Library Announces New Deputy Director

Dara Bradds has joined the administrative team at the Sonoma County Library, as Deputy Director. Bradds, who began her new role in September, serves as the second-in-command at the countywide library system, which serves the county at 15 public locations.

“I’m so grateful to have an experienced library administrator in this role,” said Erika Thibault, the Sonoma County Library Director. “Dara brings a variety of skills and experience to the position of deputy director.”

Bradds began her library career in Ohio, where she was a Reference Librarian in the Business & Technology Division of Columbus Metropolitan Library. “I have enjoyed a variety of library roles,” Bradds said, including a job with the Ohio Historical Society, before she relocated to New Hampshire, where she held five positions of increased responsibility until accepting the Library Director job at Escondido Public Library in Southern California, followed by a move to Sonoma County.

Bradds oversees the library’s largest divisions, including the Public Services Division, which manages all library branches.

Bradds is settling in and exploring Sonoma County. “I am enjoying my new home in Santa Rosa,” she said. “It is a great location to easily access hiking and wine tasting, my two favorite pastimes. I have a son and a stepdaughter, who are five months apart in age. Both are 19 and living in San Diego. My stepdaughter is in her freshman year at San Diego State University, and my son is in his second year at MiraCosta College. I have three dogs, one of which is my hiking companion, the other two are couch potatoes.”