich community resource. They are hubs. People can come here without spending a dollar,” Mitchell said.
Raised and homeschooled in Quincy, she was a regular at the local county library, where her grandmother, Margaret Mitchell, was an assistant librarian. After graduating from high school in 1998, she turned to the library for employment. “I was trying to figure out what to do with my life,” she said.
Mitchell worked as an aide for six years before attending Humboldt State University. She went on to graduate school at San Jose State University, where she earned a master’s degree in librarian information science.
Mitchell returned to Quincy and the Plumas County Library, where she became the children’s librarian. She held that post until 2018. The Plumas County Board of Supervisors introduced her as county librarian April 9.
Plumas County is fortunate to find someone with both the appropriate qualifications and the enthusiasm Mitchell brings to the job, said Greg Hagwood, chairman of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors.
“Her energy and commitment to community are certain to make her successful,” he said.
As head librarian, Mitchell supervises branch libraries in Chester, Greenville and Portola as well as Quincy. Along with responsibility for the books that circulate from one branch to another, and in and out of homes, she oversees a countywide literacy program, children’s story time and other activities, computer classes and practically unlimited digital content.
“Your library card gives you access to a lot more than books,” said Mitchell.
Take Kanopy, which allows patrons to stream movies. Or the tool lending library, which offers nontraditional materials that include mobile hot spots and hand tools. The Plumas County Library also issues state park passes allowing free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 participating California parks.
Mitchell wants to make sure the library is thoroughly used. This is a good time for library services, she said. She has a healthy budget for new books, a staff of five full-time employees and lively activities at branch libraries.
“I’m excited to be here and excited to get the word out to everyone about what our libraries have to offer,” she said.
For more information about the Plumas County Library system, go to the website or call 530-283-6310.
