James A. Dillard is the Librarian Media Specialist at Sawmills Elementary School.  Mr. Dillard hails from Wilkes County, North Carolina.  He graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Electronic Media.  Shortly after graduating from WCU he earned his Masters Degree in Library Science and Media Specialties from Appalachian State University.  In the summer of 2012, Mr. Dillard traveled to Germany to represent ASU at the White Ravens international children's literature festival.  Upon completion of graduate school Mr. Dillard was employed by Person County Schools from 2012 through 2016.  Mr. Dillard joined the Sawmills school family in June 2016. 

In addition to being the Media Specialist, Mr. Dillard is also the Testing Coordinator, a liason to the county Technology Department and coaches the Battle of the Books team.  In the 2022-2023 school year, Mr. Dillard's Battle of the Books team won 1st Place at the Caldwell County Schools annual Battle of the Book Competition.  Later, the team would win 3rd Place at the Regional Battle of the Books Competition.    

At home, Mr. Dillard is an avid reader and writer. His other hobbies include painting, hiking, swimming, gardening and caving.  A lifelong world traveler, his current goal is to visit all 63 National Parks in the United States.