Dr Caroline
Butler-Bowden
Keynote Speaker, ALIA National 2026
Keynote Title:
The State Library of NSW: A living library for now, for the future, for all of us
Session time/s:
TBC
About Dr Caroline Butler-Bowden:
Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon began in the role of State Librarian in November 2023. She is a published author and curator of architecture and urban history and has 20 years of executive leadership experience in public institutions, including 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 at the Library, she was Deputy Secretary for Cities and Active Transport for NSW Government, where her work focused on major policy and a program of investment in NSW addressing the wellbeing, walkability and activation in our streets, and civic places. She led a Premier’s Priority, Greener Public Spaces from 2019-2023. She also serves on a range of committees and boards to promote the power of place, culture and community in Australia.