Sumiko Sprague, new branch manager of the Sutter Branch Library, poses inside the library on March 13 in Sutter. Sprague recently stepped into the role and is working to expand programming and community engagement.

SUTTER, CA (MPG) - The Sutter Branch Library has a new permanent face behind its bookcases. Sumiko Sprague has stepped into the role of branch manager, bringing a passion for youth literacy, a love of books and a vision for creating a welcoming gathering place for local families.

“When I came to the city and had kids, that’s when I started frequenting the library,” Sprague said. “Seeing the growth and potential of building community through the library is really inspiring, and I really want to be a part of that.”

Sprague arrives after a period of staffing uncertainty. In early 2023, Sutter County announced the temporary closure of the branch due to staffing shortages. For years, Ellen English oversaw the facility, but after her retirement, vacant positions proved difficult to fill.

According to Ayla Elkins, Sutter County’s director of library services, the branch was closed for about six months, from January through June 2023.

“Over the past few years, several different staff members supported operations at the Sutter Branch,” Elkins said. “We’re thrilled to now have Sumiko stepping into the branch manager role moving forward, and we’re excited for the community to get to know her and benefit from a consistent presence at the branch.”

Christy Ford (center) visits the Sutter Branch Library with her family on March 13 in Sutter.

Located at 2147 California St. in Sutter, the branch opened in 1957 and has served the community for nearly seven decades. For many residents, it remains a familiar and nostalgic place.

Ashley Graning, a homeschool parent from Smartsville, said her family has continued visiting the branch for years.

“We actually live in Smartsville, but we come down here once a week to visit my parents, and so we’ve been coming to this library for years,” Graning said. “I was so disappointed that they had shut down. There were so many good memories here.”

Another visitor, Christy Ford, who visits with her grandchildren on Fridays, said the reopening brought back childhood memories.

“I remember it as a kid. We always came here,” Ford said. “We walked in today and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s so cute in here.’ We’re definitely going to be back.”

Sprague first came to the Sutter Branch through Mindful Youth Adventures, a grant-based children’s program through the Sutter County Children and Families Commission. After working through the main branch, she began using the Sutter location on Mondays and quickly saw its potential.

“Nobody’s made it their baby for a long time,” Sprague said. “There’s a lot of opportunity here that I think wasn’t being taken advantage of. It has the potential to be a true community hub.”

Since taking the position about a month ago, Sprague has begun planning for growth. She hopes to launch story time later in April, explore a youth book club over the summer and build a larger volunteer base to help with shelving and daily tasks.

The exterior of the Sutter Branch Library at 2147 California St. in Sutter is shown March 13. The branch recently announced a new manager to be a permanent face of the library. 

“If I can have volunteers doing shelving, then it will be easier for me to run programming,” she said.

She also hopes to improve the fenced yard and garden area outside, creating a more functional, child-friendly space. Inside, she has embraced the branch’s character, from its wood paneling to an old handmade alligator sign she recently returned to display.

“I found it in storage and thought, ‘That was made with love. It needs to go back up,’” Sprague said.

Sprague said youth titles are among the branch’s most-used materials, and she is keeping a running list of books families want to see more of. Popular titles include “Captain Underpants,” the “Warriors” series and books by graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier.

“The book ‘Guts’ by Raina got my youngest fully engaged in wanting to read more,” she said. “I highly recommend it.”

Beyond books, Sprague said she hopes more residents learn about the range of resources available through the branch and the wider library system. Patrons can place holds from other branches, and specialty items, including educational kits, outdoor backpacks, park passes and repair tools, are also available.

“I actually checked one out for going to camp with my Scouts last summer, and it was really helpful for someone that didn’t already have all the gear,” she said.

Spring hours for the Sutter Branch Library include 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. The branch is closed Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.