Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon
State Librarian
BA (HONS), MA, PHD
Biography
Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon is a published author in architecture and urban history and has 20 years of leadership experience in public institutions, including Sydney Living Museums (the Historic Houses Trust) and the Art Gallery of NSW. Her career has been dedicated to leadership that connects citizens and visitors to special places, culture and heritage through a broad range of statewide public engagement programs.
Before starting here at the Library, she was a Deputy Secretary for Cities and Active Transport for NSW Government, where her work focused on major policy and program of investment in NSW addressing the wellbeing, walkability and activation in our streets, and civic places. She also serves on a range of juries, committees and boards to promote the power of place, culture, community and public space in Australia.
What inspired you to take this role?
The State Library of NSW is an important cornerstone in our community. Its location, its position, its deep and rich collections, its clever, knowledgeable and creative staff, its global reach coupled with its statewide brief are inspiring and fill me with genuine excitement. Together we will ensure that every citizen has access to this great Library and its public network across NSW, as places of experience, learning, research, connection and community.
Photo: Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon stands in the Mitchell Library Reading Room.