Q-and-A with Emanuel Sinclair Mitchell

The Des Moines Public Library hired Emanuel Sinclair Mitchell as its Deputy Director in September. Mitchell comes to DMPL with a wealth of experience in a number of different library settings, including at public libraries, academic libraries, and even prison libraries. This broad experience has given him a great platform on which to help lead DMPL into the future.

Why did you want to work at a library?

As a child, I always wanted to change the world for the better. The library was always there; I visited the library my whole life, and in college, I was working as an assistant to the director of reference at the university library. I went to law school, worked in a DA’s office, and then did project management in the construction industry.

All these experiences gave me a chance to see the world as a whole and to see different things, as opposed to my own theories and perspectives. When I was about 28 or 29, an epiphany came. It changed my ideas and perspective about how to effect change in my community for the better. I started looking for what I really wanted to do, and I dove into the library world as a whole. I started at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library on May 5, 2002.

You have worked at academic libraries, public libraries, and even managed prison libraries. How did those diverse experiences shape your philosophies of librarianship so far?

My philosophy on libraries are the same for all library types - The library is the center of all communities. Dealing with all those types of libraries strengthened my belief in that philosophy. Where you have a strong library, you have a strong community. As the center of the community, everything ebbs and flows through the library. When the library is engaged, patrons are engaged, and the library can provide anything that community requires.

What are some of your goals at the DMPL?

• Learn the DMPL library system and get to know its thriving community that we serve. Once I learn the system and the different communities we serve, I can look at the library as a whole and figure out what areas we need to bring to the forefront.
• Assist the Library Director successfully reopen DMPL
• Help complete our new strategic plan
• Work with the managers so that we’re meeting the needs of the community.

Explain what you believe the mission of a public library is?

Empowering literacy through accessible programing and services that connects you to a world of opportunities.

What role do they play in a successful, growing, diverse community?

Libraries reflect their communities’ demographics. If they don’t, they’re irrelevant. Being a diverse system means that the library is providing for every person within those demographics, whether they're the majority or minority, to keep them engaged.

What do you think about Des Moines so far?

First, the DMPL system is great as a whole. I love it. I think this library system is truly one of the hidden treasures of the Midwest. It touches on all bases and works diligently to stay relevant to the community. As for Des Moines, it’s a great city. If I had known about Des Moines years ago, I would have been living here years ago. It has such a rich culture. I want to keep learning and embracing that culture. The more I learn about Des Moines, the better equipped I am to help.

What are some of your favorite books?

I can read Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson or Digital Fortress by Dan Brown all day, any day.

You have a free weekend - no work, no obligations. What are you doing?

I’m going to start the day by reading picture books and stories to my 2-year son. Then, we’ll start exploring the city and what it has to offer. I know my daughter will want to go to the mall! Usually, when I’m not working, I’m spending my time with my family.