Adele Walsh

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT ADELE WALSH

I champion public libraries as dynamic spaces where access, equity, and a cracking good story come together to transform communities. I\'m passionate about breaking down barriers to knowledge and creating inclusive spaces where every person\'s story matters and can flourish.More About Adele - I was born and raised in South Australia, and my career began in the classrooms of regional and low socio-economic schools. There, I saw just how powerful education and access to resources could be in shaping a child’s future. My love for youth literature led me to discover a career in libraries. This passion gave birth to Australia\'s first YA blog, Persnickety Snark, a website that children and youth librarians across the country used to guide their collections. That experience opened the door to an incredible opportunity: leading the national Centre for Youth Literature at State Library Victoria. Together with my team, we created programs that connected professionals and teens with the world of learning, literature, and creativity. From regional tours and digital workshops to national book awards and the much-loved Reading Matters conference—the largest YA conference in the Southern Hemisphere—we built experiences that made a real impact.At La Trobe University Library, I grew an event and exhibition program for our student, staff, and community audiences. I created a public program and professional development processes where none existed before, fostering a culture of learning and sharing that extends across our staff, the university ecosystem, and into the broader community. This work not only enriched the internal culture but also strengthened connections with the communities we served, enhancing our role as a vital educational and cultural hub.My approach to leadership is rooted in clarity, curiosity, and empathy—principles that have been shaped by my teaching background and further honed through the strategic insights of my MBA. I believe in being clear in my vision, staying curious to adapt and innovate, and showing empathy to understand and support my team. This approach, combined with my strong foundation in project management, strategic communication with high-influence partners, allows me to foster a positive workplace culture where both people and ideas can thrive.At the heart of my career is the intersection of learning, arts, and libraries. I’m driven by helping people discover the opportunities that will help them along their journey—whether it’s through education, creativity, or community engagement.