In developing the next generation of library leaders, State Library in partnership with QPLA, recently offered emerging and mid-career library professionals the opportunity to take part in the Library Leaders program.
Over six months, the 14 participants will take part in a supported program of industry events, professional devleopment, networking and mentoring to expose the participatns to a breadth of ideas and knowledge, innovtiave strategies and opportunities for growth.
The Library Leaders program commenced in Brisbane, Sunday 29 September with a welcome dinner, held at SouthBank to allow participants to get to know each other before attending the IFLA Information Futures Summit, held 30 Sept-2 Oct. Both QPLA and State Library of Queensland were excited to meet this new group of leaders who come from a range of public libraries across Queensland with diverse experience and backgrounds.
The leadership cohort then attended the IFLA Round Table debrief for all Queensland library staff, followed by tours of Redcliffe Library, Mitchelton and Everton Park Libraries – we extend a big thank you to those libraries who hosted these visits. The group also attended the ALIA Qld Mini Conference on the Friday to wrap up a huge week.
What a whirlwind week of networking, engagement, professional development and sharing of both knowledge and friendships for this amazing group. Big thanks to the team at State Library and QPLA for realising and developing a joint vision to enable a partnership which offers such an amazing opportunity to Queensland public library staff.
QPLA are excited to work alongside SLQ and this diverse group of leaders as they embark on the next six months working with their mentors on the development of their new projects which will be shared across the Qld public library network upon completing the program.
QPLA looks forward to hosting and seeing the development of these projects as well as hearing about the journey of all participants at the 2025 QPLA Conference, due to be held in Townsville 26-28 March 2025.
Congratulations to all QPLA/SLQ Library Leaders 2024!
| Teresa Kohne | QLPA SE Regional Rep / Sunshine Coast Council |
| Melanie Mills | QPLA SW Regional Rep / Balonne Shire Council |
| Peta Browne | QPLA CQ Regional Rep / Bundaberg Regional Council |
| Annie-Jo Vogler | Quilpie Shire Council |
| Charlotte Pearson | Torres Strait Island Regional Council |
| Danielle Whatmore | Murweh Shire Council |
| Irene Baker | Toowoomba Regional Council |
| Jemima Baker | Cairns Regional Council |
| Laura Doherty | Townsville City Council |
| Lauren Markwell | Noosa Council |
| Lisa Bowkett | Redland City Council |
| Sarah May | Gold Coast City Council |
| Sophia Ralph | Redland City Council |
| Veronica Olivetto | Aurukun Shire Council |
