Libraries Board of SA

The Libraries Board of South Australia purpose is to promote, create and maintain state-wide library services for the benefit of the people of South Australia. The Libraries Board achieves this via two administrative branches, being the State Library and Public Library Services. 

It is a statutory authority operating under the provisions of the Libraries Act 1982, and is responsible for library policy and administration of the State Library and Public Library Services.

It is part of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and reports to the Minister for Arts the Hon. Kyam Maher and the Assistant Minister for the Arts the Hon. Sarah Andrews.

Our people 

View our Board Members and Leadership Team.

Libraries Board meeting minutes

Sub-committees

Within the Act, Section 13 enables the Board to establish subcommittees, currently there are three. 

Finance and Risk Committee 

The Finance and Risk Committee ensures compliance with legal and regulatory standards, maintain financial accountability, and supports the Board in achieving its strategic Priorities through effective risk oversight.  Meetings are held quarterly. 

Members 

• Bridget Mathers, Chair, Libraries Board representative
• Bruce Linn, Libraries Board representative
• Prof. Joanne Cys, Libraries Board representative
• David Braham, external member
• Heather Martens, external member 

Finance and Risk Committee - Terms of Reference.pdf (PDF 229KB)

Public Libraries Committee 

The Public Library Committee - serves as an advisory body to the Board, providing strategic guidance on the direction and development of the state’s public library network.  Meets 6 times a year. 

Members 

• Helen Hennessy, Chair, Libraries Board representative
• Amanda Nettelback, Libraries Board representative
• Chiah Mayne, Public Libraries SA representative
• Pepper Mickan, Public Libraries SA representative – President
• Melissa Whitrow, Public Libraries SA representative
• Janice Nitschke, Local Government Association representative
• Katherine Russell, Local Government Association representative 

Public Libraries Committee - Terms of Reference.pdf (PDF 628KB)

One Card 2.0 Collection Reform Program Steering Committee 

The One Card 2.0 Collection Reform Program Steering Committee guides project scope, funding, timelines, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with long-term strategy and effective governance, while facilitating collaboration and informed decision-making across state and local government sectors.  The committee commenced in 2024 and meets bi-monthly. 

Members 

• Andrew Culley, Chair, Libraries Board representative
• Dionne Collins, Local government representative
• Paul Sutton, Local government representative
• Helen Walkden, Local government representative
• Darren Star, Local government representative
• Helen Hennessy, Libraries Board representative
• Megan Berghuis, Director, State Library of South Australia 

One Card 2.0 Collections Reform Steering Committee Terms of Reference - Board Approved December 2025.pdf (PDF 191KB)