MEET THE TEAM - Pamela Kelly
27 January 2023
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Credited with establishing the Warren Shire Library as a vital and vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike, Pam Kelly is dedicated to creating a current and welcoming community space that supports and enriches the lives of its customers.
Let’s hear more about Pam.
What is your role?
Regional Library Manager North Western Libraries /Library Manager Warren Shire Library.
How long have you been in this role?
The day after Australia Day this year will mark 20 years in this role, after relocating to Warren Shire from Western Australia.
What does a usual day look like for you?
I am responsible for the management and reporting of four libraries in the North Western region and a usual day involves stock management, ordering and purchasing, cataloguing, writing grant applications, outreach services, coordination of library events and activities, researching the latest library trends and doing whatever we can to meet our customers’ needs.
What is your favourite memory or greatest achievement in this role?
We were successful in a grant application for a library refurbishment that saw our library become a much more user friendly and customer focused space. In addition to reshelving, we created smaller meeting spaces and more places for people throughout the library, as well as improving our space to run more children’s activities.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Discovering new and innovative ways to meet the needs of our customers. It’s all about what I can do for the community and going the extra mile to make sure our services are meeting their needs.
What is unique about Warren Shire Library?
In many ways, our role extends beyond that of a traditional library, as we provide a place for people to connect and offer support, particularly to older residents needing assistance and advice and those without access to technology. We also offer extensive historical resources including a notable photo and newspaper collection which is invaluable when people call or visit to make enquiries about Warren’s history.
In recent times, we have had great success with pop-up libraries at the pre-school and Calara House. We do a lot of outreach and it has proven very popular to help make library services more accessible for everyone.
The role of libraries in many communities has changed significantly and we focus on staying up to date to ensure we are always providing the best service possible.
Many visitors to our Shire comment on the fact our library holds so many quality resources and offers a better environment than a lot of city libraries.
How do you like to spend your downtime and weekends?
Growing up on the coast of Western Australia, I like to get back to the beach whenever I can. I enjoy traveling, with Rottnest Island a particular favourite and we also make regular trips to Dubbo and around the region.
What do like most about Warren Shire?
The library! On the whole, it is a very friendly Shire and a great place to work.