In this edition of Library Stories, we talked to Angela Berney, Team Leader for Woodcroft Library and Events and Programs at Onkaparinga Libraries. Angela is a deeply engaged ALIA Member and library professional whose leadership in initiatives such as the Citizen Science Corner and Community Cohesion Program has had a lasting impact on both her community and colleagues. She spoke with us about her career journey, what drives her work, and the power of libraries to create connection, curiosity, and belonging.

What first drew you to the library and information sector?

In 1986, my family had just moved to Australia from England. While I was studying, I often visited the library — I’d always been a big reader, and my parents had taken me to the library regularly as a child, so there was definitely a nostalgia factor. I always felt welcomed in that space and thought it would be a wonderful place to work.

Can you share a little about your career journey and how you came to your current role?

I’ve worked in many different roles throughout my career. In the early days, I was involved in purchasing, cataloguing, and even processing cassette tapes. I later worked in a joint-use library where I managed rosters and collections and then joined the operations team at the main library where I managed rosters and coordinated casual staff across six sites. In that role, I supported the team leader with our computer system and helped team members manage the overdues process and troubleshooted circulation issues, especially angry customers who had received a final notice — a bit of a jack of all trades, I suppose.

In 2012, I moved to Woodcroft Library as the branch coordinator. At that stage, I hadn’t had much experience with events and programming, but my team leader at the time was very inspiring — and that inspiration was contagious. Over time, that passion for community programming grew, and in 2023 I became the Team Leader for Woodcroft Library and Events and Programs across Onkaparinga. I was recently made permanent in this role, which I’m really proud of.

What does a typical day look like for you (if there is such a thing)?

There’s really no such thing as a typical day when you’re working in a library. My days can involve everything from back-to-back meetings and facility management to supporting staff and listening to community feedback. There’s approving timesheets, managing health and safety concerns — and yes, occasionally getting involved in the “glamorous” tasks like dealing with code browns or emptying rubbish bins.

But beyond the day-to-day, what really matters to me is implementing new programs and initiatives that are really going to benefit our community and inspiring our staff to think creatively and plan events and programs that contribute to this. Each day brings something unexpected, and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.

You and your library have been deeply involved in the Community Cohesion project and Citizen Science Corner initiative. Could you tell us a little about your experience working on these programs, and the impact they’ve had on your community and library visitors?

First, I want to mention that Woodcroft Library is one of six library sites within Onkaparinga Council, and the branch where I’m based is located in the Woodcroft Community Centre. Our building is a designated Green Hub, and because of this, we’re often the first team to trial new sustainability initiatives. For example, we host a Seed Library, a Library of Things, and run a range of environmental workshops.

The Citizen Science project felt like a natural extension of that work, so when the opportunity came up, I applied for all six of our libraries to be involved. There’s growing community interest in citizen science at the moment, particularly as our region grapples with the algal bloom crisis. In the month since our libraries set up their Citizen Science corners; there have been 40 new observations recorded through iNaturalist.

The community cohesion project is close to my heart. As our world struggles with the loneliness epidemic, this project has allowed me to really reflect on the programs we offer — why we run them, where the gaps are, and whether we can do anything about it. Immersing yourself in a program like this truly changes your perspective. Our first community cohesion program was the Ageing Well Expo, and even though I’m familiar with the statistics around loneliness, it was still difficult to read feedback from people who shared that they feel lonely or disconnected from their community. It reinforced for me just how important programs like this are in helping people build connections and feel a sense of belonging.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge facing the sector at the moment? 

That’s a big question! Rising areas of concern involve technology and AI, social activism, and how we cope with things like our ageing populations and the loneliness epidemic! I think one of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — for our sector is ensuring that new staff are equipped with the skills to be agile and adaptable to cope with our changing environment everything is evolving so quickly, and libraries play a key role in helping our communities navigate these changes, often while we’re learning ourselves. 

It’s also important that we talk openly about the full scope of library work — from community engagement to facility management and everything in between. The reality of the job can sometimes surprise people, but I think that’s what makes it such a dynamic and rewarding field. Every day brings a new chance to learn, connect, and make a difference.

I also believe we need to become stronger advocates for what libraries do. Many community members don’t fully understand the breadth of what we offer — they often discover us only when they’re in need of support. The challenge is finding ways to share our message more widely, so people see libraries as vibrant, essential spaces for everyone, every day.

What have you learned about your community — or yourself — through your work in libraries?

I’m always learning about myself. Patience is definitely a work in progress. I’ve realised that I like to lead by example and be inspiring — and I’ll admit, I sometimes struggle with bureaucracy; I’m much more of a doer. I’ve learnt that not everyone has the same passion as me and that’s ok. Recently, some of my staff described me as “ferocious, inspiring, and a good listener” — I’ll happily take that.

Our community is so diverse, and that’s one of the things I love most about this work. Every day, I meet people from different backgrounds, with different stories and needs, and it reminds me that libraries are truly for everyone. I’ve learned that connection looks different for each person — sometimes it’s a friendly chat, sometimes it’s finding the right book, and sometimes it’s just providing a safe, welcoming space. Working in libraries constantly reinforces how small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

What advice would you give to new or emerging library professionals

Be agile — The world is changing very quickly, and we need to be ready to say yes to opportunities, even when they push you outside your comfort zone, don’t be scared to fail.

Remember, libraries are about people first. Take the time to listen, be kind, and really understand your community and team.

Recognise the diversity within your team and trust them to use their strengths to enrich the library and community they serve.