Described is a portable dosimeter reader device that is small in size and light in weight. The device comprises an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) reader for reading one or more OSL sensors of a dosimeter and a dosimeter drawer slidably mounted in the device. The device further comprises an elevator carriage comprising a barrel with a barrel groove on an exterior side thereof, a loop retainer elevator including a tongue on an interior side thereof that travels in the barrel groove, a pinion gear mounted on the barrel, and a rack with rack teeth that engage pinion teeth of the pinion gear.