After nearly 44 years of dedicated service to the Eureka community, Connie Mitchell will officially retire as Director of the Eureka Public Library on Thursday, July 31.
Mitchell’s journey with the library began in September 1972, when she was just a high school student working 15 hours a week. “I was the kid,” she recalls fondly. Although she left the position a year later to focus on sports during her senior year at Eureka Junior/ Senior High School (Class of 1974), she found her way back to the library in 1976, working parttime while also serving as a secretary at the United Methodist Church.
In January 1982, Mitchell stepped into the role of library director, succeeding Alice Long. Over the decades, she has guided the library through tremendous change, from card catalogs and typewriters to digital databases and streaming services.
“The most challenging part has been navigating services after COVID. We’re still seeing the effects,” Mitchell said. “When I started, nothing was digital or computerized. Competing in that space and managing the budget has always been a challenge. We’ve always wanted to do more.”
One of the highlights of her tenure was overseeing the construction of a new library building in March 2007, which transformed the library into a true community hub. “It’s made a huge difference in what we’re able to offer,” she said. “We’ve hosted weddings—six of them now—funeral dinners, baby and bridal showers, Christmas dinners, class and family reu nions, and more.”
For Mitchell, the most r ewa rding part of her job has always been helping people find answers and support. “In a small town, you know everybody. And we’ve seen how access to the right information can truly make a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a tough situation, find government forms, or just locate the right book—it matters,” she said.
The library has even taken on a role as a social service resource, offering Department for Children and Families (DCF) forms and referrals, and serving as a Red Cross contact point during emergencies. “You do what you can. You look for ways to say ‘yes’—ways to help within your boundaries,” Mitchell explained.
As retirement approaches, she looks forward to traveling, quilting, and simply reading for pleasure— something she hasn’t had much time to do in recent year s . “I want to travel more. I want to paint window frames. I want to sit down with a book. I want to spend more time with my husband.”
Mitchell and her husband, Mark, were married on Feb. 2, 2008—a date shared with her father’s birthday. Next summer, they plan to travel to Alaska, leaving Oregon and Delaware as the only two U.S. states Mitchell has yet to visit.
She also hopes to ride in a blimp, return to Europe, and spend more time behind her Nikon camera.
With nine bookcases at home and a love of nonfiction, reading will remain a big part of her life. Mitchell was reluctant to share her favorite book, but noted that “There’s always another book to read,” she said with a smile. “My tastes have changed, but the love for books has stayed.”
Reflecting on her career, Mitchell said, “I’ve always felt our job at the library is to make the community a better place to live. I’ve had great staff, great board members, and the support of a wonderful community. Not every library is that lucky—I know I’ve been.”
She also treasures the lifelong friendships she’s made through library conferences and professional networks across the country. “It’s been incredible to learn from others and see different approaches. The networking has been one of the best parts of this job.”
Though no gifts are requested, well wishes can be sent to the Eureka Public Library as the community prepares to celebrate Mitchell’s remarkable legacy. A special come-andgo reception will be held this Friday, July 18, from 3 to 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend the event to celebrate Mitchell’s career as well as meet the new Eureka Public Library Director Anneliese Brubaker.
The Eureka Public Library is located at 606 N. Main Street, in Eureka and can be reached at 620583-6222.
