The Director of the Department of Libraries and Archives has retired after 42 years of service.

Joanne Brangman said that her retirement felt “very surreal” after decades of fond experiences.

“I have so many good memories that I don’t even know where to start,” she later added.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have a long career that I’ve actually enjoyed, so there are so many good moments.

“I just hope that other people come visit and find the joy that I found.”

Ms Brangman started her career as a librarian in 1982 when she joined the Bermuda Youth Library under the mentorship of Florenz Webbe Maxwell.

She said: “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.”

Ms Brangman said that she realised she belonged in the library within weeks of joining, adding: “I devoured books as a child and I just liked the idea of being able to spread that to other people.”

Ms Brangman earned a Master of Library Science from Atlanta University in 1984.

When she returned home, she worked as an assistant reference librarian at the Bermuda National Library.

Ms Brangman also worked as a circulation librarian and, in 1999, was appointed Head Librarian, a title that became Director of Libraries and Archives.

Ms Brangman was at the head of several key shifts in the department’s history, including the merger of the Bermuda National Library and the Bermuda Archives, the debut of public internet access and the launch of the digital library collection.

She pioneered the Local Studies Collection that celebrated Bermuda’s cultural heritage and created the Bermuda Archives Digital Studio, which focuses on preserving Bermudian history through digitisation.

Ms Brangman was also instrumental in renaming the Youth Library after her mentor, which was officially established in July.

She acknowledged the work of her forerunners, including Grace Rawlins, whose work affects library services to this day.

Under Ms Brangman’s watch, the department became more involved in the community through its outreach services for seniors and others who spent most of their time at home.

The libraries and archives department also welcomed new learning platforms, such as Mango Languages, tutor.com and Universal Class.

Ms Brangman later said that she welcomed the introduction of the internet in libraries despite reservations because it could still be used as a learning tool.

She explained: “When the internet first came out, everybody said that was the end of libraries.

“But then I saw another description that said ‘the internet was like a library with all the books thrown on the floor’.

“All the information is there but you have no way to find it. We’re there to guide and help people find what they want.”

Ms Brangman added: “That’s always been the favourite part of my job. There’s nothing I like better than a question that was difficult to answer and then being able to find the answer.”

Ms Brangman said that libraries were “the people’s universities”, and served as places to learn.

She added that, of all her achievements, she was most proud of the people she worked alongside, even calling them “the greatest group of people I think the Public Service has”.

She said: “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.”

Despite her retirement, Ms Brangman said, she still planned to work with the Department of Libraries and Archives, particularly on its plan to unite the Adult Library, Youth Library and the Archives.

“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.”

A government spokesman said: “The Ministry of 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.”