Incoming Sutter County Library Director Ayla Elkins, left, stands alongside retiring Director James Ochsner at the library on May 12. Elkins will take over following Ochsner’s 18 years of service. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

SUTTER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - James Ochsner, Director of Library Services for the Sutter County Library, has officially retired from his position after 18 years of dedicated service. His successor, Ayla Elkins, the library’s former literacy coordinator, will now be stepping into the role, a transition that has been in the works for several years.

“I’ve been working with her solidly for at least two years, like a succession plan,” said Ochsner. “Our offices are right next to each other, we talk all the time about what’s going on, and what I’m doing… It seemed like a very natural transition.”

Ochsner’s time with the Sutter County Library has been marked by several key achievements, including spearheading the extensive remodel and grand reopening of the main library branch in Yuba City. He also oversaw the expansion of adult literacy and outreach programs, championed technology upgrades, and helped foster partnerships with local schools and community groups to enhance public access to educational resources.

James Ochsner, center, is recognized by Sutter County officials and supervisors during his retirement celebration on May 12. Ochsner was honored for his 18 years of dedicated service as Director of Library Services. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Looking ahead, Ochsner said he’s excited to finally tackle some long-postponed home projects and spend more time visiting his children and grandchildren in Arizona.

“I have plenty to do, just keep putting it off like ‘I know I’m going to retire soon,’ and now I’ll have to do it,” laughed Ochsner.

While the freedom of retirement is welcome, he admitted he’s a bit apprehensive about the sudden loss of structure. What he’ll miss most, he said, are the people.

“Everyone has a story, and you get to know patrons, you get to know what they’re into, what they’re doing, how they develop, how their kids grow up. You get to watch the kids grow up, watching our students come to our adult education programs, watching talented people like Ayla help them and give the support they need in order to succeed. That's huge, and those are the things I’ll really miss. Interacting with such a diverse group of people,” said Ochsner.

Elkins, who has worked at the Sutter County Library for seven years, first joined the team as a literacy coordinator. She holds a background in library science and has led several successful community programs, including family literacy workshops and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Prior to her work in libraries, she participated in instructional design and tutoring services.

James Ochsner, retiring Director of Library Services, mingles and shares a laugh with patrons during his retirement celebration held at the Sutter County Library on May 12. Photo by Chris Pedigo

She said she is honored to take on this new role, even if it comes with a few nerves.

“I’m looking forward to having a different role with staff,” said Elkins. “I think also that’s what I’m most intimidated about, moving from a colleague to a supervisor. That’s going to be a transition. But we have such a great staff and such a great team that I really am looking forward to building each one of them and making them feel like they can learn what they want to learn and grow and do the things that they want to do.”

A private retirement party was held on May 12 at the Sutter County Library, where patrons, staff, and community members gathered to thank Ochsner and wish him well in his next chapter.

The Sutter County Library is located at 750 Forbes Ave. in Yuba City. For more information about library services and programs, visit suttercountylibrary.com.