After more than four decades of distinguished service, Ms. C. Joanne Brangman, Director of the Department of Libraries and Archives, officially retired from the Public Service on September 30, 2025.
Ms. Brangman's journey in librarianship began in July 1982 at the Bermuda Youth Library under the mentorship of Mrs. Florenz Webbe Maxwell. Reflecting on her early days, she shared, "Within weeks of working at the Youth Library, I realised this was where I belonged. I've always loved reading. I was the child who had to be coaxed outside to play, and I quickly understood the power of libraries to inspire learning and build community."
Her path to leadership was marked by determination, a lifelong commitment to learning, and an unwavering dedication to public service. After earning her Master of Library Science from Atlanta University in 1984, Ms. Brangman returned home to begin her professional career as an Assistant Reference Librarian at the Bermuda National Library. She later served as Circulation Librarian and, in 1999, was appointed Head Librarian, later retitled Director of Libraries and Archives.
During her tenure, Ms. Brangman led the Department through transformative change, overseeing the merger of the Bermuda National Library and the Bermuda Archives, the introduction of public internet access, and the launch of a digital library collection. She championed the creation of the Local Studies Collection, celebrating Bermuda's cultural heritage, and established the Digital Studio at the Bermuda Archives, a space dedicated to preserving the island's history through digitisation.
Under her leadership, the Department expanded its community reach through Outreach Services for seniors and homebound residents, and it also embraced new learning platforms, including Mango Languages, Tutor.com, and Universal Class. She also guided the renaming of the Youth Library in honour of her mentor, now known as the Florenz Webbe Maxwell Youth Library.
Throughout her career, Ms Brangman and her team's work and innovative approach were recognised with multiple honours, including Best of Bermuda Awards for the Main Library, Youth Library, and Bermuda Archives, as well as a Bermuda National Trust Service Award and creative accolades such as the City of Hamilton’s Christmas Window Contest.
But among her many achievements, Ms. Brangman says she is most proud of the people she worked alongside, saying, "Of all our accomplishments, what fills me with the greatest pride is the growth of our team. I've had the privilege of supporting staff who pursued advanced degrees and professional development. Their dedication to providing quality service to our community is the heartbeat of this institution."
Ms. Brangman also acknowledged the librarians and archivists who paved the way, including Grace Rawlins and Florenz Maxwell, whose legacies continue to inspire the Department's work.
As she steps away from her official role, Ms Brangman remains committed to the vision of a unified library facility, one that brings together the Adult Library, Youth Library, and Archives under a single roof. “Though I step away from the title, I do not step away from the mission," she said. "I look forward to continuing to work with the Friends of the Library and the Department of Libraries and Archives to help make that dream a reality.”
The Ministry for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation extends its sincere appreciation to Ms. Brangman for her exceptional service, leadership, and lifelong dedication to fostering learning, culture, and community in Bermuda.