Paige Dillard Soars To CSC

Lost amongst the bookshelves of a public library in the pacific northwest, Paige Dillard pondered her career. She felt the sense of adventure in her heart and set off for Chadron State. And with her partner, children, and dogs, they ventured into the unknowns of Nebraska, ready to take on this new chapter.

Reta E. King invited Dillard in with open arms to start her chapter in academia after her ten years in the public library system. With goals to beautify the library, embrace more student activity, and advocate the importance of libraries in academic life, Dillard was the perfect fit. “I want the students and faculty of CSC to know the value of the library and what the library can offer them for their academic success and their future career endeavors,” she shared.

“I think sometimes students, even though this is a wonderful facility and it stands out on campus, I think some students feel like they can get all their answers on their cell phone or with a simple google search…,” Dillard remarked. With books in one hand and research papers in the other, Dillard is an academic superhero for students looking for deeper information. She mentions how important it is for students to experience the academics of the library and understand how to use their resources. She believes those that are willing to research and dig deeper will appear to their professors as having more academic integrity and the want for life-long learning.

Dillard not only advocates for books but is an ally and advocate for many of the students on campus. Her door is open to all, especially those who feel they don’t fit in, English literature students, and youth literature. Her office, with its touches of whimsy and warmth, is the perfect place for all students to find their safe space and person.

Outside of work, Dillard is notorious for reading two to three physical books, an e-book, and an audible book at the same time. Her world revolves around new knowledge from books, like Montessori education and of course the occasional dark romance. “One of the most life-changing books I have read is a memoir and it is very underrated. It is called Shadow Mountain and the author Renee Askins…” Dillard shared. As a naturalist, she finds this memoir inspiring and leaves her longing to be better at math and science, for then she could’ve been a biologist.

Now getting lost amongst the academia books and students, Dillard has found a new home at CSC. With a unique sense of community and the hope of bringing more students to the library, her new adventure has come to life in the Reta King library.