Sonoma County Library Appoints New Director

Erika Thibault is the new director for the Sonoma County Library, which spans 12 regional libraries, two community libraries, a mobile library, and multiple special collections. The Sonoma County Library Commission voted to appoint Thibault at its February 1 meeting after a nationwide executive search.

“Erika is moving the Sonoma County Library into the future. We look forward to creating a 21st century library system that will make Sonoma County residents extremely proud,” said Deborah Doyle, Chair of the Library Commission.

Thibault has served as Interim Director since July 2022 when the previous director retired. Thibault was hired as Deputy Director in 2021 and came to Sonoma County from the Los Angeles Public Library where, as Western Area Manager, she coordinated programs and services for 12 branches.

Thibault is experienced in public library management, budgeting, strategic planning, collection development, and communications, and was a 2017 PLA Leadership Academy fellow. Since assuming the role of Interim Director, she has already achieved the library’s long-term goal of opening on Sundays, is leading discussions with the City of Santa Rosa about the new Roseland library and is working with other community partners.

Thibault has embraced the concepts of opportunity, equity, and resilience embodied in the library’s Reimagining Plan, and is a leader in the library’s ongoing work to provide equitable service to all in Sonoma County.

“I am honored and delighted to lead the Sonoma County Library as Director. Sonoma County is a vibrant and diverse place, and I am looking forward to building relationships with of our county and municipal partners to provide innovative, community-responsive programs and services to help our communities thrive for generations to come,” said Thibault.