Misty Wright,  Butte County Library

Candidate for Director-at-Large

Candidates for President-Elect

• Migell Acosta
  
• Anthony Chow

Candidates for Director At-Large (2 positions open)

• Jennifer Baker
  
• Aaron Espinosa
  
• Sharon Tani
  
• Misty Wright
  

Candidate for Student Representative (1 position available)

• Ramara Rubin
• Nhi To
  

Misty Wright currently serves as the County Librarian in Butte County, California. Born in the bayous of South Louisiana, Misty’s academic journey took her across the South, earning a BA in Communications from the University of Houston and an MS in Animal Science from the University of Florida. However, her passion for community engagement and education led her to pursue an MLIS from the University of South Florida. During her studies, she discovered her true calling in library science, particularly in children's services, where she could nurture early literacy and foster a love for reading among young people. Misty's career began in Florida as a youth services librarian, before moving to Texas, where she continued her work in children's services at the Harris County Public Library. Her time in 

Texas also saw her take on leadership roles within the Texas Library Association's LGBTQ Roundtable, showcasing her commitment to intellectual freedom and advocacy for underrepresented communities.

In 2019, Misty relocated to Butte County, California, becoming a Branch Manager before moving up to Assistant Director in 2021 and, most recently, Director in 2023. Throughout her career, Misty has been an advocate for inclusive library programs, including youth services, ESL, and citizenship initiatives. Her experience spans urban and rural libraries, allowing her to understand the unique challenges faced by libraries of all sizes. Misty’s work in Butte County has been enriched by collaborations with local organizations and her dedication to providing diverse resources to the community.

Campaign Statement:

I am running for Director at Large because I believe deeply in the profession of librarianship, especially in these challenging times. Libraries have always been a cornerstone of our communities, providing vital resources, and I am committed to continuing that mission.

Since moving to California, I have had the privilege of working with dedicated librarians and staff throughout the state. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the future of California libraries by working closely with the CLA leadership. My career has taken me from academic to public libraries, in both urban and rural settings, which has given me a broad understanding of the diverse needs and challenges we face.

In particular, I hope to bring attention to the unique struggles of rural libraries, like those in Butte County, which often face limited budgets but are rich in opportunity. I believe that with creativity, determination, and strong partnerships, we can continue to provide essential services to our communities. As Director at Large, I will advocate for the resources and support that all libraries need to thrive.