Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) Board Chair Cr Grant Brooker announced that Chief Executive Officer Jane Cowell will step down from her role, effective 3 October, after seven years of visionary leadership.
Jane's tenure has been marked by innovation, sector-wide collaboration, and a deep commitment to access, inclusion, and literacy.
"Jane is the leader every library wishes they could have," Cr Grant Brooker said.
"She has transformed YPRL into one of the most progressive and community-focused library services in the country."
Since joining YPRL in 2018, Jane has delivered on an ambitious transformation agenda. She led major digital and service overhauls and expanded YPRL's consortia model, creating Victoria's largest public library digital collection through the BooBook partnership with Your Library and Whitehorse Manningham Libraries.
Throughout her career, Jane has been a powerful advocate for libraries nationally and internationally, serving as President of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and contributing to global library conversations through her work with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). She will continue to serve as ALIA President and maintain her IFLA roles.
Speaking about her departure, Jane said she was proud of YPRL, its staff and the deep connection the library has with the community it serves.
"I leave YPRL a robust and valued institution that works to benefit everyone in the community. I'm proud of the work we have achieved over the past seven years and know that the library's best years are yet to come."
The YPRL Board will soon begin the process of appointing a new CEO.
