Caroline Butler-Bowdon

Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon began in the role of State Librarian and CEO of the State Library of NSW in November 2023. Leading a team of 300 and a complex historic site, Caroline is at helm of one of the oldest yet most dynamic institutions with two significant reading rooms, multiple exhibition galleries, a café, shop, bar, visitation of over 1 million people onsite and 4 million online, and an outstanding collection valued at $1.5BN with over 6 million items. 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 A/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 was awarded the 2024 Women in Design Award and the President’s Award from the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) in 2024. She and also serves on a range of committees and boards to promote the power of place, culture and community in Australia. She completed her PhD at the University of NSW in 2009.